Future of Dodge's Current Muscle Cars Unveiled

Justin Pritchard
by Justin Pritchard
future of dodge s current muscle cars unveiled

Dodge brand CEO Tim Kuniskis recently outlined plans for the future of the brand’s Brampton-built muscle cars, which will cease production at the end of 2023 as the automaker shifts towards electrification.

Currently, the Brampton plant builds the Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger models. They are two of the most popular cars on the road amongst enthusiasts and passionate owner communities. Many of whom modify their vehicles and participate in motorsports.

Get a Quote on a new Dodge Charger or Challenger

“It’s been a 20-year run of Dodge muscle cars, over 3 million vehicles and over a billion horsepower. Brampton built the Dodge brand” Kuniskis commented.

But shopper tastes are changing, and they’re changing fast.

No Stopping the SUV Surge

future of dodge s current muscle cars unveiled

Kuniskis mentioned the shift in consumer preference from cars to trucks and SUVs. Today, in the US, pickups and crossovers outsell sedans by about 4 to 1. In Canada, nearly 9 in 10 vehicles sold today is a pickup or SUV.

“That change in preference happened fast. It was like flipping a switch” Kuniskis said, adding “the race to electrification will happen even faster”.

SEE ALSO: 2021 Dodge Challenger GT AWD Review: It’s All In the Name

After production of the Charger and Challenger stop at the end of 2023, the Brampton, Ontario plant will be retooled to create future Dodge models. The final year of Challenger and Charger production will see a ‘Last Call Edition’ emblem fixed beneath the hood of every unit built at the plant. As well, a transparent ordering process that’ll help customers quickly track down the dealerships that have the specific Charger or Challenger sub-model they’re after.

Future of Dodge’s Current Muscle Cars: Seven Buzz Models Coming

future of dodge s current muscle cars unveiled

The final year of production will also be enhanced by six new ‘buzz’ models which will be detailed later. A seventh additional buzz model will be unveiled at SEMA, and Kuniskis says it’ll ‘go down in history’.

“Customers can’t order these buzz models” Kuniskis says. “They’re shipped to select dealers as a bonus above regular allocation. We’re building these ourselves, and sending them to dealers”.

For those who missed getting their hands on one the first time, the Dodge Durango Hellcat will be brought back online for 2023 as well. Though Kuniskis wouldn’t confirm more than one additional model year of production for this thunder-powered family hauler.

Fancy a Factory Dragster or Convertible?

future of dodge s current muscle cars unveiled

Helping send the final year of production off with a bang, customers will be able to purchase a built-in-Brampton full rolling-chassis drag car. A complete body-in-white for either Challenger or Charger, at least 2 supercharger kits, high-performance transmissions like the HP70 and HP90, carbon-fiber resto-mod models, and more.

SEE ALSO: 2020 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody Review: The Simplicity Of A Hammer

And while Dodge won’t be building a final Challenger Convertible, customers can have their Brampton-built Challenger shipped directly to Drop Top Customs in the U.S. for a clean-looking convertible conversion, before it’s shipped back to your local dealership for delivery.

Cars are changing fast. According to Kuniskis, inside of the diminishing car segment, muscle cars have held on very well. “They weren’t just regular cars. They were part of something bigger than just the purchase of a vehicle. That’s why they held on.”

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Justin Pritchard
Justin Pritchard

Justin Pritchard, an award-winning automotive journalist based in Sudbury, Ontario, is known for his comprehensive automotive reviews and discoveries. As a presenter, photographer, videographer, and technical writer, Justin shares his insights weekly through various Canadian television programs, print, and online publications. In 2023, Justin celebrated a significant milestone, airing the 600th episode of his TV program, AutoPilot. Currently, he contributes to autoTRADER.ca, Sharp Magazine, and MoneySense Magazine. His work as a technical writer, videographer, presenter, and producer has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2019 AJAC Video Journalism Award and the 2018 AJAC Journalist of the Year. Justin holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from Laurentian University, which he earned in 2005. His career in automotive journalism began that same year at Auto123.com. Since then, he has written one of the largest collections of used car buyer guides on the internet. His passion for photography, nurtured from a young age, is evident in his work, capturing the scenic beauty of Northern Ontario. Living in a region with a particularly harsh winter climate has made Justin an expert on winter driving, winter tires, and extreme-weather safety. Justin’s significant achievements include: 2019 AJAC Video Journalism Award (Winner) 2019 AJAC Road Safety Journalism Award (Runner-Up) 2019 AJAC Automotive Writing (vehicle review topics) (Winner) 2019 AJAC Automotive Writing (technical topics) (Winner) 2018 AJAC Journalist of the Year You can follow Justin’s work on Instagram @mr2pritch and YouTube @JustinPritchard.

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2 of 8 comments
  • Christopher Green Christopher Green on Oct 19, 2022

    I dont want no SUV, I dont want want no stupid EV. I guess Ill keep my good old stuff Paid off cars that just please me.

  • Raymond Paskauskas Raymond Paskauskas on Mar 09, 2023

    I came close to buying a 2022 Dodge Challenger RT, especially with all the generous cash incentive discounts totaling $4,000. However, I rented an Enterprise Challenger RT to check the fit in our garage. The car was a bit too long and wide, and we (she really) decided against the purchase. However, any downsized Challenger better have an internal combustion engine (I6, V6, V8), not be an EV. I don't believe in the fallacy about electric vehicles supporting the environment. EVs will worsen pollution, strain the energy grid, and enrich China! Long live fossil fuels and cleaner running IC engines!

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