Dodge has announced it will end production of its gas-powered Challenger and Charger V8 muscle cars by the end of 2023.
A new electric vehicle platform will replace the current gas-powered cars, as Dodge seeks to reduce its carbon footprint.
Dodge is planning the release of its first electric Dodge muscle car for the 2024 model year.
Challenger and Charger were popular vehicles in the 1960s and 1970s; and were then resurrected in the 2000s, striking a sense of nostalgia with many consumers.
The Charger has been in production since 2005 in Brampton Canada while the two-door Challenger joined it in 2008.
As part of the vehicles’ commemorative farewell tour, Dodge will make seven new special edition models.
Each car featured in the farewell tour will carry a “Last Call” under-hood plaque. The seventh special model will be called the “Last of its Kind” and it’s rumored to be the E85-powered, ultra-powerful Challenger in development.
But no specific details of the cars have been officially confirmed, although some teases have been mentioned at the M1 Concourse. The cars are set to be released at the SEMA auto show in Las Vegas in early November.
“We wanted to make sure we were celebrating these cars properly,” said Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskisduring at a media briefing in Pontiac, Michigan.
New paint colors will be presented in addition to the current portfolio of paints available. Classic colors such as Destroyer Gey; B5 Blue, Plum Crazy purple, and Sublime Green will return at the event.
In response to worries over dealer allocations, Dodge has taken an out-of-the-ordinary approach by releasing the entire model year allocation publicly online. This method allows customers to search for a suitable car more easily.
None of the prices for the 2023 models has yet to be confirmed.
