The Manual Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is Back With a Vengeance
The manual Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat was always lauded as the epitome of automotive prowess in a contemporary era. Offering buyers a remarkable 717-horsepower courtesy of its V8 supercharged engine and a six-speed manual transmission, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat captured the hearts and minds of devout muscle car enthusiasts. Sadly, Dodge dealt a devastating blow to fans when the manual option was discontinued back in 2021. However, recent reports indicate that things are heating up, as the manual option has slowly begun appearing throughout dealership order forms. Apparently, the manual option is actually making a comeback for the 2023 model year, allowing the Dodge Challenger to exit the automotive landscape with its head held high.
According to Road & Track, Dodge discreetly removed the manual option from the Challenger SRT Hellcat lineup in 2021. The automaker stated that the powertrain was in need of calibration, and that the manual transmission would only be temporarily absent. Recent developments imply Dodge finished its recalibration, as dealers have been confirming the manual availability across Hellcat forums online. Others have even gone as far as to reveal they have allocations available and are currently ready to accept orders for the manually-equipped Challenger SRT Hellcat.
However, enthusiasts who visit Dodge’s website to attempt to configure a manual Hellcat will not find the option available. Currently, the only transmission option available on Dodge’s configuration tool is the trusty TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. That said, instructions are available online for potential customers to use the online builder tool to customize their Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat specifications. Potential buyers are encouraged to email a PDF configuring their choices to their dealership of choice while specifying they want a manual transmission. It is then up to the dealership to confirm that a manual transmission is available for both the standard and Widebody variants.
Automotive publications reached out to Stellantis (Dodge’s parent company) to verify the return of the manual transmission and its order availability. A representative from Stellantis provided the following response: “The Dodge Challenger Hellcat with manual transmission is now available, in low production volumes. Customers can use the Dodge Horsepower Locator tool at DodgeGarage.com to find a dealer with a remaining Challenger Hellcat allocation, and then connect with the dealer to place an order for a Challenger Hellcat with a manual transmission.”
Find out more about how you can get behind the wheel of your favorite Dodge model here at University Dodge. In the meantime, explore the latest that the Dodge Performance lineup has to offer here at University Dodge. Check out our Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger inventory and schedule your test drive today. Be sure to follow University Dodge on social media for the latest Dodge news and offers.
Photo Source/Copyright: Stellantis