Model History of the Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger is one of the longest continuously-running muscle car models of all time. From the streets to the racetracks, this muscle car has won the hearts of numerous auto enthusiasts with its blistering acceleration and spirited performance. However, in a shocking revelation, Dodge announced that they’ll discontinue the gas-powered Charger after the 2023 model year, marking the end of a true American icon. As a tribute to its tremendous achievements, let’s look at how the fabled Dodge Charger evolved over the years.

History of the Dodge Charger

The first Dodge Charger was released in 1966. It came in several trim levels, but the most impressive was the 426 Street HEMI. Equipped with a 425-horsepower V-8 engine, this model could achieve a top speed of 150 mph. The first-generation Charger’s fastback body styling made it instantly recognizable from the get-go.

The Charger reached its second generation in 1968. This version came standard with a 440 Magnum V-8 engine, but buyers could opt for the 426 HEMI V-8 that powered the R/T trim. A year later, Dodge added the Daytona to the Charger lineup. It featured an elongated nose that made it more aerodynamic and a potent HEMI V-8 engine rated at 425 horsepower. The car was incredibly fast, becoming the first NASCAR vehicle to break the 200-mph barrier.

Dodge introduced the third-generation Charger R/T in 1971. Under the hood, you would find either a Magnum 440 or HEMI 426 V-8, capable of generating 425 horsepower. The Charger R/T remained largely the same until 1973, when it received an array of new safety features.

In 1975, Dodge Charger headed in a different direction. It was no longer the muscle car icon it used to be but became a luxury car instead. Built on the same platform as the Chrysler Cordoba, the Charger SE used a V-8 engine that produced a lackluster 190 horsepower. However, this engine was still more potent than the optional TorqueFlite V-8 of the 1978 Charger, which made a paltry 140 horsepower. It was clear that the muscle car pedigree of the Charger was truly gone.

The fifth generation of the Dodge Charger, once again entirely redesigned, made its appearance in 1981. Featuring a new hatchback body style, Dodge fitted it with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that would make just 94 horsepower. Additionally, it was front-wheel drive, which distinguished it from all the earlier versions. In 1983, Dodge made an effort to spruce up the Charger by releasing the Shelby model. With a new camshaft and exhaust system, the Shelby Charger had an improved horsepower rating of 107 and hit a top speed of 117 mph.

After going on hiatus for more than two decades, the Dodge Charger made a huge comeback in 2006 with the SRT-8 model. Equipped with a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, this beast took a mere 4.8 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill. To handle all that power, it came with confidence-inspiring Brembo brakes.

In 2011, Dodge reintroduced the R/T as the seventh-generation Charger. The Charger R/T was similar to the previous generation in exterior styling, but it improved visibility. It got its power from a 370-horsepower V-8 that could propel it from zero to 60 mph in an impressive 5.2 seconds.

The following year, the SRT-8 once again became available. It featured a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 that served up 470 horsepower, enough for a sprint time of 4.3 seconds. To deliver a truly engaging driving experience, it also had a two-mode active suspension and Brembo brake calipers.

In 2019, the Dodge Charger became the fastest production sedan in the world with the addition of the SRT Hellcat. Powering this model was a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V-8 that delivered an incredible 707 horsepower. With this engine, the muscle car could jet from zero to 60 mph in a mind-blowing 3.6 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 204 mph.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offers an even more monstrous engine in the form of a high-output 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 that cranks out a whopping 797 horsepower. Found under the hoods of the SRT Hellcat Redeye and SRT Jailbreak, this engine makes the current version the most powerful production Charger ever built.

Why Dodge is Saying Goodbye to the Combustion-Engine Charger

Back in December 2021, Dodge had hinted that it might be putting an end to its internal combustion engines. Soon after, the auto manufacturer integrated its SRT department into its global engineering team, raising fears among fans that it might discontinue the Dodge performance line. Later on, Dodge confirmed that 2023 would be the final model year for the gasoline-powered Charger and Challenger.

So, why did Dodge decide to stop producing the Charger? After all, the muscle car has been one of the best-selling large sedans in the U.S. market in recent years. The reason becomes apparent from the November 2021 report from Greenpeace East Asia.

According to its evaluation, Greenpeace ranked Stellantis, Dodge’s parent company, second to last in its endeavor to reduce carbon emissions. Even before the report, Stellantis signaled that it was going to right the ship with several upcoming electric vehicles and advancements in solid-state battery technology. Dodge is dropping the Charger due to its poor fuel-efficiency ratings.

As the last of its kind, the 2023 Dodge Charger will feature a commemorative “Last Call” plaque underneath its hood, making it especially desirable. In addition, it will offer several special-edition send-off models and bring back three beloved heritage paint color options. If you’re considering purchasing one of the last Dodge Chargers in Cortlandt, New York, you can order it through our Bill Volz Westchester dealership. We serve Cortlandt, Peekskill, Mohegan Lake, Yorktown Heights, and Mahopac, and our devoted team will go the extra mile to help you drive home in your dream Charger. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any inquiries.

Photo Credit: 1974 Dodge Charger SE by More Cars is licensed with CC BY 2.0

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