The Last 2023 Dodge Charger Pursuit Goes To Jay Leno’s Garage

In the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, car enthusiasts were treated to a special appearance by the very last 2023 Dodge Charger Pursuit to roll off the assembly line at the Brampton Assembly Plant. This particular vehicle holds a unique place in modern Mopar history, as it is not only the final Charger Pursuit but also the last HEMI®-powered Charger, and very last Charger produced at the Brampton facility. Joining Jay Leno for this special showcase was former Dodge and Ram CEO, Tim Kuniskis.

A Historic Moment for Dodge – 

Kuniskis, who left Stellantis after the video was shot, shared some intriguing insights about the Charger Pursuit. Over the span from 2006 to 2023, Dodge sold approximately 170,000 units of the Pursuit, surpassing the total sales of Dodge’s high-performance SRT products during the same period. This underscores the Pursuit’s significance and popularity among law enforcement agencies.

Power and Performance – 

The heart of this iconic car is a 5.7-liter (345 cubic-inch) HEMI® V8 engine, capable of delivering 370 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels. Power is transferred through an 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. Kuniskis highlighted that the Charger Pursuit had to pass rigorous testing to be certified for police use, including running at its top speed of 160 mph for 30 miles without any issues.

Safety First – 

Safety is paramount for police vehicles, and the 2023 Dodge Charger Pursuit doesn’t disappoint. It features ballistic door panels offering three levels of protection, enhancing officer safety during city patrols. The vehicle’s steel safety frame construction is designed to absorb energy during crashes, while front and rear crumple zones help reduce the risk of injuries. Additional safety features include Secure Park and a ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera, which contribute to making the Charger Pursuit a reliable choice for law enforcement.

Formidable Presence – 

In addition to its performance and safety features, the 2023 Dodge Charger Pursuit boasts a commanding design. It features bi-functional halogen projector headlamps, LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs), dual spotlights, and a bold front grille, creating an intimidating presence on the road. The vehicle is purpose-built to accommodate police equipment, offering an extra-large trunk, spacious cabin, and unique seat bolstering to comfortably carry officers and their gear.

Looking Ahead – 

This “Last Call” Dodge Charger Pursuit rolled off the line in December, marking the end of an era. While the Charger Pursuit may be retired for now, with many agencies turning to SUVs, the Dodge Durango Pursuit has stepped in as the go-to vehicle for law enforcement. There is still speculation about whether Dodge will continue the Charger Pursuit line with the next-generation Charger and Charger Daytona. Kuniskis hinted at the possibilities with the new twin-turbocharged HURRICANE inline-six-cylinder engine in the 2025 Dodge Charger.

As the last 2023 Dodge Charger Pursuit made its debut on Jay Leno’s Garage, it served as a fitting tribute to a vehicle that has played a significant role in law enforcement history and Mopar’s legacy.