Dodge Drops the Manual Hellcat with No Return in Sight

Shh! Dodge doesn’t offer a manual transmission for the Hellcat models any longer. It’s a secret, but it’s one that’s not kept well.

While there wasn’t any official announcement of the loss of the six-speed manual transmission from the Hellcat lineup, it happened. In November, Dodge updated the configurator for the 2022 Dodge Challenger to include a ton of other features, but not the manual transmission. What could possibly cause this incredible muscle car to forgo such an important part of the driving experience? Let’s see if we can figure this one out.

Is the Hellcat Engine Too Powerful for a Manual Transmission?

The first versions of the Hellcat engine topped out at 707 horsepower. Today, we see variations of this engine that reach insane levels of power, which hit more than 800 ponies. Is it possible this much power is too much for the manual transmission Dodge uses in the Challenger? The other V8 models can still be ordered with this transmission, but not the trio of Hellcat models. This can be the only explanation for the loss of this item. The driving experience isn’t the same without a stick shift to move about when on the road or track.

Will a New Version Arrive?

We don’t have an answer to this question yet. Dodge tells us a new version with proper calibration for the power from the Hellcat engines is in the works, but no date is set. We certainly hope there will be a new manual transmission offered for the Hellcat models, but it could be some time before we see it. Even Dodge needs to focus on making electric vehicles, and that is taking much of the R&D budget and time these days for nearly every automaker.

What Do the Three Hellcat Versions Offer?

Of course, when you ask what a muscle car has, the first thing you hear is how much power it provides. There are three models of the Challenger that use the Hellcat engine to give you the power you desire. These models all use a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The power levels are:

• SRT Super Stock – 807 horsepower, 707 lb.-ft. of torque
  SRT Hellcat Redeye – 797 horsepower, 707 lb.-ft. of torque
  SRT Hellcat – 717 horsepower, 656 lb.-ft. of torque

Of course, there are several varieties of this car offered to you.

If you’re Hellbent on a Manual Challenger…

When you must have a Dodge Challenger with a manual transmission, but you know you can’t have a Hellcat, there are two alternatives for you. The R/T version gives you a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine that produces 375 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque for the drive. If this isn’t enough power, you’ll find the R/T Scat Pack a better option. This model features a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine pumping out 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque. Both of these versions of the Challenger use a six-speed manual transmission, giving you the shifting you want when you drive.

Would You Like Your Challenger to Include AWD?

Currently, there is only one way to have AWD in a Dodge Challenger. You must give up the V8 fantasies you enjoy and drive a version of this car powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. This gives you 303 horsepower and 268 lb.-ft. of torque, which means it’s no slouch on the road. You’ll also need to realize you have to live with the eight-speed automatic transmission and have the packaging that comes at the SXT and GT trim levels.

What Features Does the Challenger Offer?

Standard Items

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Keyless entry
• Push-button starting
• Dual-zone automatic climate controls
• Cloth upholstery
• Power driver’s seat
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Self-dimming rearview mirror
• 7-inch infotainment screen
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Voice control
• Bluetooth
• Two USB ports
• 6-speaker audio system

Optional Features

• AWD
• Driver Aids
• Brembo brakes
• Limited-slip differential
• Active exhaust system
• Launch control
• Widebody package
• Larger alloy wheels
• Configurable driver modes
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• 8.4-inch infotainment screen
• Satellite radio
• 276-watt Alpine audio system
• Adaptive suspension
• Bilstein shocks
• Flat-bottom steering wheel
• Nappa leather
• 18-speaker/900-watt Harman/Kardon audio system
• Performance suspension
• Rear seat delete

Optional Items for the Challenger

The Driver Confidence Group brings you blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, a remote engine starter, and rear parking sensors.

The Technology Group gives you rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

Based on the power you choose and the items you want, your Challenger is configured in a variety of ways to give you an amazing drive wherever you go. Of course, the Dodge Hellcat models are meant mostly for a time at the track, but that doesn’t stop you from taking your car out on the road when you want.

How Much Does the Challenger Cost?

The Dodge Challenger is one of the most affordable cars in the market. This is certainly true if you compare the price with the horsepower offered. The SXT model gets you started for $30,075, while the top model, the SRT Super Stock, asks you to spend $84,080. That’s a huge price jump from one to the other. To offer a little perspective, the Challenger R/T with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 costs $37,625, making it a relatively affordable muscle car with a strong engine for you to enjoy and admire.

Are You Going to Drive the Challenger?

Even though the Dodge Hellcat models of the Challenger cannot be had with a manual transmission, this is still an incredibly fun car to drive. You get the old-school muscle car style coupled with the amazing color names that only Dodge is creative enough to offer. You’ll have more power per dollar than any other car on the planet. So what if you can’t row your gears or have a third pedal; maybe now you can rip off some faster laps or beat your neighbor during a drag race when you both take your cars to the local track.