What Took Them So Long? Dodge Introduces Stars & Stripes Edition for Challenger, Charger
Despite being manufactured in Canada, the Dodge Charger and Challenger feel like the most American vehicles currently on the market. Large, brash, and deliciously unapologetic about it, the vehicles embody multiple historical stereotypes thrown onto the United States citizenry. While those characteristics aren’t a good fit for everyone, Dodge says its holdout muscle cars capture the highest percentage of active military buyers in their respective segments (according to mTAB).
Now, Fiat Chrysler says it’s time for Dodge to “celebrate the men and women who serve our country,” providing a new Stars & Stripes Edition for the Charger and Challenger — along with some fleshing out of their existing appearance packages.
“Dodge is known for delivering custom looks straight from the factory. We also have a strong following of buyers who are in the military, as well as many buyers who are patriotic,” said Steve Beahm, FCA’s domestic head of passenger car brands. “The Stars & Stripes Edition is an opportunity to deliver a custom look with unique elements that speak to those performance enthusiasts who want to extend their passion for their country to the Charger and Challenger.”
Starting in May, customers will be able to order both vehicles as rolling symbols of their own patriotism. Stars & Stripes Editions receive a unique satin black and silver accent center stripe, satin black American flag fender decals, and 20 x 9-inch mid-gloss black wheels with matching badging. Inside, the package incorporates glossy black interior accents, black cloth seats with an embroidered bronze star, bronze stitching, an “antique bronze” instrument panel badge, and “Dark Brushed II” interior bezels.
Dodge has set a price of $1,995 for the appearance pack, noting that it would furnish up to $500 in military bonus cash through its “Honoring Those Who Serve” program. But you don’t have to have been in the military to buy the cars. Although driving around in a vaguely military themed automobile if you haven’ seems a little goofy, especially with that bronze star on the driver’s seat — an award which usually requires some kind of heroic achievement in a combat zone.
We’re also not sure if this particular appearance package is worth the money, as you’re mostly paying for muted stripes, stickers, and embroidery. But it’s your prerogative to spend money how you see fit in a free society, as bald eagles soar gracefully overhead. Assuming this is your bag, color options include Destroyer Grey, F8 Green, Granite Crystal, IndiGo Blue, Maximum Steel, Octane Red, Pitch Black, Triple Nickel and White Knuckle.
Availability is limited to the Charger and Challenger R/T, GT RWD, and Scat Pack trims — with the latter getting four-piston Brembo brake calipers in bronze and Dodge’s Performance Handing Group package.
Dodge will also expand availability of its existing Brass Monkey and Satin Black appearance packages. Hellcats are now eligible for Satin Black, which adds a hood, roof, decklid and spoiler in hand-painted black. Meanwhile, Brass Monkey is being added to the same models that are getting Stars & Stripes for an extra $795 after spending some time as an SRT exclusive.
[Images: FCA]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
More by Matt Posky
Comments
Join the conversation
They don't look like leather seats. Can you get leather?
It cracks me up thinking back when full size trucks had life cycles that lasted decades.Now it's passenger cars.