You may have heard by now that Dodge
is retiring the current generation of the Challenger and Charger, and the first edition to roll out is a revamped version of the Dodge Shakedown Challenger. The Challenger Shakedown is one of seven special-edition models, dubbed the “last call” series, but whatever happened to its inspiration, the 2016 concept car of the same name? Read on with the car ownership experts
at Jerry to get the scoop on this limited-edition muscle car
. The Challenger Shakedown was a retrofitted classic
The first Dodge Shakedown concept car made waves upon its premiere at the 2016 SEMA show for what Car and Driver
called its “Bizarro World” style. While the modern-day interior of the Challenger
was a high-tech new car made to have a vintage exterior look, the Shakedown Challenger was a 1971 Challenger made to look new. The 1971 Challenger was given new headlights, taillights, and a grille from the 2017 Challenger model year, as well as a custom lower front fascia, rear lip spoiler, and 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels.
Under the hood, you’ll find Dodge’s 485-hp 6.4-liter V-8, while a custom-made exhaust gives it an extra edge.
The Challenger Shakedown was also fitted with a six-speed manual transmission taken from the Viper, and custom suspension components and Brembo brake calipers as seen on the Dodge Hellcat.
While it’s not unusual for an old muscle car to be retrofitted like this, it was unusual for it to have factory-sponsored participation from Dodge itself. Fitting an old hot rod with new parts gives it a second life, and allows the timeless design to live on for another generation.
Blurring the lines between old and new
Perhaps to avoid confusion, Dodge switched around the name for the new edition, putting the Challenger moniker first. In addition to its retro shape and styling, the 2023 Shakedown also comes adorned with a set of sleep racing stripes that run the length of the car.
Because the “last call” models are a limited release, Dodge is pulling out all the stops. All models come with the option to be upgraded to carbon fiber and a microsuede interior trim, a technology package, a more, but even the base model is pretty luxe. The interior features black leather seats, microsuede accents, and red contrast stitching.
Only 1000 units will be made, so interested parties need to strike while the iron is hot.
Buyers get a choice between one of two variants, with 500 copies based on the Challenger R/T Scat Pack and 500 of the R/T Scat Pack Widebody. Both come with the 485-hp 6.4-liter V-8 and either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.
Buying a 2023 Dodge Challenger Shakedown
Pricing details for the 2023 Challenger Shakedown have yet to be released, but pricing is likely to start at about $10,000 higher than current Challenger models. For example, the 2022 Challenger R/T Scat Pack starts at $52,000, while the Widebody variant tacks on another $10 grand.
Buying a special edition collector car is no cheap investment, but that doesn’t mean you should get stuck overpaying for car insurance. With so many different insurance companies and coverage options, it can be hard to narrow it down. That’s where Jerry
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