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Dodge Charger

Dodge

Dodge Charger: Dodge's four-door muscle. From the 1968-1970 second-generation classic to the modern Hellcat Charger and the u
Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

Dodge's four-door muscle. From the 1968-1970 second-generation classic to the modern Hellcat Charger and the upcoming electric Charger.

The Dodge Charger is an American muscle car produced across multiple generations from 1966 to the present. The Charger has been a four-door muscle sedan for most of its modern era (since 2006), making it unique in offering four-door pony car-style performance. The 1968-1970 second-generation Charger (with the 426 Hemi engine) is among the most iconic muscle cars; the modern Charger Hellcat (2015-2023) extended the lineage into the modern era. The classic Charger generations: 1966-1967 (first), 1968-1970 (second, the iconic), 1971-1974 (third), and various subsequent sedan versions. The 1968-1970 second-generation Charger is the cultural icon, particularly the 1969 Charger Daytona (with the aerodynamic nose cone and tall rear wing for NASCAR homologation) and the various Hemi Charger variants. The modern Charger (2006-2023) was a rebody of the LX platform, providing four-door muscle car body with V6 base engines and various V8 trims. The Charger Hellcat (2015-2023) used the same supercharged 6.2 Hemi making 707-797 horsepower as the Challenger Hellcat. The Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody added wider fenders and aggressive aerodynamics. The 2023 Charger was the last LX-platform Charger. The new electric Charger (2024+) launched in 2024 with new platform, electric powertrain, and significantly different identity. The new Charger is positioned as the modern continuation of the Charger lineage with electrified powertrain. On WhipJury, Charger submissions are highly active. Hellcat and Redeye variants reliably top voting. Modified Chargers with built engines and chassis upgrades appear regularly. Classic 1968-1970 Chargers in restored form do particularly well.

Charger Hellcat lineage

Hellcat (2015-2023). 707 horsepower supercharged 6.2 Hemi. Same engine as Challenger Hellcat.

Hellcat Redeye (2018-2023). 797 horsepower with Demon supercharger.

Hellcat Redeye Widebody (2020+). Wider fenders, more aggressive aerodynamics, focused chassis tuning.

Charger on WhipJury

Modern Charger submissions across all variants are highly active. Hellcat and Redeye variants reliably top voting. Classic 1968-1970 Chargers in restored or restomod form reliably do well. Modified Chargers with built engines and chassis upgrades are common.

Frequently asked questions about Dodge Charger

Is the Charger really being replaced by an electric car?
Yes. Dodge launched the new electric Charger (2024+) on the new STLA Large platform. The new Charger has electric powertrain, retains the Charger nameplate, and is positioned as the electric continuation of the Charger lineage. Stellantis (Dodge parent) is transitioning the lineup to electric; internal combustion models are being phased out.
Why are 1968-1970 Chargers so iconic?
Multiple factors. Distinctive Coke-bottle styling. The Charger Daytona aerodynamic variant (with nose cone and rear wing) for NASCAR. Hemi engine availability. Cultural impact through Smokey and the Bandit (Charger replicas), Dukes of Hazzard, and various other media. The 1968-1970 Charger is one of the most recognizable American muscle cars.
How much does a Hellcat Charger cost?
Used pricing: standard Charger Hellcat $40,000-$70,000+. Hellcat Redeye: $50,000-$80,000+. Hellcat Redeye Widebody: $70,000-$110,000+. The Charger generally trades at slightly lower pricing than the Challenger Hellcat equivalents.
Are Charger Hellcats reliable?
Yes, similar to Challenger Hellcat. The supercharged 6.2 Hemi is fundamentally durable. Common issues include supercharger snout bearing wear (replacement is straightforward), occasional cooling system issues, and modern infotainment electronics. With proper maintenance, Charger Hellcats are reliable for daily driving and occasional spirited use.
What is the Charger Daytona?
The 1969 Charger Daytona was a NASCAR homologation special with an aerodynamic nose cone (extending the front of the car about 18 inches) and a tall rear wing. Built for NASCAR superspeedway racing where aerodynamics matter most. Plymouth had a similar variant called the Superbird (also for NASCAR). Both variants are now extremely valuable; clean Charger Daytonas sell for $300,000-$1,000,000+.

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