Dodge has revealed that its latest super-fast gasoline muscle car, the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye, will be its last of its kind. The announcement comes as the automaker pivots towards electric vehicle production.
End of an Era
The Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye boasts a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine that produces an impressive 797 horsepower, making it one of the quickest cars on the road. However, the model’s days are numbered. According to Dodge, the automaker intends to discontinue production on the gasoline-powered Challenger and Charger models by the end of 2023.
A Shifting Landscape
The end of the Dodge muscle car era is the latest indicator of the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) in the auto industry. As electric cars become more affordable and reliable, automakers are under increasing pressure to scale back their production of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Dodge’s parent company, Stellantis, announced earlier this year that it plans to invest €30 billion ($37 billion) in electrification through 2025. The move reflects the company’s plans to achieve carbon neutrality in its global operations by 2026.
Fans of the Burnout
While the move towards EVs is understandable, die-hard fans of the classic Dodge muscle cars are understandably disappointed. The Challenger and Charger models have long been associated with burnouts and high-octane driving experiences, and many car enthusiasts will mourn their passing.
However, as Dodge looks to the future with its electric vehicles, car enthusiasts can take solace in the fact that these new models will offer similarly thrilling driving experiences. The automaker has already announced that it plans to release an all-electric muscle car in the near future.