In a shocking turn of events, General Motors has announced the production shutdown of the beloved sixth generation Camaro. This devastating news comes as a blow to fans of the iconic muscle car. The Cabriolet production will cease in November 2023, followed by the coupe sibling in December. It’s a sad day for Camaro enthusiasts everywhere.
But it’s not just Camaro fans who are feeling the sting. Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge, has also made the decision to halt manufacturing of the 2023 Dodge Challenger and Charger. While they have promised to release some ‘Last Call’ special editions in Europe, it’s clear that these models are on their way out.
With the demise of these American classics, it’s important to cherish every sighting of a Challenger, Charger, or Camaro in Europe. These cars are becoming increasingly rare, especially when compared to their competitor, the Ford Mustang. As of now, there is no news from Chevrolet about a potential successor to the Camaro, leaving fans in suspense. Similarly, Dodge has not given any indication if the all-new Charger two-door fastback coupe will make its way to Europe.
So, when one of these American muscle cars does make an appearance in Europe, it’s a special moment to be treasured. Recently, the Drag Car 4K channel on YouTube featured a crimson Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat in a thrilling drag race. Equipped with a powerful 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, this Challenger was ready to take on a regional representative of the sports car sector.
The race took place on an unprepped surface of an airport’s takeoff and landing strip, making traction a crucial factor. The Challenger started with an impressive burnout to warm up its rear tires. Its opponent, a Mercedes-AMG GT R, appeared unfazed and lined up for the challenge. With a bi-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, the Mercedes-AMG GT R was a formidable competitor.
Traditionally, Mopar cars are known for struggling in the first leg of a race. However, this time, the Challenger’s driver executed a flawless launch, gaining an early advantage. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to secure a victory. The lighter and smaller Mercedes-AMG GT R quickly caught up and crossed the finish line with a comfortable lead. The final times were 11.886s for the Mercedes-AMG GT R and 12.126s for the Challenger. Despite the loss, the Challenger still looked magnificent, and the roaring sound of both V8 engines was a delight to any car enthusiast.
