The Dodge Challenger has long stood as a symbol of raw power, aggressive design, and unapologetic performance. In a world gradually shifting toward electric vehicles and compact SUVs, the Challenger has been a tire-burning, V8-powered relic of a bygone era — and proudly so. For 2024, Dodge gives its legendary muscle car a proper send-off with what many believe is the final model year for this iteration of the 2024 challenger. It’s a swan song, a celebration, and a farewell all wrapped into one — and it’s spectacular.
A Legacy Carved in Asphalt
The modern Dodge Challenger traces its roots back to the original 1970 model, when Dodge entered the muscle car wars to take on the likes of the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. With its wide stance, long hood, and retro-inspired design, the current generation — which debuted in 2008 — has remained largely unchanged in appearance, which is exactly what fans love about it.
Over the years, Dodge continuously injected more power, technology, and heritage into the Challenger, culminating in jaw-dropping variants like the Hellcat, Redeye, and the mind-bending Super Stock. With 2024 marking the end of the line, Dodge offers several limited-edition models that pay homage to the past while pushing the envelope on modern performance.
Design: Old-School Muscle with Modern Flare
The 2024 Challenger retains its iconic retro design — broad shoulders, a wide grille, bold lines, and aggressive stance. While the exterior might appear similar to previous years, Dodge has refined details to keep things fresh. Several new colors, including heritage shades like Plum Crazy, B5 Blue, and Sublime Green, return for 2024, giving enthusiasts one last chance to get their favorite throwback hues from the factory.
Up front, the split grille and round headlights harken back to the classic 1970s Challenger, while LED lighting adds a modern twist. The rear retains the full-width taillight panel and bold “DODGE” badging that complete the muscle look.
The interior is equally retro-modern. High-performance variants come with performance seats, leather trim, and unique badging. Touches of carbon fiber and suede elevate the experience, especially in the top trims. While it doesn’t match some modern sports cars in terms of cutting-edge design, the Challenger’s cabin is functional, driver-focused, and loaded with character.
Performance: The Heart of the Beast
What makes the 2024 Dodge Challenger so special is what’s under the hood. Dodge continues to offer a staggering array of powertrains, from a relatively tame V6 to monstrous supercharged V8s. Each version delivers a different kind of thrill, allowing buyers to choose just how wild they want their ride to be.
3.6L Pentastar V6 (SXT and GT)
At the entry-level, the SXT and GT trims come with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 303 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it’s smooth and adequate for daily driving. Both trims are available with optional all-wheel drive, making the Challenger the only muscle coupe to offer AWD, a valuable feature in cold-weather states.
5.7L HEMI V8 (R/T)
Stepping up to the R/T trim brings a classic 5.7-liter HEMI V8 generating 375 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers the iconic V8 rumble and respectable acceleration, giving the Challenger real muscle car cred without the premium price of higher trims.
6.4L HEMI V8 (R/T Scat Pack)
The R/T Scat Pack is where the Challenger becomes a serious performance machine. Its 6.4-liter (392 cubic inch) V8 produces 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. It rockets from 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds and sounds absolutely thunderous doing it. Available with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic, the Scat Pack is the sweet spot for enthusiasts who want big power without venturing into supercharged territory.
Supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 (Hellcat, Redeye, Super Stock)
The top-of-the-line trims are where Dodge truly goes ballistic. The Hellcat version’s supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 starts at 717 horsepower, while the Hellcat Redeye boosts output to 797 hp. If that’s not enough, the Challenger SRT Super Stock unleashes a jaw-dropping 807 horsepower — the most powerful factory Challenger ever.
The Super Stock is essentially a street-legal dragster, equipped with drag radials, a lightweight setup, and performance tweaks aimed purely at straight-line speed. Dodge claims a quarter-mile time in the low 10-second range straight from the showroom, a feat unheard of just a decade ago.
Driving Experience: Unfiltered and Authentic
Driving a 2024 Dodge Challenger, especially in its high-performance variants, is unlike any other modern car. While many automakers chase lap times and precision, the Challenger delivers brute force, tire smoke, and an auditory assault that stirs the soul.
The ride quality in non-performance trims is surprisingly comfortable, making it viable as a daily driver. The steering is heavy but communicative, and while the Challenger is not the most agile car in corners due to its size and weight, it more than makes up for it with drama and charisma.
Launch control, line lock, adaptive suspension, and customizable drive modes in performance models add layers of capability and fun. Whether you’re doing burnouts in a parking lot or launching down a drag strip, the Challenger brings a sense of joy and rebelliousness that few cars can match.
Technology and Features
While performance is the Challenger’s calling card, Dodge hasn’t skimped on modern conveniences. The Uconnect infotainment system remains one of the best in the industry, featuring a user-friendly interface, fast responses, and available features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system.
Higher trims come loaded with heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a host of driver-assist features including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, some of these features are optional even in upper trims, reflecting the Challenger’s old-school focus on performance over pampering.
Special Editions and Farewell Models
To commemorate the end of the Challenger’s run, Dodge has introduced a series of “Last Call” special edition models. These are limited-production versions inspired by famous models from the past, each with unique styling, badging, and performance features. Highlights include:
Shakedown – Based on a 2016 SEMA concept, this version adds custom graphics, black and red interior trim, and unique wheels.
Swinger – A nostalgic throwback with retro green paint, gold accents, and 1970s-themed interior materials.
Black Ghost – Inspired by a legendary street racer Challenger from Detroit, it features gator-skin roof vinyl, black paint, and 807-hp Redeye performance.
Demon 170 – Perhaps the most insane of them all, this dragstrip monster produces 1,025 horsepower on E85 fuel and can do a 0-60 run in 1.66 seconds, making it the fastest accelerating production car ever built. It’s the ultimate mic-drop moment for Dodge.
Each of these limited editions carries a distinct VIN plaque, special badging, and a certificate of authenticity. They’re aimed squarely at collectors and die-hard Mopar fans, and they’re expected to appreciate in value rapidly due to their significance.
The End of an Era
The 2024 Dodge Challenger represents more than just the conclusion of a model line; it’s the end of an era. In a time when electric cars are replacing V8s, and autonomous features are becoming standard, the Challenger stands proudly as a monument to unfiltered American muscle.
Dodge has already announced that its next muscle car will be electric — a major shift in philosophy and engineering. While enthusiasts wait to see what Dodge’s EV future holds, the 2024 Challenger ensures the combustion engine goes out with a bang rather than a whimper.
It’s a bittersweet moment for fans, but it’s also a celebration. The Challenger’s longevity, charm, and thunderous performance have earned it a place in the pantheon of great American cars. Its influence will be felt for years to come, even as the automotive landscape continues to evolve.
Conclusion: A True American Icon
The 2024 Dodge Challenger is more than just a car — it’s a statement. It stands in defiance of trends, champions the thrill of driving, and serves as a reminder of what muscle cars have always been about: power, sound, and attitude.
From the entry-level V6 to the insane Demon 170, the Challenger lineup offers something for every kind of enthusiast. Whether you want a daily driver with flair or a dragstrip dominator that makes supercars nervous, the 2024 Challenger delivers in spades.