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Why did Dodge stop making chargers?

Dodge, the iconic American automaker, made the decision to discontinue the production of the Dodge Charger in 2023. This move was part of the company's broader strategy to shift its focus towards more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles, as the automotive industry continues to evolve towards a more sustainable future.

The Rise and Fall of the Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger, a muscle car known for its powerful engines and bold design, has been a staple in the Dodge lineup since the late 1960s. The Charger's popularity soared in the 1970s, with its distinctive fastback silhouette and high-performance capabilities. However, as consumer preferences shifted towards more practical and fuel-efficient vehicles in the following decades, the Charger's sales began to decline.

Changing Automotive Landscape

The decision to discontinue the Dodge Charger was largely driven by the changing automotive landscape. As environmental concerns and stricter emissions regulations became more prominent, automakers were compelled to adapt their product offerings to meet these new demands. Dodge, like many other manufacturers, recognized the need to invest in the development of more sustainable vehicles, such as electric and hybrid models, to remain competitive in the market.

Dodge's Shift Towards Electrification

Dodge's decision to stop producing the Charger was part of a broader strategic shift towards electrification. The company has announced plans to introduce its first all-electric muscle car by 2024, signaling its commitment to embracing the future of the automotive industry. This move aligns with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly vehicles and the industry's push towards reducing carbon emissions.

The Future of the Dodge Brand

While the discontinuation of the Dodge Charger may be a bittersweet moment for fans of the iconic muscle car, it represents a necessary step in the evolution of the Dodge brand. The company is poised to reinvent itself, focusing on the development of innovative, sustainable vehicles that cater to the changing needs and preferences of modern consumers. As the automotive industry continues to transform, Dodge's decision to stop making the Charger is a testament to its willingness to adapt and embrace the future.

Is Dodge going to bring back the charger?

Yes, Dodge is bringing back the Charger, but it's the next-generation 2026 model that is available in both electric and gasoline options. The gasoline-powered versions, which arrive later in 2026, will feature a new twin-turbo inline-six engine, called the Sixpack, that makes more horsepower than the old V8 Hemi. A V8-powered drag-only version has also been released, and while a street-legal V8 is expected, the new internal combustion engine Charger will be inline-six powered.

This video discusses the new 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack with an inline-six engine: 1mRedline ReviewsYouTube · Nov 15, 2025

2026 Dodge Charger: The new generation will be available in both two-door and four-door body styles.
Electric Models: The electric versions are available now, including the Daytona Scat Pack with 670 horsepower.
Gasoline Models: The new gasoline-powered Sixpack models are expected to arrive mid-2026.
Sixpack Engine: These models will use a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, which produces more horsepower than the previous V8 Hemi.
V8 Options: A purpose-built, V8-powered drag racing version has been released, and it's possible there will be a street-legal V8 version in the future.

You can watch this video to learn more about the 2026 Dodge Challenger: 1mNext-Gen CarYouTube · Aug 2, 2025

Why are Hellcats getting banned?

Hellcats are not banned everywhere, but some models, specifically the high-performance versions of the Dodge Durango, are restricted or banned from sale in certain U.S. states due to strict emissions regulations set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). These states require vehicles to meet more stringent emissions standards, which the supercharged HEMI V8 engines in trims like the Durango SRT Hellcat and R/T 392 do not currently meet. As a result, Dodge has limited sales of these specific trims to states that do not follow CARB standards.

This video explains why the Dodge Durango Hellcat is banned in certain US states: 53sKnockout 360YouTube · Sep 17, 2025

Reason for restrictions: The primary reason is emissions, as the powerful V8 engines do not meet the stricter standards set by CARB.
CARB states: Seventeen states, plus Washington D.C., follow CARB's stricter rules, including California, New York, and Massachusetts.
Affected models: The ban applies to specific models with the higher-output V8 engines, such as the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat and R/T 392. The base 5.7-liter HEMI GT version of the Durango is still available nationwide.
Dodge's response: Dodge has not yet gone through the lengthy and costly process of certifying these specific engines for CARB states, leading to the sales restriction. The company has stated it will continue working with CARB to try and expand availability to more states in the future.

You can watch this video to learn about the Dodge Durango Hellcat being banned in these states: 1mJB ReviewsYouTube · Sep 16, 2025

What is replacing a Dodge Charger?

Line I would say in the new Charger. Right there in terms of length. The new Charger is 206.6.

Is Dodge making a 2026 Hellcat?

Yes, there will be a 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. It will be available as a Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak, which offers extensive customization options on top of the supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine.

You can watch this video to learn more about the 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat: 54sNext-Gen CarYouTube · Aug 2, 2025

Engine: The 2026 Durango SRT Hellcat will feature the supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8, which produces 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque.
Customization: The "Jailbreak" package unlocks over six million potential customization combinations, allowing customers to choose from a wide array of options for things like exterior colors, stripes, badges, wheels, brake colors, and interior materials.
Availability: Ordering for the 2026 Durango SRT Hellcat was scheduled to open on August 13, 2025.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.