2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost

The Dodge Challenger was one of the first muscle cars and the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost model will be one of the last. Built with many variations on a theme, the Challenger has seen the SRT experts act aggressively to squeeze every last pony out of the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI engine. Napleton News has no problem burning some fossil fuel to make this thing go. Hop in with us to see what we think.

What is the Dodge Challenger Black Ghost?

There’s a Challenger for everyone. Base SXT trim starts with the Dodge Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine. It boasts 303 horsepower and can even be ordered with optional all-wheel drive (AWD). There is the Challenger R/T with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that produces 375 horsepower and is available with an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. Next up is the R/T Scat Pack with a 6.4-liter HEMI producing 485 horsepower.

The Challenger SRT Hellcat includes a 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI engine making an epic 717 horsepower. Finally, for those feeling enough is never enough, Dodge put together a little more oomph in the form of Challenger Hellcat Redeye and Challenger Super Stock models. Offering 807 horsepower, these factory-built drag racers require a roll cage to race at National Hot Rod Association tracks.

It also includes a Widebody Competition suspension for those who prefer to make left and right turns, too.

Special “Last Call” features

Our Challenger SRT Hellcat Black Ghost is one of the “Last Call” special edition cars. Available in a limited run of 300 units, the Black Ghost pays tribute to a legendary Detroit street racer from the 1970s. As the story goes, the Black Ghost was the undisputed king of Motor City street racing. Owned by a Detroit police officer and Army veteran, Godfrey Qualls, the car was bought new. It was painted gloss black and had a vinyl gator-skinned roof and white stripes across the trunk.

Quall would show up at the street races, beat all competitors and then leave before introducing himself to the vanquished. Hence the Ghost name. The original Black Ghost Challenger is still in the Quall’s family garage in Detroit.

You can’t order this car. One will pop up at a Dodge dealer near you. You just need to keep your eyes open for it.

How does the Dodge Challenger Black Ghost look?

It’s probably a silly question, considering you all know what the Dodge Challenger has looked like since it was reintroduced in 2008. This one is complete with the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody kit with fender flares, yellow daylight running lights and a hunkered-down appearance. This one is no different except for the Vinyl rooftop “gator skin” and white stripes wrapping around the rear fenders and trunk lid. A three-inch decklid spoiler accents the rear while a front lip spoiler and real hood pins keep the lid down at high speed, which reportedly can reach 203 mph.

What about inside the Ghost?

Inside, the Black Ghost is a standard Challenger Hellcat Redeye interior with SRT Hellcat embroidery on the seat headrests. There’s black Laguna leather and Alcantara trim located around the cockpit and glaring red gauges to let you know you’re in something totally different.

In addition to a Black Ghost package, this Hellcat Redeye includes the Dodge Technology Group package. This group includes rain-sensing wipers, auto high-beams, forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The Driver Convenience Group and Harman Kardon audio system with Uconnect 4C round out the interior options.

Fire it up.

The Black Ghost Challenger reeks of muscle. What other cars can boast of 807 horsepower right off the transporter? Very few. Here, it’s a mature five-seat muscle car that can carry the family to the big box store or its owner down the drag strip. Or both. Just be prepared for a thirsty appetite.

Push the starter button and the 6.2-liter supercharged engine roars to life. We instinctively reach for a shifter but quickly remember we are driving an 8-speed automatic. The first sound we notice is the whirring up of the supercharger under the hood. It brings back memories of NHRA drag racers at Miami-Hollywood Speedway Park, which was located where the development of Weston, west of Ft. Lauderdale, is today. It was a heady time to be a young gearhead, attending big-time drag racing events filled with the sounds of performance and the scents of nitromethane and burning rubber.

Forget the nitro because the Black Ghost runs on regular gasoline. For best results, go for the highest octane you can find but it works fine with mid-grade too.

Launching from a stoplight is an experience that will push a passenger back in the seat instantly. It’s an amazing feeling that is only matched by the sound of the big HEMI V8 under the hood.

It’s a feeling that few others can equal. This being the Last Call of the current crop of Dodge performance vehicles mean you should be on the lookout for this one. They won’t last long. The next-generation will feature twin turbocharged inline six-cylinder engines with mild hybrid assists.

We know what they are currently capable of. We can’t wait to see what happens when the next-generation gets massaged by SRT.

2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost Specifications

	2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost Specifications
Popular Powertrains
Engine Type	6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI V8
Horsepower	807 hp @ 6,300 rpm
Torque	707 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Economy	16 mpg (13 city/22 hwy)
Suspension F/R	Short and Long Arm/Multilink
Turning Circle	38.7 ft.
Also Available	Other variations
Specs
Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	Not Rated
Max Seating Capacity	5
Wheelbase	116.2 inches
Overall Length	197.5 inches
Width	75.7 inches
Height	57.2 inches
Headroom, Front	39.3 inches
Legroom, Front	42.0 inches
Headroom, Rear	37.1 inches
Legroom, Rear	33.1 inches
Shoulder Room, Front	58.5 inches
Shoulder, Rear	53.9 inches
Cargo Space	16.2 cubic feet