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THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN DROPPED FROM THE DODGE CHALLENGER HELLCAT

The Only Hellcat You Could Get With A Manual

2015 2016 2017 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Manual Transmission
2015 Challenger Hellcat. Image via Dodge.

The Dodge Challenger Hellcat currently has an absurdly high number of options to choose from when placing an order on the online configurator. From crazy paint colors and decal packs to four different seatbelt colors, there seems to be no limit to how custom you can make the muscle car. However, if you’re looking into purchasing a 2022 model, you may have noticed that the manual option has disappeared, and it seems to be unclear if/when it will return.

Dodge Challenger Hellcat W/ Manual Transmission
Image via Dodge.

Dodge Challenger Hellcat: Will The Six-Speed Manual Eventually Come Back?

The Drive spoke with a Dodge spokesperson on the subject and discovered that a “revised calibration” for the manual powertrain was on the way. This supports the rumors and speculation on forum posts that the manual transmission Challenger Hellcat was having a hard time meeting emission standards.

Last year, Challenger fans noticed that the six-speed transmission was no longer selectable for new builds. Despite regular posts from Dodge representatives stating that the manual would become available for order late in 2021, it’s clear that they’re still working on it. But with pressure to greenwash their vehicle portfolio, parent company Stellantis may see the time and effort to bring the calibration to the finish line could instead be used on future electric vehicles.

While there’s no information on when orders will open up for manual Challenger Hellcat models, Dodge’s representative indicated that the situation is temporary. It’s undoubtedly a frustrating situation for buyers that are eager to get a Dodge Challenger Hellcat before they are said to be gone for good by 2024.

Each day is a day closer to the Dodge Hellcat V8 roar getting replaced with a “sound you cannot imagine” from an electric muscle car. Whatever that sound may be, it will certainly never compare to the sound all muscle car fans adore.

If you’re willing to sacrifice the powerful Hellcat, the lower-end R/T and Scat Pack models can still be ordered with three pedals. However, if you’re dead set on getting a manual transmission Hellcat, then you’ll have to bite the bullet and wait until Dodge makes the stick available again for the Challenger, whenever/if ever that may be.

Power Brokers, Direct Connection For 2022 And Beyond

While the low-volume stick shift remains MIA for the Challenger Hellcat, Dodge has been working overtime when it comes to meeting its seemingly endless power demands from its customers.

Through the Direct Connection program found at hand-selected Dodge Power Brokers dealers, customers can select Stage I and Stage II Kits for the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye, which take the street-legal drag racer from 797 horsepower up to 840 or 885 horsepower, respectively, when in high-octane mode. There’s also a Stage I Kit for the “regular” SRT Hellcat that unleashes a respectable 757 horsepower on high-octane. None of these kits require any changes to engine internals or anything overly burdensome like that – just basics, like an OBD-II tune, a performance air filter, low-temp thermostat, and 3.17-inch “Hellephant” engine pulley. All of these upgrades are completely warranty-backed from the factory.

Written by Zac Quinn

Zac's love for cars started at a young age, after seeing the popular Eleanor from Gone In 60 Seconds. From there, fascination and enthusiasm blossomed and to this day the Ford Mustang remains a favorite. His first job started out detailing cars, but also provided the opportunity to work on restoration including an 1968 Ford Mustang, Pontiac Firebird, and a C3 Corvette, though he left that job before further work and experience could be had. From there, he was a detailer at a car dealership before quitting that job to try and finish college.

Much of his free time while studying was spent watching YouTube videos regarding new cars, or off-roading. 4WD247 is a personal favorite channel which rekindled a dying flame in car enthusiasm, now tailored towards trucks and SUVs and the fun that can be had building up an overlanding rig, and going on adventures, though, that chapter remains unwritten for the time being.

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