Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

May 8, 2023

Sports car fans who have trouble keeping up with the many Porsche 911 variations that keep getting introduced have nothing on current Dodge Challenger fans. 2023 is the last year for the Challenger and it is going out with a bang, or more like a series of bangs from a string of very large firecrackers. Currently, Dodge’s website shows 11 trim levels for the 2023 Dodge Challenger, but that doesn’t yet include four “Last Call” models that say farewell to the Challenger with additional special editions. Let Benna CDJR help you figure out what they all are.

V-6 Models

The entry-level Challenger is the SXT which comes with a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 303 hp. That is more power than two of the Challenger V-8 engines offered in the 70s. The GT is an upgraded trim level, adding a performance suspension and both exterior and interior enhancements. Both the SXT and GT are available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is not available on any V-8 powered Challengers. 

R/T

The entry to the world of V-8 Challengers is the R/T which originally stood for “Rapid Transit”. The R/T has a 5.7-liter HEMI® V8 that produces 375 horsepower and is available with a choice of a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic. With a single hood scoop and 20-inch wheels, the R/T looks similar to the GT.

R/T Scat Pack

Next up is the series of Scat Pack models that take their name from a performance package on the original model in the 70s. Any Challenger with “Scat Pack” in its name has a 6.4-liter Hemi® that produces 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. With the engine comes Brembo four-piston brakes and both Line Lock and Launch Control.

The Scat Pack is also available in a Widebody variation that is found on other Challengers trims. To improve high-speed handling, the front and rear fenders flair out noticeably to contain wider tires and an approximately two-inch wider front and rear track. The front brakes upgrade to 6-piston Brembo units. 

SRT Hellcat and Redeye (2022)

Now is when things start to get crazy. In 2015, Dodge introduced the Challenger SRT Hellcat which featured a Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that produced 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. No muscle car had come close to this kind of output. The SRT Hellcat Redeye boosts the engine further to produce 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Both Hellcat and Redeye had Widebody versions.  The Hellcats and Redeye trim levels  did not reach the 2023 model year, but 2022 models are still available.

SRT Hellcat Jailbreak

For 2023, both Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye models gave way to the SRT Hellcat Jailbreak model and its variants. The Jailbreak squeezes another 10 horsepower from the Redeye engine to reach 807 horsepower and the same peak torque of 707 lb-ft. All Jailbreak versions are available with the Widebody exterior.

SRT Superstock

Until recently, the Superstock could bill itself as the “Fastest, most powerful muscle car in the world” and it is basically a street-legal factory drag racer. While still using the Jailbreak’s supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with the same power output, the Superstock is fitted with 315/40R18 Nitto Nt05R Drag Radial Tires on 8×11-Inch Low-Gloss Granite Crystal Wheels.

“Last Call” trims

For its farewell to the Challenger and Charger, Dodge has issued seven “Last Call” limited edition models, four of which are Challengers. These recall names from the first Challenger era and are mostly cosmetically enhanced versions of existing models. 

  • R/T Scat Pack Shakedown
    This features the shaker hood scoop that is directly attached to the engine rather than the hood and features full-length black and red racing stripes. The interior sports microsuede accents and red details. Normal models are in a chalk gray while Widebody models are black.
  • R/T Scat Pack Swinger
    The Swinger recalls the 70s-era Super Bee theme with gold wheels and gold  “Bee” logo badging.
  • Black Ghost
    Based on the Jailbreak Widebody, the 300-run Black Ghost recalls a single 1970 Challenger R/T that gained a mythical aura in the Detroit street racing scene. Exclusively in black, its most notable feature is a gator-skin design on the roof as a modern take on the original’s black vinyl roof. Other retro references are black hood pins and a chrome fuel door.

SRT Demon 170

This is the final “Final Call” model and it is quite the swan song. The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 is boosted to an astounding 1,025 horsepower and 945 l.b-ft .of torque. It is expected to do 0-60 in 1.66 seconds and run the quarter mile in 8.91 seconds. “170” refers to the alcohol-proof content of ethanol because the horsepower figures come from running on E85 fuel. With 91-octane gas, the 170 produces 900 horses. While there will be a street tire option, the Demon 170’s default footwear are Mickey Thompson ET Street R tires, with 245/55R-18s in front and a massive 315/50R-17s at the rear. 3300 Demon 170s will be made. 

This just gives you a brief idea of all the Challengers currently available. If interested, contact our Benna CDJR sales professionals for details on the 2023 Challenger that interests you. Many of these models won’t be found in the Benna inventory, but we can locate what you are looking for or assist you in ordering one.