2019 Dodge Charger Adds Stripe Options, Trickle-down Performance

Matt Posky
by Matt Posky

While the Dodge Challenger is hardly a subtle-looking vehicle, enough exist on the road to allow them to blend in with traffic a bit. But what if you plan to purchase America’s final incarnation of the muscle car not just because you like burning rubber, but because you want to make a statement?

Dodge has you covered for 2019. Provided you buy one with a V8, the automaker will hook you up with some factory racing stripes.

Black stripes, which were previously available on SRT models, are being extended to the Charger R/T Scat Pack and R/T. Similarly, the 707 hp-Hellcat has some all new banded color options of its own. Red, blue, and silver stripes have been added to complement the preexisting black and gray lines.

All of FCA’s stripe options are dual-center, full-length, and cover the front and rear fascias, roof, and deck lid, and are said to be tailored around the signature NACA duct-hood vent to emphasize the Charger model’s mean mug.

That’s right, fellas. These babies go from bumper to bumper.

However, if you’re like this author and stripes aren’t really your bag, Dodge included some trickle-down performance upgrades as well. The SRT Hellcat now possesses an after-run chiller and the torque reserve system from the Demon — in case you’re interested in doing some extra wicked launches. Meanwhile, R/T Scat Pack customers will be pleased to see a simplified launch control system, line lock for burnouts, and new performance grille with dual air inlets.

If that simply isn’t enough visual flair for you, Dodge says stripe packages are currently available for dealer order, carrying a price tag of $995.

[Image: FCA]

Matt Posky
Matt Posky

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.

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  • Cognoscenti Cognoscenti on Oct 29, 2018

    Can anyone here comment on the quality of the paint for the 2015+ Chargers? I think one of these would make a good DD, but once they get out around 5+ years old it seems that FCA products really show their age in the paint. I'm really just looking for someone to give me an excuse to buy one. Also, do the new cars feel any less like you are sitting on top of, rather than in, the seats? I sat in one recently and found myself wishing for a way to lower the seat cushion center without lowering the whole seat.

    • Ajla Ajla on Oct 29, 2018

      If you're into the "muscle car" side of things then V8 Chargers are an awesome combination or utility, value, and driving enjoyment. Plus uConnect is great. The one I owned (a 2014 R/T) unfortunately did suffer from several electrical and fit/finish problems (paint was fine though). However, CR just rated the '18 Charger as "above average" for reliability so it is possible I was just unlucky. If your budget allows it, I'd say get a Scat Pack and have fun.

  • SSJeep SSJeep on Oct 30, 2018

    The Dodge Charger is the family car performance value of the decade. Start with the basics - 4 doors, plenty of standard features, and a 300hp V6 in RWD or AWD. One can opt up to a Hemi V8 for relatively little cash, and have a 400hp performance sedan. Add the Scat Pack or SRT and one has a track bargain that can also haul the kids. It doesn't get much better for less than $50k. I may end up buying one as a summer DD. If only Dodge could have kept AWD with the V8 Charger...

  • MorrisGray MorrisGray on Dec 18, 2019

    Does anyone have an opinion on the quality and reliability of the 2018 and up Challenger with the 5.7L motor? Manual transmission only for me....

  • MorrisGray MorrisGray on Dec 18, 2019

    I had a 1970 2 door Charger with manual and a 383 Magum. I wish they still offered that body style! With Manual !

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