Question

Why did Dodge discontinue the Charger and Challenger?  

Dodge discontinued two of their most popular muscle cars, Charger and Challenger, due to stricter emission control norms.  

Two primary factors drive Dodge’s decision to discontinue the Charger and Challenger:    

• Environmental Compliance: Stellantis, the holding company of Dodge, has pledged to drastically cut the emissions from its cars by the year 2030. The Challenger and Charger, with their potent V8 engines, are at odds with this objective of sustainability.   
• Electrification Strategy: Dodge is embracing the transition towards electric vehicles, and the discontinuation of the Charger and Challenger paved the way for the introduction of a new electric muscle car in 2024.    

What made the Dodge Charger special?  

The Dodge Charger has been one of the most popular American muscle cars since its introduction in 1966. The model had evolved through the variations of the seven generations. One of the popular 6.2L HEMI V8 is one of the most popular options. The V8 engine powering the 2023 Dodge Charger gives out a massive 807 bhp, making it one of the most powerful American muscle cars ever made.    

What made the Dodge Challenger popular?  

The Dodge Challenger is one of the original American muscle cars, launched in 1970 and based on the Chrysler E platform. The Challenger also had four generations and numerous facelifts that saw a wide range of engines, starting with 3.6L V6 to 6.2L HEMI V8 engines on the latest iterations.  

Transmission updates throughout the years also saw Dodge switch between 4-speed, 5-speed, 6-speed, and 8-speed transmissions. 

What’s next for the Dodge Charger and Challenger?  

Though Dodge officially ended the internal combustion engine era for the Charger series, it is not the end. Dodge launched an EV version of the Charger model as the Dodge Charger Daytona Banshee in 2024. However, the makers have not yet announced a future for the Challenger.