It’s a big week for Dodge.
After hosting more than 40,000 people — a one-day record — for Saturday’s legal Roadkill Nights street drag racing event in Pontiac, Dodge was set to kick off three nights of vehicle unveilings starting Monday.
Past comments from executives and the clues provided in the names assigned to the three nightly categories – current, gateway and future, in order from Monday to Wednesday – telegraph that this “Speed Week” chart would highlight a mark in transition, the “beginning of a bright new electrified future,” as Dodge brand CEO Tim Kuniskis said in a statement.
The Free Press previously reported that the highly anticipated Dodge Hornet and a Dodge electric concept vehicle were set to be part of this week’s lineup.
But Monday’s “current muscle” announcement focused on the two vehicles that have helped Dodge maintain its status as a relevant automotive brand, the Charger and the Challenger, which the company said had “closed 2021 as a than muscle car number 1”. in the USA.
Seven special editions (details to be released later), resurrected heritage colors (B5 Blue, Plum Crazy purple and Sublime green) plus a streamlined process through Drop Top Customs in High Springs, Florida to transform select 2022 and 2023 Challenger (R/T, R/T Scat Pack and SRT) in a convertible were some of the announced goodies that Charger and Challenger fans would enjoy. The company noted that the option to make the Challenger a convertible, priced at $25,999, would be sold by a third party, rather than Stellantis, and would not be covered by a Stellantis warranty.
Kuniskis, speaking at a press conference last week in Auburn Hills, spoke about the upcoming end of production at the end of next year for the current versions of the Charger and Challenger at the Brampton Assembly Plant. , near Toronto, and the need to celebrate what has been accomplished since the “modern” Charger was launched there in 2005.
“We’re going to make sure we celebrate that. Remember, 3 million cars, a billion horsepower and a lot of really happy customers who helped build our brand. We’re going to make sure we do it right,” said Kuniskis. .
This includes a “Last Call” plaque under the hood for 2023 Charger and Challenger models.
After:Photos from Roadkill Nights: Legal Street Racing on Woodward
After:Dodge Returns to Woodward Dream Cruise, Closing Week of Unveilings, Roadkill Nights
After:Roadkill Nights brings grudge matches, scorching rubber and legal street racing to Woodward
The changes at Brampton will also mark the end of Chrysler 300 production. The company is not closing its Brampton plant, however. Instead, the plant will produce a new “flexible architecture to support the company’s electrification plans,” according to the June announcement of the changes.
No further details have been released on Brampton’s future.
In addition to the new Charger and Challenger, the company has made a few other announcements, including plans for a 2023 Dodge Durango Hellcat, promising 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque (orders open in September, and it’ll be among the dealers early next year).
And for the more mechanically inclined, Direct Connection, Dodge’s performance parts portfolio, will also offer a rolling Drag Pak chassis for $89,999 and a body kit in Challenger White for $7,995.
Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter: @_ericdlawrence. Become a subscriber.