The Last Hemi Muscle Car Rolls off the Production Line at the Brampton Assembly Plant
Last Friday, amidst the holiday festivities, Stellantis made a somber confirmation that the last L-platform muscle car had rolled off the production line at the Brampton Assembly Plant, which is located approximately 40 minutes northwest of Toronto, Canada. The final vehicle was a 2023 Challenger SRT Demon 170, a powerful and iconic car that marks the end of an era for the Hemi engine. Car enthusiasts and workers at the plant were emotional and reflective about the milestone, as reflected in a poignant Facebook post.
Reflecting the sentiment of many employees, one commenter wrote, “Today was my last day at the plant, I have never seen so much excitement for a car.” Another commenter expressed their gratitude in a heartfelt message, saying, “Thank you to all the men and women who built my 2019 Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody. I love my car and it will stay with me until I leave for the Mopar Garage in the sky.”
In addition to the Challenger, the last Charger – a Scat Pack Widebody in Destroyer Grey – also left the production line, as did the final Hemi-powered Chrysler 300, a 2023 300C Velvet Red. These significant events mark the end of production for these iconic muscle cars.
The modern Dodge Challenger has been in production since April 2008, embodying the legacy of the original Challenger from the 70s. This version has garnered a strong following, being featured in films, car meets, and even military bases throughout the country. Meanwhile, the Charger and Chrysler 300 have been present since 2005 and 2004, respectively, establishing their reputation as strong and iconic vehicles.
The news of the last L-platform muscle car rolling off the production line might appear as the end of a legendary era. However, it is important to note that it does not mean the end of Dodge’s performance cars altogether. While the Hemi V8 engine may be bidding adieu, it is a known fact that there are plans for the Charger to return, albeit sans the V8 engine. The teaser for the Charger Daytona SRT electric concept car hints at Dodge’s electrified future. It is rumored that the next Dodge Charger will retain a gasoline engine, potentially an inline six-cylinder Hurricane. These developments mark an intriguing shift in the company’s direction as it embraces the era of electric and electrified vehicles.
With the end of production for the L-platform vehicles, the Brampton Assembly Plant is gearing up for a transformation to support an electric future. According to Automotive News Canada, the factory is set to undergo a two-year hiatus for retooling to produce “electrified vehicles.”
The retooling and transformation of the plant signal a new era for Dodge’s offerings. The Charger and Challenger names may return someday, albeit in a different form. However, the V8-powered versions are, unfortunately, on the brink of becoming a fond memory.
While the momentous occasion marks a significant shift for Stellantis and Dodge, it also signals the beginning of an electric chapter in the company’s history. The automaker’s future remains promising, filled with new possibilities as it forges ahead in the world of electrified and powerful vehicles.
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