Challenger Nameplate Not Making A Return To Dodge Lineup

In a surprising move that left many modern Mopar fans scratching their heads, Dodge has decided to shelve the iconic Challenger nameplate from its new muscle car lineup. This decision marks the end of an era for one of the most beloved muscle cars in recent history.

The Dodge Challenger has been a cornerstone of Dodge’s performance success for the past 16 years, capturing the hearts of enthusiasts with its blend of power, performance, and nostalgia. From the roaring engines to the unmistakable design, the Challenger has carved out its place in automotive history.

But with the unveiling of the next-gen Dodge Charger, which now encompasses both two-door and four-door variants of Dodge’s muscle car lineup, many wondered about the fate of the Challenger name.

Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis shed some light on the situation, stating, “We own the Challenger nameplate. We own a whole bunch of nameplates we got in the drawer. So, I don’t know what we’ll do with it if we ever do anything with it, but [we are] not using that on this car.”

For now, Dodge will keep the Challenger name tucked away, leaving enthusiasts to ponder its future. With no current plans to resurrect the nameplate, it’s uncertain when or if we’ll ever see a new Challenger hit the streets.

The outgoing Dodge Challenger lineup boasted an impressive array of models, catering to a wide range of performance enthusiasts. From the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 in the SXT and GT models to the fire-breathing supercharged HEMI V8 engines in the SRT HELLCAT and SRT HELLCAT Redeye models, there was a Challenger for every taste and need.

One notable loss with the shelving of the Challenger nameplate is the end of the manual transmission era for Dodge muscle cars. The 2023 models marked the last hurrah for manual enthusiasts, with the R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and SRT HELLCAT models featuring the Tremec 6-speed manual transmission.

So, if you’re in the market for a Challenger, now is the time to act. Snag one of the leftover 2023 models still available on dealer lots and savor the thrill of driving one of the last manual V8 muscle cars from Dodge.