Miguel Hauk Blog: Dodge Debuts Stars & Stripes Edition Charger & Challenger

According to a recent study by mTAB, a global market research and analysis firm, Dodge has the highest percentage of active military buyers among all U.S. manufacturers. When it comes to performance cars, Charger and Challenger hold the highest percentage of active military buyers in that segment. The findings are part of mTAB’s “New Vehicle Customer Studies: October 2016-September 2018.”

To celebrate the men and women of the U.S. armed forces, Dodge is rolling out the Stars & Stripes Edition for their flagship performance cars.

“Dodge is known for delivering custom looks straight from the factory,” said Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA – North America and Head of Parts & Service (Mopar), FCA – North America. “We also have a strong following of buyers who are in the military, as well as many buyers who are patriotic.”

Stars & Stripes Edition: Exterior & Interior Treatments

The package includes a satin black and silver accent stripe running down the car’s center. The 20 x 9-inch mid-gloss black wheels are paired with bronze four-piston Brembo brake calipers. The Brembo setup is standard on Charger Scat Pack and Challenger R/T Scat Pack, and included with the Performance Handing Group on GT and R/T models.

The Stars & Stripes Edition is available with Destroyer Grey, F8 Green, Granite Crystal, IndiGo Blue, Maximum Steel, Octane Red, Pitch Black, Triple Nickel, and White Knuckle. Regardless of color choice, satin black American Flag decals are located on the fenders. On the inside, there are plenty of gloss black accents, each offset by the Antique Bronze instrument panel badge and bronze accent stitching throughout. The black-on-black cloth seats even feature an embroidered bronze star.

“The Stars & Stripes Edition is an opportunity to deliver a custom look with unique elements that speak to those performance enthusiasts who want to extend their passion for their country to the Charger and Challenger,” Beahm said.

Photo: FCA US LLC.

Related: An in-depth look at the 2019 Dodge Charger lineup.

Stars & Stripes Edition: Model Availability

The Stars & Stripes treatment is available for the higher-end Charger Scat Pack and Challenger R/T Scat Pack. Both offer outstanding performance for the dollar, with a starting MSRP less than $40,000. Under the hood is the evergreen 392 Hemi, delivering 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft. of torque. Although a Tremec six-speed manual transmission is still available for the Challenger R/T Scat Pack, drivers can upgrade to the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic.

Charger and Challenger R/T models also have the Stars & Stripes option. Both receive another evergreen Hemi in the 5.7-liter with only marginal power differences. The Challenger R/T creates 375 horsepower and 410 lb-ft. of torque with the standard Tremec six-speed manual. When paired with the available TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic, the Challenger R/T delivers 372 horsepower and 400 lb-ft. of torque. The Charger R/T is standard with the TorqueFlite and rated at 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft. of torque

Charger and Challenger GT RWD also have the option. Both feature the Pentastar V6 and TorqueFlite automatic, and with only marginal power differences once again. The Charger GT RWD comes in at 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft. of torque; Challenger is 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft. of torque by comparison.

Photo: FCA US LLC.

In Person & Pricing

Stars & Stripes Edition cars will be on display at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. The Stars & Stripes Edition joins other popular Dodge packages, like the Painted Satin Black and Brass Monkey appearance packages. The Stars & Stripes Edition will be available for order starting next month, with an MSRP of $1,995; vehicles will arrive at dealerships this summer.

Eligible customers may receive up to $500 in military bonus cash through FCA’s “Honoring Those Who Serve” program. The offer applies to purchases and leases on select vehicles.