Dodge has announced that it is bringing back the manual transmission for the Challenger Hellcat for the 2023 model year, according to Koons Tysons Corner Dodge, a dealer located in Virginia. The revival of the stick-shift option comes after Dodge quietly removed the manual transmission from the Challenger Hellcat in 2021, citing the need for an updated calibration. At the time, the automaker said the manual option would only be absent temporarily.
The 2022 model of the Challenger Hellcat is only available with an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, and the Dodge website does not offer the manual as an option. However, Koons Tysons Corner is instructing prospective customers to use the online builder to create their desired vehicle spec, then send the PDF to the dealer with a note requesting a manual transmission.
The dealership claims that the manual transmission will be available on both standard and widebody models, and the first five orders will be sourced at MSRP. Some forum members have also reported receiving Price Order Confirmations (POCs) for manual Hellcats.
The Challenger Hellcat is one of the most iconic muscle cars in recent memory. It is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine that produces 717 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful production muscle car available. The Hellcat also features a retro-inspired design and classic muscle car styling cues, such as a long hood, a wide stance, and a tapered tail.
The return of the manual transmission for the Challenger Hellcat is sure to be a boon for car enthusiasts who prefer the tactile experience of shifting gears themselves. The manual transmission will also likely appeal to collectors who view the stick-shift option as a rarity for the final year of production.
Dodge has not officially confirmed the return of the manual transmission, but The Drive has reached out to the automaker for comment and will update this story if and when more information becomes available. The revival of the manual transmission for the Challenger Hellcat has been met with widespread excitement and praise from car enthusiasts across the internet.
The Challenger Hellcat has been a fan favorite since it first hit the market in 2015, and its performance and unique design have made it a standout in the crowded sports car market. With the return of the manual transmission option for 2023, the Challenger Hellcat is poised to go out with a bang.
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