The Dodge Charger and Challenger have started their last production year, and Dodge is celebrating them with a string of special editions. They’re coming fast – about once a week now, Dodge unveils another limited-run Charger or Challenger in its Last Call series.
The latest of the breed is an homage to the sport of drag racing. It’s named for King Daytona — a 1969 Charger that won renown on the West Coast in the 1970s.
807 Horses and One Million Orange
Dodge will build just 300 examples. The 2023 Charger King Daytona boasts a truly impressive 807 horsepower from its 6.2-liter V8 – 10 more horses than even the Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody. Otherwise, it borrows all that car’s mechanicals, including 6-piston Brembo brakes.
But the look may be even more dramatic than the noise. The King Daytona wears a vivid orange that Dodge calls Go Mango on the bodywork and the brake calipers. Satin black graphics accent the color on the hood and roof, while a rear fender graphic announces the model’s name.
Inside, black Nappa leather and Alcantara faux suede line the seats with bright orange stitching. The headliner is suede – an unusual touch – and grippy Alcantara wraps the steering wheel. Carbon fiber trim covers interior bezels.
A Harman Kardon premium audio system and the navigation package come standard.
Get ‘Em While You Can
It won’t be possible to pre-order the King Daytona. Like the other Last Call editions, Dodge plans to deliver the cars to select dealers and let fans buy them on a first-come, first-served basis. The Dodge Garage website will count down how many are available and where.
The King Daytona joins the Challenger Shakedown, purple Charger Super Bee, and a gorgeous green Scat Pack Swinger edition of both the Charger and Challenger on the Last Call list.
When they’re gone, Dodge will forever retire its big rear-wheel-drive V8 cars. The brand’s future? Would you believe Dodge recently showed off an electric muscle car, complete with an intimidating rev sound and an actual shifting transmission? Dodge found a way to Dodge up electric cars. Their future is going to be interesting.
