Dodge could just as well lay claim to the phrase “topless muscle” as it plans to offer a convertible option for its 2022 Challenger model. However, the automaker will be contracting a third-party company for the modification, instead of producing it from its own facilities.
For the first time in over 50 years, customers can get the Dodge Challenger as a convertible
The new fulfillment process was announced during the opening day of the Dodge Speed Week event held at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan.
Participating dealers who receive customer requests to get the Challenger with the top chopped off will forward these to Drop Top Customs, the oldest convertible coachbuilder in the U.S. market.
“While we hit the throttle toward our new performance path, Dodge is also having fun on this victory lap by celebrating decades of muscle car power,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand chief executive officer for parent company Stellantis. “What better way to commemorate how far we’ve come than to make it easier for Dodge Challenger customers to create a throwback convertible look.”
Drop Top Customs will reinforce the body to compensate for the removed components
Dodge Challengers were previously offered with a convertible option for the 1970 and 1971 model years. For the 2022 Challenger, the conversion costs $25,999 (over Php 1.45 million), on top of the car’s retail price. This includes the installation of a power-operated hydraulic soft-top with interior padding and heated rear glass.
The order process is expected to take less time than buying a convertible Challenger straight from Dodge. “We may not upfit them, but those who want a convertible Challenger can get one faster, expedited from the factory to Drop Top Customs. Owners can order third-party modifications through our Dodge dealerships, and then pick up the finished vehicle at the dealer once the vehicle is complete,” Kuniskis added.
Dodge previously offered a convertible option on Challengers for the 1970-1971 model years
Factory warranty coverage will remain for all non-modified parts, while the convertible components carry a shop warranty of three years or 58,000 kilometers. Dodge outlets will schedule unmodified Challengers to be shipped from the Dodge Brampton plant in Ontario, Canada, to Drop Top Customs in Florida, with conversion orders commencing on August 16.
The service will also be offered for the 2023 model year Challenger once the vehicle is made available for retail.
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Know more about Dodge Challenger 2024
The Dodge Challenger is a rear-wheel-drive muscle car that comes in a 2-door coupe body style. Locally, this model has only one variant. There’s the Challenger GT 3.6L, priced at Php 4,490,000. The GT trim uses a 3.6-liter V6 capable of producing up to 303 horsepower and 363 Nm of torque.
Size-wise, the Challenger Scat Pack variants are 5,027mm long, 1,923mm wide, and 1,466mm in height. The GT trim is slightly smaller at 5,
Locally, the Dodge Challenger competes against the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Nissan 370Z, BMW 2 Series Coupe, among others.
>>> New and used Dodge Challenger 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Dodge Challenger Launch
The first generation Dodge Challenger was introduced in 1969 and was meant to compete with the Pontiac Firebird and the Mercury Cougar. The second-generation Dodge Challenger was previewed in 1978 from a rebadged from another coupe, the Mitsubishi Galant Lambda. Its current generation was initially unveiled through photos on the internet and was formally revealed on November 21, 2005. In 2006, the refreshed concept was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show.
Locally, a revamped version of this iconic coupe was unveiled in 2018 complete with exterior and interior upgrades.
Dodge Challenger Exterior
On the outside, the Dodge Challenger for the Philippine market gets automatic HID headlamps, LED taillights, LED daytime running lamps, an active exhaust system, and power-folding side mirrors, among others. Depending on the trim, this model also rides on a set of 20-inch aluminum wheels.
Dodge Challenger Interior
Inside, the Challenger gets plenty of amenities. Its seats and steering wheel are clad in leather, and it also gets a rear-view auto-dimming mirror, a 60:40 split folding rear seat, a push-to-start button, and a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat.
It also gets an automatic air-conditioning system, and ventilated seats. Its tilt and telescopic column are also power-adjustable, and it gets a power trunklid release as well.
Technology & Safety Feature
Aboard the Challenger is an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. The said headunit is also linked to a 19-piece speaker set, and the model in question also gets an ample amount of USB charging ports, as well as a 12-volt center console power outlet.
It also has a comprehensive safety kit which includes a rear parking assist system, a tire pressure monitoring system, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, automatic highbeams, active head restraints, forward collision warning, a rear backup camera, traction control, adaptive speed control, among many others.
Platform & Chassis
The current version of the Dodge Challenger uses the Chrysler LA platform. It shares this with the Chrysler 300, and the Dodge Charger.
For suspensions, it uses a short and long arm type for the front and a multi-link type for the rear. It also gets disc brakes all around, as well as a manual, foot-operated parking brake.
Engine & Drivetrain
The Dodge Challenger GT utilizes a 3.6-liter mill capable of producing up to 303 horsepower and 363 Nm of torque.
Dodge Challenger 2024 Price List
Let's check out the Dodge Challenger 2024 price in September in the Philippines.
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Dodge Challenger GT 3.6L V6 AT | ₱4,490,000 |
₱ 4,490,000 - ₱ 5,780,000
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