In the land of wall-to-wall hybrids, old-school muscle car fans got a glimpse of the latest Charger and Challenger special editions at the 2013 LA Auto Show. Dubbed the 100th Anniversary Editions, these modern Mopar legends come equipped with interior and exterior enhancements to celebrate the brand’s centennial.
Setting them apart from “regular” models, these new Dodge Boys cruisers can be slathered with “High Octane” red pearl paint–in addition to the other usual colors. The special versions also get unique 20-inch wheels, exclusive leather trim, commemorative badging, cool key fobs and a special limited-edition owner’s kit and a commemorative book that “celebrates 100 years of Dodge heritage.” We already know no one reads their owner’s manual, but maybe the history book will get thumbed through.
For fuel economy-minded consumers (we’re in California, after all), you can get V6 versions–the V6 Charger we tested returned 22 mpg overall. And there’s also an available eight-speed automatic transmission to help you deal with L.A.’s notoriously dense traffic. But really, the fun here is combining Detroit-iron good looks with V8 power and sound. The available 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine puts 375 horsepower in the Challenger and zipped off 0-60 mph sprints in 6.5 seconds in our tests. Plus, it sounds like a car with soul.
The 2014 Dodge Charger 100th Anniversary Edition package is a bump up of $2,200 over the SXT Plus or R/T Plus trim levels. The Challenger is a $2,500 premium over the SXT Plus or R/T Plus trims.
We say: Cool just got cooler.
Look for these entertaining collectibles to go on sale in winter 2014.
—Mike Quincy
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