Dodge Challenger Model Years and History

This year marks the end of an era for the Challenger coupe as Dodge prepares a next-generation model. Dodge will offer popular colors from the car's past, including Plum Crazy, B5 Blue, and Sublime Green. All R/T models gain a new "345" badge on the front fender. The new 2023 Dodge challenger will be doing an episodic like release of its new models called "Last Call". Seven special edition Dodge Challengers will be available, all of which will have limited quantities and is set to be available Spring 2023. Starting off with the 2023 Dodge Challenger Shakedown Special Edition, Challenger Scat Pack Widebody Swinger Special Editions, and Dodge Challenger Black Ghost.

For 2022, the Dodge Challenger returns with minimal changes.

For 2021, The Dodge Challenger returns with limited changes except for the introduction of the new Super Stock model, which uses the popular powerful Hellcat engine to generate immense amount of stock horsepower partnered a long list of high-performance features.

Dodge have added a new 50th Anniversary Edition to the lineup for 2020. The 50th Anniversary Edition is available on most R/T models as well as rear-wheel drive GT models. It features lots of unique badging along with body colored hood scoops on R/T models, a new metallic paint color, a black wrapped roof, Nappa Leather with sepia accent stitching, as well as carbon fiber accents throughout the interior. Other changes to the lineup include a ton of new wheel choices, some new paint colors, a new optional steering wheel and optional alcantara throughout the interior.

The 2019, Dodge introduces a new 797 horsepower SRT Hellcat Redeye model, while discontinuing the SRT demon and SRT 392 models. The SRT Hellcat gets an additional 10 horsepower and a dual-snorkel hood. A new R/T Scat Pack Widebody model is also now available. The SXT model is now available in all-wheel drive and the R/T sees a few performance and handling updates.

For 2018 Dodge have decided that 707 horsepower was fantastic, but not necessarily enough. Owing to this, they've unleashed the new Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. The new Demon boasts 840 horsepower, sent to the rear wheels. Dodge is claiming that the Demon is the fastest accelerating car ever built with a claimed 0-60 time of 2.3 seconds. Most owners will want to take the Demon straight to the race track, so Dodge have included everything owners need, including a set of racing slicks for the back tires.

The Dodge Challenger is mostly unchanged for 2017 with several notable exceptions, a new T/A trim was introduced along with an all-wheel-drive GT version. An updated version of the Uconnect interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality adds some tech while all V8 Challengers now come with an active exhaust system.

The Dodge Challenger is mostly unchanged for 2016 with several notable exceptions. A new Blacktop Package is being offered on SXT and R/T models. It features 20-inch gloss black wheels, a backup camera, fog lamps and satin black interior and exterior accents. Also new for 2016 is the return of Dodge's classic "Plum Crazy" paint color.

For 2015, Dodge has updated the Challenger's exterior styling with subtle tweaks and some notable mechanical improvements. Whereas last year's car resembled the 1970 Challenger, the new model's styling is more in line with the looks of the 1971 Challenger, and features a split grille, new quad projector headlights, more aerodynamic sills, and a revised rear fascia and taillight setup. An 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission is standard across the lineup, though V8 models have an 6-speed manual option. The transmission accounts for improved acceleration and a fuel economy improvement of up to 9 percent. For weight savings, cast aluminum axles replace the previous steel axles. Inside, a 7-inch TFT gauge cluster is new, as is a center stack instrument panel with either the standard 5-inch or optional 8.4-inch Uconnect controls. The steering wheel, too, is new and features optional paddle shifters. New models include the Challenger R/T Scat Pack, which features a 485-horsepower 6.4L Hemi V8, enough to propel the car to 60 mph just over 4 seconds. In the SRT performance range, the new SRT 392 boasts the same 6.4L Hemi as the Scat Pack but adds goodies like 6-piston Brembo brakes, adaptive suspension, and a Harman Kardon stereo. Finally, the SRT Hellcat brings supercar-level performance from its 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8. Challengers are price from $26,995 to $59,995.

The Challenger lineup gets a new addition with the 2014 only "Shaker Edition." This trim package builds on the R/T Classic, but adds a unique hood, wheels and badge and steering wheel. The SRT Challenger now comes with a launch control system on both automatic and manual-equipped cars.

Dodge has added a new trim level to the Challenger lineup for 2013, the Rallye Redline. Slotting in between the SXT Plus and the R/T, the Rallye Redline combines aggressive styling cues and a sportier driving experience with Dodge's more economical V6 powertrain. Changes for the Rallye Redline include a more aggressive final drive ratio, stiffer suspension, bigger brakes and black 20-inch wheels. The Rallye Redline also gets two red stripes running the length of the vehicle, making it by far the most extroverted Challenger.

Dodge has revised their trim names again and a new SXT entry-level trim was added. It comes with the 3.6L V6 engine and includes anti-lock brakes, 18-inch aluminum wheels, a power seat and keyless entry. Last year's base trim is now the uplevel SXT Plus. An R/T Plus trim is also new. It builds on the base R/T trim, and adds both heated mirrors and heated leather seats.

The Challenger carries into its third year with a new lineup of engines: a new 3.6L V6, a 5.7L Hemi V8 and a high performance 6.4L V8. 18-inch wheels are now standard on the base model, with 20-inch ones available. A pair of Super Sport Groups are now optional. One includes 20-inch wheels and performance suspension. The other includes an upgraded audio system, speakers and a touch-screen interface. A power sunroof is optional, as are an array of center stripes. Exterior paints got shuffled a bit: Bright Silver is new, as is Billet Metallic and Toxic Orange, Redline and Tungsten. Torred, Deep Water and Mineral Gray have been discontinued.

The Challenger carries into its second year with only a few minor feature and option changes. Electronic stability control is newly standard across the entire Challenger model line. R/T models get a few more standard features: automatic headlamps, an LED-lit cupholder and door-handle lights. UConnect Multimedia and UConnect Navigation now include steering-wheel audio controls and UConnect Multimedia features have been combined with the Sound Group. The most significant new option for 2010 is the Super Track Pack, which brings a host of track-ready hardware and upgrades.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger, which borrows its shape and styling cues from the early 1970s muscle car of the same name, is based on the Charger sedan chassis. Last year, the car came only in SRT8 guise and was limited to just 5,000 examples. For 2009, it still retains the 6.1L Hemi V8, and it gains an optional 6-speed manual transmission. New for 2009 are two more models, the 5.7L Hemi V8 R/T and the 3.5L V6 SE. The base SE starts at $21,320, while the R/T costs $29,320. The SRT8 model has increased by $2,000 to $39,320. A new color, "Torred," is now available

The 2008 Dodge Challenger, which borrows its shape and appearance cues from the early 1970s muscle car of the same name, is based on the Charger sedan and packs a modern V8 along with modern comfort, convenience, and safety features. It makes its debut as a late-arriving 2008 model and will only be offered in top, high-performance SRT8 trim in a limited production of 5,000 vehicles, with each car featuring a numbered dash plaque. Next year the Challenger lineup will be expanded to include more affordable models.