THAT’S A WRAP! The 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise Is In The Books!

Over the past few years, Dodge has shifted its attention towards Roadkill Nights as a way to kickstart the Woodward Dream Cruise week. However, Dodge still collaborates with the Modern Street HEMI® Shootout (MSHS) group, showcasing their latest products and accessories alongside Woodward Avenue. This setup differs significantly from the large Mopar brand gathering that once occupied the corner of 13 Mile Road and Woodward in front of Beaumont Hospital, which used to be a focal point for the Dream Cruise.

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We had the opportunity to explore the MSHS and Dodge displays on the morning of the Dream Cruise. Situated between East Square Lake Road and South Boulevard, the Dodge exhibit on Woodward isn’t within convenient walking distance from the main Woodward action in Birmingham or Royal Oak. Unlike the bustling traffic at the GM and Ford displays, the Dodge exhibit doesn’t attract as many visitors as it used to. However, notable figures like comedian Jay Leno and Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis dropped by after the Vinsetta Garage press conference. Kuniskis, a muscle car enthusiast, treated fans to an impressive burnout in a sleek all-black 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170.

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The Woodward Dream Cruise stands as the largest celebration of automotive culture in North America, drawing nearly a million visitors and an array of cars along its 16-mile route.

Surprisingly, the Dream Cruise showcased a variety of Mopar vehicles, including some from the EEK (Every Extended K-Car) platform. Classic Mopar muscle cars stole the show, from powerful Plymouth Barracudas with exaggerated wheel arches to the refined Chrysler Cordoba of the mid-1970s. The streets were also graced by older Dodge trucks from the 1970s and even a Fiat 500 modified to resemble Pikachu.

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Beyond Mopar, a diverse array of non-Mopar cars dotted the event, ranging from the upcoming 2024 Ford Mustang to a peculiar “Sea-burban” – a boat mounted on a Chevrolet truck platform.

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In parallel, M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, hosted the Woodward Dream Show, allowing enthusiasts to explore hundreds of cars without contending with the heavy route traffic. Noteworthy highlights included the 85th Anniversary celebration of the Mopar brand and a reunion for the 65th Anniversary Ramchargers, featuring some of the original team members.

Whether you’re a devoted car enthusiast or simply curious, experiencing the Woodward Dream Cruise is an essential addition to your bucket list.