- Dodge has over 3,000 V8-powered Challengers and Chargers still available at dealerships.
- Prices for 2023 Challenger R/T models start around $45,000, but Hellcats can exceed $100,000.
- Once Dodge’s dealership inventory is gone, the used market will be your only choice.
While some might accept Dodge’s decision to replace the aging but popular Challenger and Charger duo with a single model offering electric and six-cylinder powertrains in both coupe and sedan formats, most enthusiasts are likely disappointed by the move due to the loss of the HEMI V8. This is especially hard to swallow for diehard Mopar fans in a world where Ford continues to push its Mustang forward.
But for those still holding out for one last taste of that V8 growl, there’s a silver lining. Despite the fact that the final V8-powered Challengers and Chargers rolled off the production line on December 22, 2023, at Stellantis’ Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada, a quick scan of Dodge’s inventory reveals a healthy supply of these muscle cars still sitting on dealership lots.
To be precise, after browsing through Dodge’s inventory, we found that there are currently 1,839 V8-powered Challengers and 1,183 V8-powered Chargers available at dealerships across the US. Sure, there are hundreds of V6 models floating around, but let’s be honest, those don’t exactly set the heart racing. If you’re after the throaty growl of a true American muscle car, the V8 is still the way to go.
Challenger V8s: From Budget to Hellcat
Starting with the Challenger, Dodge’s inventory website shows a range of V8 options, including the 392 HEMI, the 5.7-liter HEMI, and the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI found in all Hellcat models. For those on a budget, the 2023 Challenger R/T is the most affordable, typically priced around $45,000. If you’re looking for a bit more performance, the R/T Scat Pack with the larger 6.4-liter/392 HEMI V8 is a solid choice, usually hovering around $51,000.
Then, of course, there are the Hellcats. The entry-level 2023 SRT Hellcat Jailbreak is priced at $74,519, with prices for the Hellcat Jailbreak Widebody models climbing to as high as $102,116. For those chasing the pinnacle of Dodge performance, there are no fewer than 94 Hellcat Redeye Widebody models available, with prices ranging from $100,865 to $162,836. Just be sure not to overpay, as some dealers might still be pricing like it’s the height of the pandemic-era.
The Charger: A V8 for Every Taste
It’s much the same story with the Charger inventory on Dodge’s website. The Hellcat Jailbreak Widebody models are commanding prices in the $95,000 to $100,000 range. That’s a lot more than what we expect the new-age Charger Sixpack will command, but the Hellcat easily outmuscles it, and the presence of a large-capacity V8 makes it much more desirable.
Read: Just 3,361 New Dodge Challengers And 98 Chevy Camaros Left On Dealer Lots
Not quite ready to splurge on a Hellcat? Don’t worry; there are still plenty of Charger R/T models with the 5.7-liter V8 available for under $50,000. Alternatively, if you want something that sits squarely between the base V8 and the Hellcat, the Charger Scat Pack, with its 6.4-liter V8, is a solid option and there are plenty to choose from.
The Final Drive
Whether you’re eyeing a Challenger or a Charger, there are still plenty of options available. Plus, you might be able to score a sweet deal if you shop around and haggle as dealers are always looking to move inventory, especially since many of these models have been sitting on lots for a year or more.
Have you managed to score a HEMI at a discount? How much did you pay? Share your story with fellow readers and let us know how you snagged your Mopar V8 before they’re all gone.
