Dodge Introduces Three Horsepower Challenger, Charger

Matt Posky
by Matt Posky

Dodge has long been synonymous with high levels of horsepower. Modern-day marketing materials practically scream it into your ear, acknowledging the company’s historic penchant for providing ludicrous amounts of power for hysterically low prices. The reality is a bit more complicated, however. While Mopar brands were indeed offering some of the best bang-for-your-buck muscle cars, back when they were a tad more novel, some of the fastest machines actually came from General Motors and Ford.

Today’s situation is very much the same. When the rest of the industry started downsizing powertrains, Dodge was still trying to squeeze even more juice from its colossal V8 engines — installing them anywhere they might fit. Rivals quickly got wise to its attempt to corner a segment just about everyone else had abandoned, resulting in gems like the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 or Ford Shelby GT500. But with everyone now back on board with the concept of displacement meaning power, Dodge has decided to change tactics.

What if it manufactured the V8 offering the smallest amount of horsepower imaginable?

Since seventy-second drag races are unlikely to catch on, Dodge’s depowering is obviously a security feature akin to the valet key that keeps some of its vehicles from unleashing their maximum might when handed off to parking attendants, children, or your less-than-trustworthy friends. Available via a no-charge software update, Dodge will outfit your (2015 model year or later) Charger or Challenger with a four-digit security code that’s designed to keep thieves from enjoying themselves.

Drivers can input their code — most of which will probably be 6969 if I know my Mopar fans — and immediately attempt to break the sound barrier. But thieves and naughty teens will find the engine has been limited to idle speeds (675 rpm), meaning they’ll get about 2.8 horsepower out of it when they mash the accelerator. We suppose this might also make a handy learning tool for brand-new drivers, especially if their first automotive experience has to come by way of a V8-equipped monster. Of course, they’ll also be in for a gigantic surprise when mom or dad inputs the code and asks them to pull out.

“More than 150 cars are stolen every day in the United States,” Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis said in the release. “For any car owner, it’s terrible, it’s a hassle and it’s a personal violation. Though statistically rare, car thieves have targeted the high-horsepower Dodge muscle cars, and we want the Dodge ‘Brotherhood’ to know we’re taking quick action and covering their backs.”

The double verification is designed specifically to counter the growing number of car thieves that can spoof the code used by your key fob by adding an extra layer of encryption using the Uconnect 4C infotainment system. It seems like an interesting offer and is apparently totally free, though Dodge does recommend calling your dealer to schedule an appointment. Availability should come late in 2021.

[Images: Dodge]

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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  • RHD RHD on Mar 26, 2021

    "...we want the Dodge ‘Brotherhood’ to know we’re taking quick action and covering their backs.” The action is so quick that you only have to wait until late 2021 for it to actually happen. Oy vey...

  • Agroal Agroal on Mar 27, 2021

    Nissan's look is simply ungainly. How many more different styling directions can this turd go? See what Mazda is doing and copy.

  • Dartdude The bottom line is that in the new America coming the elites don't want you and me to own cars. They are going to make building cars so expensive that the will only be for the very rich and connected. You will eat bugs and ride the bus and live in a 500sq-ft. apartment and like it. HUD wants to quit giving federal for any development for single family homes and don't be surprised that FHA aren't going to give loans for single family homes in the very near future.
  • FreedMike This is before Cadillac styling went full scale nutty...and not particularly attractive, in my opinion.
  • JTiberius1701 Middle of April here in NE Ohio. And that can still be shaky. Also on my Fiesta ST, I use Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires for the winter and Bridgestone Potenza for my summer tires. No issues at all.
  • TCowner We've had a 64.5 Mustang in the family for the past 40 years. It is all original, Rangoon Red coupe with 289 (one of the first instead of the 260), Rally Pac, 4-speed, factory air, every option. Always gets smiles and thumbs ups.
  • ToolGuy This might be a good option for my spouse when it becomes available -- thought about reserving one but the $500 deposit is a little too serious. Oh sorry, that was the Volvo EX30, not the Mustang. Is Volvo part of Ford? Is the Mustang an EV? I'm so confused.
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