History of the Dodge Challenger

 Dodge revealed the first generation of the Dodge Challenger in 1970 in response to the rising popularity of American muscle cars such as the Chevrolet Camero and Ford Mustang, two of the Challenger's most formidable competitors. While the standard engine was a 3.7L straight-six engine, higher trim levels featured a 5.2L V8 engine. Meanwhile, the R/T (Road/Track) came standard with a 6.3L Magnum V8, while a 7.2L Magnum V8, a 7.2L Six-Pack, and a 7.0L HEMI V8 were optional. Dodge also created the Challenger T/A (Trans Am) as a race-inspired variant of the Challenger. Throughout the first-generation Challenger's five-year run, the overall design remained the same, while slight variations were made to the grille, headlights, taillights, and bumpers.

Following the 1974 model year, production of the Challenger came to a halt. In 1978, however, the Challenger name was reintroduced to the Dodge lineup in the form of a rebranded version of the Mitsubishi Galant. Chrysler had been importing subcompact cars from Mitsubishi, based in Japan, since 1971, and 1978 brought the import of the Galant, a rear-wheel drive coupe which Plymouth called Sappora and Dodge named Challenger. Although not an entirely new generation from Dodge in the traditional sense, this imported vehicle is known as the Dodge Challenger's second generation, lasting from 1978 to 1983.

 After 1983, the Challenger was removed from Dodge's lineup, never heard from again until the 2008 model year. The most recent iteration of the Dodge Challenger holds the title of the vehicle's most successful generation. The triumphant 2008 return brought on a modern appearance accompanied by retro-inspired design cues to pay homage to its predecessor. It features a low and wide muscular stance reminiscent of the original models, along with a wide range of performance and engine options. While the standard engine was a 3.5L V6, the R/T trim came with a 5.7L HEMI V8, and the SRT8 featured a 6.1L V8 engine. In 2015, the third-generation Challenger got a facelift. However, the upgraded aesthetics were overshadowed by the all-new Hellcat trim, boasting a 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 engine with 707 horsepower. Meanwhile, the 2018 model year brought out the first-ever Demon, ripping out an astonishing 840 horsepower. The 2019 model year saw the introduction of the Hellcat Redeye, boasting a hearty 797 horsepower.

 The 2023 model year marks the end of the third-generation Dodge Challenger. To celebrate its heritage, Dodge created a lineup of Last Call special edition models: Shakedown, Swinger, Black Ghost, and Demon 170. The Shakedown pays homage to a concept car Dodge revealed at the 2016 SEMA show, featuring a black and red theme with exclusive design notes, including the classic 'Shaker' hood scoop. The Swinger honors the lineup of high-performance 'Swinger' models Dodge produced in the 1970s, such as the Dodge Dart Swinger. Featuring a green-on-green color scheme, the Swinger edition incorporates gold accents to give it its retro style. The Black Ghost honors one specific 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T owned by Godfrey Qualls. The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost features an all-black appearance with white vinyl across the decklid and rear fenders, 'DODGE' lettering on the grille overhang originally found on the 1970 Challenger R/T, a chrome hood pin kit, and other exclusive features to mirror the legendary Black Ghost that tore up Michigan's famed Woodward Avenue before disappearing into the night, earning its name. Finally, the Demon 170 features a supercharged 6.2L V8 also found in the Hellcat Redeye. However, the supercharger is upgraded to a 3.0L C170 supercharger from Dodge Direct Connection and the engine is re-engineered for maximum power output to the tune of 1,025 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. 

 Although production of the third-generation Dodge Challenger has come to a stop, there is still plenty of time for you to get your hands on a 2023 Dodge Challenger in the Youngstown, Ohio, area! If you're in the market for a new Challenger, look no further than Kufleitner Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Here, you'll find a selection of new Challenger models like the R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and more! Browse our current Challenger inventory now while you're here on our website, or visit our showroom to take one for a test drive. If you have any questions regarding the Dodge Challenger, allow us to answer your questions when you use the contact form below. We hope to hear from you soon!