Here’s the first of seven special editions promised by Dodge last week to mark the end of the Charger and Challenger as we know it today.

Inspired by the eponymous concept unveiled at the 2016 SEMA Show (which you can see in the photo gallery), the 2023 Dodge Challenger Shakedown uses the red and black combination for both the exterior and interior.

Only 1,000 units will be available, consisting of 500 Shakedown R/T Scat Pack models in Destroyer Gray and 500 Shakedown R/T Scat Pack Widebody models in Absolute Black. The company refuses to disclose the portion reserved for Canada.

This special edition is based on the Challenger Scat Pack 392, i.e. with the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 with 485 hp, and includes the Plus, Technology, Navigation, Dynamic and Suede and Carbon option packages. It’s clearly not the gear that’s missing.

On the outside you’ll find the Mopar Shaker hood and associated fresh air intake, ‘392’ badging on the fenders, unique badge on the grille, ‘Shakedown’ script on the rear spoiler and of course the full red Shakedown stripes Accents notice the car right in the middle. Behind the 20-inch wheels painted black (they are 11 inches wide instead of 9.5 inches on widebody models) are red-painted six-piston brake calipers from Brembo.

As for the interior, the leather and black Alcantara seats with red stitching steal the show, but let’s also highlight the Demon Red seat belts and the “Shakedown” badge on the dashboard. The latter, like the steering wheel and the console, has red decorative stitching.

As I am sure you have understood, this is an essentially aesthetic treatment. The program does not contain technical changes to improve performance.

Five more special Challenger and Charger models will be announced through September 21. A final one follows at the SEMA Show 2022, which takes place from November 1st to 4th. As with all 2023 models, details on availability and ordering will be announced in the fall. Ditto for the prices.

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