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 2023
The Dodge Challenger is a rear-wheel-drive muscle car that comes in a 2-door coupe body style. Locally, this model has three different variants. There’s the Challenger R/T Scat Pack 6.4 AT, the Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody 6.4 AT, and the Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody.
For prices, the regular R/T Scat Pack is priced at Php 4,590,000, and the widebody variant can be had for Php 4,990,000. If you want the price for the top-spec Hellcat widebody variant meanwhile, one should contact your nearest Dodge Dealership.
For engines, the Philippine-spec Challenger has two options. For the Scat Pack variants, these use a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 that can make up to 485 horsepower and 644 Nm of torque. For the Hellcat trim meanwhile, it uses a more powerful 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 that’s good for 717 horsepower and 889 Nm of torque. All trims then use an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Size-wise, the Challenger Scat Pack variants are 5,017mm long, and 1,465mm in height. The non-widebody version is 1,923mm wide, while the widebody version is 1,990mm wide. The Hellcat then sits lower with a height of 1,461mm.
Locally, the Dodge Challenger competes against the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Nissan 370Z, BMW 2 Series Coupe, among others.
₱ 4,590,000 - ₱ 5,150,000
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