The muscle automobile as we all know it’s quickly to vanish, as electrification overtakes the engine bay, or supplants it completely with a frunk, its motivation now residing elsewhere.
And at Dodge, which constructed its trendy picture round each growing quantities of horsepower and wearing menacing dross. For the Dodge devoted, it’s purple meat, one which reaches its raucous crescendo within the Dodge Challenger Last Call Series — seven restricted version fashions every with its personal distinctive persona that lends perception into this vanishing automotive breed.
Overview
As doubt know by now, the Challenger is obtainable in common and Widebody variations, in ascending SXT, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, SRT Hellcat, SRT Hellcat Redeye and SRT Super Stock trim.
All fashions include rear-wheel drive, though V-6-powered SXTs and GTs will be fitted with all-wheel drive. Given the present model has been round since getting a serious refresh in 2014, Dodge has stored curiosity aroused by turning up the efficiency wick and a plethora of trim packages.
Of the seven Last Call fashions, Dodge loaned us a Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody Black Ghost version, the sixth of seven fashions. One of 300 to be constructed, it was unveiled in September 2022, it’s mainly an SRT Hellcat Widebody with the High-Output 807-horsepower V-8 engine. Yum!
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Exterior
Yes, it’s painted black, as you’d would possibly anticipate, which menacingly accentuates the twin hood-mounted air-intakes, and performs host to the refined, but way-cool, reptile skin-textured roof panel. There’s additionally a big white stripe wrapping the trunk and rear quarter panels.
A chrome gasoline filler door and letters spelling out the Dodge title on the hood are considerate retro touches that distinction fantastically in opposition to the black paint. A deep front-end spoiler and hood pins add the completion to a car not supposed for these within the witness safety program. The form would possibly look acquainted, however it is a lovely replace for the ol’ boy.
Interior
The inside ought to be acquainted to anybody who’s been in a Challenger throughout the previous decade. But there are updates, such because the leather-based and microsuede accents that enrich an inside which nonetheless can’t disguise all of its plebian roots. And there’s real carbon fiber, and seats that maintain you in place and have the requisite firmness with out being punishing.
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The instrument panel was all the time practical, however hardly distinctive, one thing true of the who inside. At least the Black Ghost trim elevates it considerably. That mentioned, it was impressively assembled and lacked any squeaks or rattles.
As you’d anticipate, the entrance seat proved roomy, though cupboard space is satisfactory at greatest. The rear seat is best than you would possibly anticipate, however then once more, at greater than 197 inches lengthy, that is almost a full-size automobile, at the least on the surface.
Powertrain
Challengers begin with a 3.3-liter, 306-horsepower V-6. The Black Ghost is the opposite excessive, boasting an 807-hp Supercharged High-Output V-8 that generates 707 pound-feet of torque. While all fashions include or will be fitted with an 8-speed computerized transmission, a Tremec 6-speed guide transmission customary on the R/T, R/T Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat fashions.
All fashions include Sport, Track and Default modes, however the Custom mode lets drivers tailor the automobile’s response, adjusting its horsepower, transmission shift schedules, steering, computerized transmission paddle shifters, traction and suspension. Yes, it has an Eco mode, however why would it not ever be used?
That mentioned, very similar to the throwback that it’s, the Hellcat is a thirsty beast, rated at 15 mpg in combined metropolis/freeway driving. Our week-long check drive, which included about 60% freeway driving, returned 15.4 mpg. And remember that Dodge recommends utilizing mid-grade 91 octane gasoline.
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Safety and Technology
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hasn’t rated the 2023 Dodge Challenger, however the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has, and its scores are combined. It ranks the Dodge as Good in average overlap entrance and aspect crash assessments. It’s rated as Marginal in small overlap entrance driver-side testing and Acceptable in Roof energy and head restraints and seat scores.
The Dodge Challenger’s Uconnect software program remains to be among the many best interfaces to make use of amongst any automaker. Thankfully, designers not solely included massive knobs for quantity and tuning, additionally they have a tough button for the SRT display, the place changes to the automobile’s efficiency will be made. The system proved responsive. Less thrilling was the audio system, with a tinny treble, ground-shaking bass and a complete lack of mid-range that did a lot to disclose the poor sound of SiriusXM. It did a much better job when enjoying our private music library.
![Original 1970 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost driving](https://i0.wp.com/www.thedetroitbureau.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Original-1970-Dodge-Challenger-Black-Ghost-driving-1024x683.jpeg?resize=788%2C526&ssl=1)
And after all, it had the requisite USB plugs, though its age was displaying in its lack of a wi-fi gadget charger.
Driving Impressions
The Challenger is a resplendent anachronism, one which makes itself clear when you launch its foot-operated parking brake. Keeping the tail planted requires considered use of the throttle; a heavy foot sends this pet sideways. Unless your names are Bo and Luke, this could come again to chunk the unsuspecting on the most inopportune occasions.
Even a fast getaway from a site visitors gentle may cause the again finish to bossa nova. But that’s its pleasure. The digital nanny state doesn’t step in to carry the automobile between the strains when all you wish to do is clip the apex. It doesn’t shut off the automobile at a site visitors gentle, taking with it the air con. OK, we did respect the blind-spot detection; over-the-shoulder visibility is horrible.
The paddle shifters proved to be a complete mess of enjoyable, scaring the bejesus out of bystanders when utilizing them to extract final energy and cylindrical track. They actuated shortly and added a dimension of enjoyable for individuals who should share the automobile with non-manual-driving mate. But the exhaust notice, whereas welcome for, say, day by day driving, turned a noticeable drone when driving longer distances on the freeway.
2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody Black Ghost Specifications
Dimensions | L: 197.5 inches/W: 78.3 inches/H: 57.5 inches/Wheelbase: 116 inches |
Weight | 4,473 kilos |
Powertrain | 6.2-liter supercharged High-Output V-8 engine, 8-speed computerized transmission and rear-wheel drive |
Fuel Economy | 13 mpg metropolis/21 mpg freeway/15 mpg mixed |
Performance Specs | 807 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque |
Price | Base worth: $99,315; As examined: Not accessible |
On-Sale Date | Available now |
Wrap Up
There’s a uncooked uncivilized nature to the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody Black Ghost that could be a uncommon commodity in a soon-to-be watt-driven world. It’s actually a change of tempo, with an influence profile almost past the capability of the platform to manage it. That lends it an out of doors, outlaw persona that has stored gross sales percolating for years.
But Dodge is sensible to set it out to pasture. We are at. Some extent the place drivelines have matured with the assistance of electrification. The fierceness is there, so is the pace; however the management is superior. One may argue whether or not that is. Good factor or not. And on condition that agas engine is nothing however a managed explosion, its lack of presence lends EVs an unearthly calm. One is best than the opposite, merely completely different.
But having pushed an growing variety of electrified autos that effortlessly, silently and swiftly present unimaginable quantities of pace, this automobile appears like an anachronism — albeit a resplendent one.
2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat — Frequently Asked Questions
How a lot will the 2023 Hellcat price?
The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat begins at $69,895 earlier than vacation spot cost, choices and taxes.
Will Dodge make a 2023 Hellcat?
Yes, however will probably be its last yr of manufacturing.
How a lot horsepower does the 2023 Hellcat Jailbreak have?
It boasts 807 horsepower.
Source: www.thedetroitbureau.com