The 2024 Dodge Challenger marks the final chapter in a legendary story of American muscle. Since its original debut in the 1970s, the Challenger has been synonymous with raw power, bold design, and a rebellious spirit. Over the decades, it has evolved to meet modern standards while staying true to its heritage. In 2024, Dodge is bidding farewell to the 2024 challenger in its current form, commemorating its legacy with a series of special editions and powerful performance options.
This final model year isn't just a goodbye—it's a celebration. The 2024 Challenger embodies everything enthusiasts have loved about the car: aggressive styling, thunderous V8 engines, a driver-focused cockpit, and a sense of unfiltered muscle rarely found in modern vehicles. Dodge is closing out the Challenger's production run with a bang, delivering a lineup that’s both nostalgic and powerful.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the 2024 Dodge Challenger a standout in its final iteration.
Classic Design with Modern Enhancements
At first glance, the 2024 Dodge Challenger retains its signature retro-inspired silhouette, with a long hood, short rear deck, and bold, muscular proportions. The wide stance, aggressive front fascia, and available hood scoops and racing stripes make the car instantly recognizable. Even in a world of increasingly aerodynamic and sleek designs, the Challenger proudly embraces its boxy, muscular aesthetic.
In 2024, Dodge offers several nostalgic paint colors, such as Plum Crazy, Sublime Green, and B5 Blue, giving long-time fans a chance to relive the glory days. These classic hues are paired with modern touches, including LED lighting, 20-inch wheels, and optional blacked-out trims that elevate the Challenger’s presence on the road.
The interior remains driver-focused, featuring retro cues blended with contemporary technology. High-quality materials, bolstered sport seats, and customizable displays ensure that the car feels both comfortable and performance-oriented. While the design nods to the past, it doesn’t skimp on modern conveniences like Uconnect infotainment, smartphone integration, and optional premium audio systems.
Powertrain Options: The Heart of the Beast
At the core of the 2024 Dodge Challenger’s identity is its legendary powertrain lineup. Dodge is known for its commitment to high-horsepower, rear-wheel-drive fun, and this final model year is no exception. From the entry-level V6 to the fire-breathing Hellcat and beyond, there’s a Challenger for every kind of enthusiast.
3.6L Pentastar V6 (SXT and GT Trims)
The base models—SXT and GT—come equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 303 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. These models offer an accessible entry point into the Challenger lineup while still delivering satisfying acceleration and a smooth ride. All-wheel-drive is available on V6 models, making them a practical choice for those in colder climates.
5.7L HEMI V8 (R/T Trim)
The R/T trim steps things up with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that delivers 375 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides a significant performance boost over the V6 and comes with a choice of a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission, catering to traditionalists who crave the feel of rowing their own gears.
6.4L HEMI V8 (R/T Scat Pack)
For those seeking even more muscle, the R/T Scat Pack features a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 pushing out 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. This engine transforms the Challenger into a serious street and track weapon, capable of 0-60 mph in the low 4-second range. The Scat Pack also includes performance upgrades like Brembo brakes, launch control, and adaptive suspension.
6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (Hellcat and Redeye)
The Hellcat variants are where the Challenger truly earns its muscle car stripes. The standard Hellcat produces 717 horsepower, while the Redeye cranks it up to 797 horsepower. Both models deliver staggering straight-line speed, aggressive styling, and the signature supercharger whine that defines the Hellcat experience.
Jailbreak and Demon 170: The Final Flame
Dodge has saved the wildest models for last. The Jailbreak program unlocks maximum personalization for Hellcat and Redeye models, allowing buyers to mix and match color combos, interior trims, and performance parts. Then there’s the Demon 170—a final hurrah limited-production beast that delivers over 1,000 horsepower on E85 fuel. This dragstrip monster can sprint to 60 mph in under 2 seconds, making it the fastest factory production muscle car ever built.
Driving Experience: Muscle in Every Sense
Driving a 2024 Dodge Challenger is a visceral experience. It’s unapologetically loud, heavy, and aggressive. Unlike lighter and nimbler competitors like the Ford Mustang or Chevy Camaro, the Challenger leans into its mass and size. It’s a true grand tourer with muscle car roots.
Even in base form, the Challenger feels composed and powerful. The V8 models bring a deep, satisfying exhaust note that reminds drivers why they fell in love with American performance in the first place. While it may not match European sports cars in handling precision, the Challenger offers massive grip, straight-line speed, and sheer presence that few vehicles can rival.
The optional Widebody package, available on several trims, further enhances cornering capability with wider tires and flared fenders. Combined with launch control, line lock, and performance telemetry, the Challenger can deliver thrills on both the street and the strip.
Special Editions and Farewell Models
To celebrate the end of the Challenger’s run, Dodge has released several “Last Call” special editions. These models pay homage to iconic trims and moments in Challenger history, featuring unique badging, exclusive paint colors, and commemorative plaques under the hood.
Some of the standout “Last Call” editions include:
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Shakedown: Inspired by the 1971 Dodge Shakedown concept, featuring a blend of modern and retro styling.
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Swinger: A callback to the wild styling of the 1970s.
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Black Ghost: Based on the legendary street-racing Challenger from Detroit lore.
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Demon 170: The most powerful Challenger ever built, designed for drag racing supremacy.
Each of these special editions is produced in limited numbers, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Technology and Safety Features
While the 2024 Challenger is a performance machine first and foremost, it doesn’t completely ignore technology and safety. The Uconnect infotainment system remains one of the most user-friendly in the industry, offering responsive touchscreen controls, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and more.
A range of driver-assistance features is available, including:
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Blind-spot monitoring
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Rear cross-traffic alert
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Adaptive cruise control
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Forward collision warning
These features help bring the Challenger into the modern age, even as its soul remains firmly rooted in the muscle car tradition.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Few cars in automotive history have left an imprint as deep as the Dodge Challenger. It's more than a car—it's a symbol. A symbol of defiance, speed, and the uniquely American approach to performance. From its roots in the early 1970s to its revival in the late 2000s and the horsepower wars of the 2010s, the Challenger has always stood for raw, unfiltered fun.
Movies, video games, and music have helped cement its place in pop culture. It has become a favorite among collectors, drag racers, and everyday drivers looking to stand out from the crowd. The 2024 model solidifies the Challenger’s status as an icon by ending its journey on a high note—with a sendoff that pays respect to every chapter of its story.
What Comes Next?
With the 2024 Challenger signaling the end of the V8 era for Dodge, many are wondering what the future holds. Dodge has already confirmed plans to pivot toward electrification, and concept vehicles like the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT EV suggest a bold new direction. While purists may mourn the loss of internal combustion, Dodge promises to carry its muscle car legacy into the electric age, offering vehicles that retain the spirit of performance while embracing the future.
The new era may be quieter, more efficient, and environmentally conscious, but the DNA of the Challenger—aggression, power, and presence—will likely live on in new forms.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Dodge Challenger is more than just the end of a production run. It's the closing chapter of a muscle car dynasty that dared to stand apart in a world moving toward conformity. In a time where cars are increasingly focused on efficiency and subtlety, the Challenger remained brash and bold until its final days.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer looking for one last taste of pure American performance, the 2024 Challenger offers an unforgettable experience. It’s a tribute to the past, a celebration of the present, and a legend that will echo long into the future.