Why Dodge Charger and Challenger’s Discontinuation Is Important for American Muscle
The Dodge name has always meant performance. They were a big part of horsepower wars back in the golden days of American muscle, and they've continually impressed automotive enthusiasts with the Charger and the Challenger.
However, the decision to discontinue these cars, especially when they were at the peak of their popularity, was shocking.
While the general trend in the automotive industry is electrifying the powertrains, muscle cars were successful at keeping their internal combustion engines. After all, what’s an American muscle without a big, growling V8 under the hood?
Well, the American muscle as we know it is coming to an end. While Dodge is the first brand to let go of the big V8s, it won’t be the last. Other Detroit companies will be watching the new all-electric muscle cars of Dodge.
We are sure the transition will take a while, but the change is almost inevitable. Keep reading if you want to learn why!
Why Are Electrified Powertrains Inevitable for Muscle Cars?
Charger and Challenger have been two of the most iconic nameplates in the American automotive industry, and Dodge’s decision to let them go is not an easy one to make, and there are some important reasons why BEV and PHEVs are seen as the future of automobiles.
The first reason is the regulations. Tighter emission regulations and the new CAFE standards for 2026 make it pretty hard to make a screaming V8 without getting hit by regulations. Dodge is historically one of the worst offenders when it comes to carbon emissions, and its parent company, Stellantis, is trying to make the company greener.
However, emissions are not the only reason why Dodge is turning its best sellers to electric. Many regions of the world are slowly phasing out internal combustion engines (ICEs). If Dodge stuck with ICEs for a longer time, it would be at a disadvantage because the company almost exclusively makes high-performance vehicles, so it makes sense for them to build the first electric muscle car.
Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Dodge, has told Motor Authority that the Charger and Challenger, along with their Hellcat engines, will be discontinued by 2024. Ultimately, even though the new electric Dodge Charger is still merely a concept, it offers a glimpse into the electrified future of the company, and given how quickly the market is transitioning to EVs, this futuristic, electric muscle car is sure to be one of the most well-liked ones.
Does Dodge Challenger and Charger Go Out with a Bang?
The Dodge brand is utilizing the occasion to celebrate in classic, outrageous Dodge fashion with the end of the Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger in their current iterations. The Dodge lineup for 2023 will honor the iconic muscle car duo with seven unique models, the return of a rainbow of heritage colors, a commemorative "Last Call" underhood plaque for all 2023 Charger and Challenger vehicles, with a new, consumer-prioritized vehicle order process.
The Charger and Challenger names and specs could be used for future electrified vehicles, including an electric muscle car in 2024, interpreted from Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis' words. He previously expressed his belief in electrification, whether it be through the use of all-electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles with weaker engines.
Dodge released Hellcat models and other high-performance cars when several automakers transitioned to smaller, more fuel-efficient engines. Such vehicles increased brand awareness but did little to reduce the automaker's carbon footprint, compelling it to purchase carbon credits from companies like Tesla.
Since the Hellcat engine is a fan favorite, it makes sense that many fans of Dodge and Jeep will be upset that this engine option will no longer be available. Even if the Hellcat engine is set to become scarce, you still have until 2024 to purchase a new car with this desired engine option.
Hellcat’s Best Buddy, A Way to Boost Every Dodge
It’s sad to see Hellcat go away, but it is good to see Dodge taking action against what hurts the planet. Every Hellcat left us with a glimpse of what performance meant. Pedal Commander continues the tradition by protecting the environment and your car while also giving you what Hellcat offered. Performance.
A perfect performance booster, Pedal Commander improves your acceleration. Gives you full control of your throttle. Protects your warranty by not hurting your vehicle like other performance parts do. Hellcat or not, accelerate with Pedal Commander like the old ones did and like the future will. Live Life Full Throttle!