CHALLENGER

2023 Dodge Challenger: What We Know So Far

2023 Dodge Challenger

2023 Dodge Challenger – The Dodge Challenger has not seen a significant redesign since Dodge introduced the model for the year 2008.

It received a substantial refresh for 2015, which helped sales of Resuscitation, though questions remain when Dodge introduces the all-new, fully redesigned model.

Speculation has previously hinted that a new Challenger will arrive in 2023; However, that may not mean the death of the current model.

Mopar Insiders, citing “sources” at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, said challenger would continue production until the 2023 model year.

2023 Dodge Challenger

2023 Dodge Challenger
2023 Dodge Challenger

Dodge recently confirmed that the release date had been postponed, so it’s possible that Challenger could only arrive around that time.

And that would be a coincidence because this isn’t the first time Dodge has teased us this way. Last year, the automaker released a photo of the new Ram Rebel TRX at 7:07. And the 707, of course, is the amount of horsepower that the Hellcat engine produces.

We also speculated that Fiat Chrysler was working on a Challenger variant that focused on the ACR track to compete with the Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE and Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.

Dodge sold 46,699 Challengers in the year to September 2019, a strong figure compared to recent years. And we can only expect the popularity of the model to increase if these rumors come true. But for now, we’ll have to wait and see what’s in store.

The Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger have been mainstays since first reintroduced in 2006 and 2008.

After that debut, the pair cemented their place in Mopar folklore, aided by models such as Hellcat, Demon, Daytona, and SRT Super Stock. However, the FCA has not yet finished launching a new Chargers and Challenger model.

According to a report published by Unifor, Dodge will release three “new variants” of the two muscle cars by 2023.

The news comes shortly after the FCA signed a new three-year agreement with Canadian unions, which helps automakers avoid potentially deadly strikes.

The deal promises a $1.58 billion Canadian investment from the FCA, which will help bring about 2,000 new jobs to the region.

Part of that money is directed to the FCA Brampton Assembly facility, home to dodge charger and challenger models.

It is possible that this model could be something as simple as a trim level or something much more innovative.

The FCA recently filed a trademark for the Cuda nameplate, which can be returned as a Challenger variant. Whatever the company planned, you already knew it would come with ludicrous horsepower.

The report from Unifor also confirms that the Chrysler 300 will also last until at least 2023. The Chrysler 300 may not be as popular as it used to be, but it sits next to the Dodge Charger as one of the few full-size American sedans in the United States. Even the cars had to compete with their more handsome and athletic siblings.

The Dodge Charger and Challenger are the last real examples of American muscle cars. They are big and heavy, mastered, and funny to drive. Whatever the FCA is cooking behind the scenes will surely follow the same principles. By the time 2023 rolls around, they’ve been doing it for 15 years.

Challenger has been a strong seller for Dodge, beating the Chevy Camaro in 2019 sales. Over the years, Dodge has continued refining the platform, introducing some of the hottest and most potent car trims ever – the SRT Hellcat and SRT Demon. In addition, the 2015 refresh helped position the car with better interiors and better overall performance.

Whenever a new Challenger debuts, it will likely retain the retro style of the current model. There are also hints that the next-generation Challenger may receive some form of electrification paired with the FCA’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, although it will need a new platform.

However, until Dodge unveils a new Challenger, customers seem pretty happy with Challenger’s current offerings.

2021 Dodge Challenger

2021 Dodge Challenger
2021 Dodge Challenger

Challenger 2021 competes with the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang, but it actually tells us that it has an entirely different personality.

While all three American muscle cars use high-powered V-8 engines, there are significant differences in how they drive.

Compared to the Chevy and Ford’s sharp handling, the Dodge is better suited for casual driving, with a V-8 exhaust that’s always on command.

Those who want the most potent version will wish to the SRT Hellcat (reviewed separately), which produces up to 807 horsepower.

Challenger’s interior isn’t always easy to see or see, but it has more comfortable seats and more passenger space than its competitors.

Its wide trunk, exclusive all-wheel-drive segment options (available only on V-6 models), and a selection of colorful paints and retro-themed appearance packs also make it stand out from the Camaro and Mustang.

What’s New for 2021?

The Challenger lineup received several minor updates for 2021. For example, Dodge now offers memory features for models with adjustable steering columns, driver’s seats, side-view mirrors, and radio preset.

A new set of 20-inch wheels is optional on the all-wheel-drive SXT and standard on the all-wheel-drive GT. And buyers of the R/T Scat Pack can now add the SRT brand to their Brembo brake calipers.

2021 Dodge Challenger Engine

The 305-hp V-6 Challenger base won’t satisfy thrill-seekers. The simple engine pair exclusively uses an eight-speed automatic, but it lacks the acceleration and excitement of its rivals on the heavy Challenger. The Hemi V-8 Dodge engine is another story.

The 375-hp 5.7-liter tested had plenty of juice for Powerslide on demand, and its growl was satisfying. However, those looking to maximize Challenger’s potential will want a 6.4-liter V-8, which produces 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque.

We also drove a T/A 392 with its automatics and admired the sound of cannon blast openers and the sound of baritone being pushed.

While we sucker for manual transmission, the automatic ZF is highly responsive to throttle inputs, with rapid power-on drop.

Challengers rushed through the bend as the raging bull saw red, grunting aggressively and swaying menacingly.

Dodge stocky is a muscle car in the truest sense: It’s better on the road and in the drag lane than in lane two and highway lanes.

Since the redesign of its range in 2015, the model we drive has offered a comfortable but slightly less smooth ride.

Compared to the Camaro and Mustang’s sharper, stickier handling, the Challenger is too soft on narrow turns, and the steering is too rigid.

2021 Dodge Challenger Fuel Economy

The EPA estimates the 2021 Challenger with V-6 and rear wheels will get 19 mpg of city and 30 highways. Adding an all-wheel drive to the mix will increase those ratings by 1 and 3 mpg, respectively. Challengers with the 5.7-liter V-8 are expected to get up to 16 mpg of the city and 25 highways.

The 6.4-liter version of the V-8 has a rating of up to 15 mpg a town and 24 streets. We tested the All-wheel-drive V-6 Challenger and one with a 485-hp V-8 and automatic transmission on our 75-mph real-world route, part of our extensive testing regimen. Surprisingly, they both gained 26 mpg on the highway.

2021 Dodge Challenger Interior

2021 Dodge Challenger Interior
2021 Dodge Challenger Interior

The Challenger features a classic muscle car interior, with a simple design inspired by its 1970s predecessor and comfortable accommodations. Compared to its pony-riding rivals, Dodge is much roomier inside, and adults can use the back seat.

Unfortunately, the rubber material is more like old vinyl than premium plastic, and the rear visibility is poor. Challenger’s wide front seats are comfortable to sail, but even optional seats, which supporters have added, don’t hug their passengers as Camaros or Mustangs do.

The Dodge pony car has seven cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk versus the Camaro.

This allows challengers to swallow two more bags of luggage than a Camaro. Fold the back seat down, and that advantage increases to six.

Challenger has a large center console and a handy place for smartphones. However, none of the cars we tested in this class were adept at storing small items.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Each Challenger has an easy-to-use version of the Uconnect Dodge infotainment system. In addition, these feature-packed units include the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.

Listen to Jimmy Page’s tickling guitar riff with one of two optional Alpine audio systems or the 900-watt crème-de-la-crème, 18-speaker Harman/Kardon setting.

2021 Dodge Challenger Price

2021 Dodge Challenger Price Starting at $28,545

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