2023 Dodge Challenger Preview

It looks like this might be the end of the road for the Dodge Challenger Hellcat’s supercharged V8 engine. Although Dodge hasn’t yet announced the details of this upcoming muscle car, we know that its run is limited, because Dodge is retiring both the Challenger and the Charger in coming years, in order to make room for its new EV models.

The fastest Challenger, the SRT Super Stock, goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.25 seconds. The next-fastest model, the SRT Hellcat, gets there in approximately 3.6 seconds. With the R/T Scat Pack’s 6.4-liter V8 engine, your Challenger can get up to 60 mph from a standing stop in 4.2 seconds.

We’re pretty sure that the upcoming Challenger will feature the same engine options as the previous model year, which vary according to trim level:

• STX, GT: 3.6L V6 engine (303 horsepower, 268 lb-ft of torque)
• R/T: 5.7L V8 (372 hp, 400 lb-ft or 375 hp, 410 lb-ft)
• R/T Scat Pack: 6.4L V8 (485 hp, 475 lb-ft)
• Hellcat: Supercharged 6.2L V8 (717 hp, 656 lb-ft)
• Hellcat Redeye: Supercharged 6.2L V8 (797 hp, 707 lb-ft)
• Super Stock and Jailbreak: Supercharged 6.2L V8 (807 hp, 707 lb-ft)

Most trim levels feature an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, a six-speed manual transmission is available for the R/T and a limited number of SRT Hellcat models.

There are five main Challenger trim models, in addition to a variety of packages available to improve your performance and style prospects. The Challenger that you think is best, however, may not be everyman’s best Challenger. For example, if it’s power you’re after, you’ll want the SRT Super Stock. If the best Challenger is the one with the lowest price, start with the SXT. And if you’re after a few performance upgrades and a mid-tier price, your favorite model could be anywhere in the middle. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of each trim level.

SXT

• 18-inch wheels (AWD models get 19-inch wheels)
• Cloth upholstery
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Unconnected infotainment with 7-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Six-speaker sound system
• Keyless entry and ignition

GT

• 20-inch wheels
• Cloth front sport seats
• Steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters
• Steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters
• Fog lamps
• Performance steering, suspension, and brakes
• Remote ignition (automatic transmission models)
• Rear parking sensors

R/T

• Active performance exhaust system

R/T Scat Pack - 6.4L V8 (485 hp, 475 lb-ft)

• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• 8.4-inch touchscreen
• Premium six-speaker sound system
• Line lock tire-warming system
• Upgraded engine cooling system
• Launch control
• Brembo performance brake system
• High-performance suspension
• Configurable drive modes
• Special Scat Pack exterior styling

SRT Hellcat

• Flat-bottom steering wheel
• Dual-snorkel hood with performance engine cooling system
• Upgraded six-piston Brembo brakes with red calipers
• Competition suspension with adaptive damping
• Wider performance tires
• Special SRT Hellcat badging
• Special SRT styling

SRT Hellcat Redeye

• Upgraded SRT Power Chiller engine cooling system
• Special SRT Hellcat Redeye badging

SRT Super Stock

• 18-inch wheels
• Nitto drag racing tires (street legal)
• Brembo performance brake system (from R/T Scat Pack)
• Wide-body styling
• Special SRT Super Stock badging

Widebody package (available for R/T Scat Pack and Hellcat models)

• Wider wheels
• Wider tires
• Fender flares
• Exclusive Widebody suspension (adds adaptive damping in the R/T Scat Pack)
• Upgraded six-piston Brembo brakes (R/T Scat Pack)