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The Reason Dodge Is Discontinuing The Charger And Challenger
By KYLE ENCINA AND NADEEM SARWAR
In an interview with MotorTrend, Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis confirmed that the company's muscle cars — the Charger and Challenger — will "go out of production" by 2024. Stricter emission regulations apparently forced Dodge’s hand, but the automaker will celebrate their departure by introducing seven special edition 2023 models.
Although Kuniskis didn't disclose whether or not the Charger and Challenger branding will come back as EVs, he did mention that Dodge enthusiasts will be "super pumped" with the final batch of its gas-guzzling muscle cars. These seven models will pay homage to the iconic Demon, Hellcat, Jailbreak, Redeye, Scat Pack, and Shaker trims.
The company will reveal details about the first six models later in 2022, while the seventh and final offering from Dodge will be revealed at the 2022 SEMA show slated for the first week of November 2022 in Las Vegas. Each vehicle will flaunt a "345" fender badge and a special commemorative "Last Call" plaque under the hood.
The first-gen Challenger hit the streets nearly five decades ago, offering a choice between V6 and V8 engines, while the Charger first made its presence felt in the 1960s. Their appearances in movies and TV shows, like the 1968 Charger in the most recent “Fast & Furious” film, made them two of the most desirable muscle cars.