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The Dodge Challenger Hellcat unceremoniously lost its manual transmission, much to the dismay of Mopar enthusiasts. However, fans of the three-pedal Challenger Hellcat can rest easy; the upcoming 2023 supercharged Mopar will bring back the row-your-boat manual transmission. Here’s what you need to know about the soon-to-be-doomed 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and its manual transmission. 

Does the Dodge Hellcat come in manual?

The 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat doesn’t pack a manual transmission. Instead, the supercharged 6.2L V8 coupe offers its 8-speed automatic TorqueFlite transmission. Of course, while the TorqueFlite posts quicker acceleration times than the previous model years with a manual transmission, it loses the fun factor of a traditional manual transmission. However, Dodge just announced that the 2023 model year would rectify that issue. 

The manual Hellcat is back just in time for the end of the namesake's tenure.
2023 Dodge Challenger SRT | Stellantis

Will the 2023 Dodge Challenger Hellcat have a manual transmission?

The upcoming 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat will have a standard six-speed manual transmission. It should be the same stout and abuse-tolerating Tremec unit that the 5.7L-equipped and 6.4L-packing Challengers pack as standard. That’s good news for potential Challenger owners who want 717 horsepower and the ability to drop the clutch and melt off an epidermal layer of the rear tires.

Of course, Car and Driver says that potential owners who want one of the last Challenger Hellcats to roll off the assembly line can still get an automatic should they want one. Still, the TorqueFlite is an additional $2,995 and less interactive; enthusiasts might want to opt for the standard three-pedal setup. 

The 2023 Dodge Challenger Hellcat is a swan song manual muscle car.
2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody | Stellantis

What year did they stop making manual Hellcats?

In late 2021, Dodge removed the six-speed Tremec manual transmission from its online configurator. The move didn’t go unnoticed in the Mopar enthusiasts community; MotorTrend says the culprit was a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calibration which kept fans from getting a manual Hellcat for the 2022 model year. Moreover, Dodge told MotorTrend that the PCM shortage “isn’t related” to the lack of a three-pedal 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. 

Is 2023 the last year for the Dodge Challenger Hellcat?

Unfortunately for Mopar enthusiasts, Dodge will discontinue the Challenger, including the manual Hellcat, soon. 2023 will be the last Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, Redeye, and other retro-inspired Challengers. The naturally aspirated 5.7L R/T and 6.4L R/T Scat Pack models will also die off after the 2023 model year. Moreover, the gas-powered Dodge Charger is also doomed; Dodge has a concept for Charger Daytona SRT EV, a fully-electric coupe. 

However, the Charger and manual Challenger Hellcat aren’t headed out without a tribute. Instead, Dodge has its 2023 “Last Call” models. Each model is a limited-edition release, split between the Charger and Challenger models with 6.4L and supercharged 6.2L Hellcat powerplants. Moreover, some Hellcat-powered editions, like the Black Ghost, are limited to 300 copies. 

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Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).