The Manual Returns To The 2023 Dodge Hellcat Challenger For One Final Year

We’ve known for some time that 2023 would mark the very end of the Hellcat motor and the Dodge Challenger as we know it. We’ve also known that it would go out with a bang in the form of multiple ‘Last Call’ special editions. Now, we’re finding out that it’ll also be available with a true three-pedal-equipped manual transmission too.

Take a quick stroll over to Dodge’s 2023MY lineup and you’ll find a number of interesting facts about the last year of the Challenger. Most of them aren’t all that surprising though. Eight different trim levels make up the lineup and among them, five engines are available.

What’s somewhat shocking is that, across the lineup, six transmissions are available and one is a manual that comes standard in the 2023 SRT Hellcat. That’s a change we didn’t fully expect after Dodge indefinitely discontinued the row-your-own gearbox for the Hellcat back in late 2021. It also means that the eight-speed automatic will likely cost extra for those who want it.

More: Dodge Blew Up 7 Engines Trying To Certify Ultimate Hellcat For Final “Last Call” Challenger Special

According to the chart above, we can see that it isn’t the same as the six-speed manual found in the R/T and R/T Scat Pack. That transmission features a smaller 240mm clutch plate while the Hellcat uses a beefed-up 258mm unit. That additional friction material surely helps the gearbox handle the 707 hp (527 kW) Hellcat engine under the hood.

While the stick shift is going to be available on the Hellcat and Hellcat Widebody variants, it won’t be equipable in the SRT Hellcat Redeye. Presumably, that’s because the Redeye makes 797 hp (594 kW) in stock form and 807 hp (601 kW) when equipped with the Jailbreak package.

Just as in years past, the stick shift won’t make its way to other Hellcat-equipped models like the Charger or Durango.

This isn’t the only change for the Challenger lineup though. Dodge is bringing back Heritage colors including Plum Crazy, B5 Blue, and Destroyer Grey as well. When the final Hellcat rolls off of the production line we’ll be a little sad but hopefully, it’ll do so with a big clutch-dumping burnout.

H/T to Car&Driver

 


The Auto World

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