Cruising down Woodward Avenue on a Friday night in the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost is more than just a drive; it’s an experience. The raw power of this machine, evident from the supercharger whine and exhaust roar, instantly commands attention. This special edition Challenger pays homage to a Detroit street racing legend, and while its appearance might hint at a Scat Pack, the performance specs tell a different story altogether – a story of a true SRT Hellcat Redeye sleeper.
2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost front view, powerful stance on Woodward Avenue
The beauty of the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost lies in its subtle yet menacing design. It’s a car that can easily be underestimated at first glance, a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Many onlookers, mistaking it for an R/T Scat Pack Widebody due to the iconic stripe, are unaware of the beast lurking beneath the surface. This is precisely the charm of the Black Ghost – offering unparalleled SRT Hellcat Redeye power in a package that flies just under the radar.
Dodge Challenger Black Ghost rear stripe and classic design details
While the keen ear might catch the telltale supercharger whine, many are initially deceived into thinking it’s just a Scat Pack. This clever disguise is a nod to the original Black Ghost and makes this 807-horsepower muscle car a unique proposition for those who prefer performance without excessive flamboyance. It’s a potent blend of classic muscle car aesthetics and modern, monstrous power.
Dodge Challenger Black Ghost side profile showcasing wheels and badging
In essence, the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost is an 807-horsepower muscle car masquerading as a 485-horsepower one. This makes it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who crave top-tier performance in a more understated package. It’s a testament to Dodge’s ability to blend heritage with high-octane thrills.
Dodge Challenger Black Ghost chrome fuel door and hood pins detail
The Black Ghost Package: A Nod to Automotive History
The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost package is deeply rooted in automotive history, specifically paying tribute to the legendary 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE owned by Godfrey Qualls. Qualls’ original Black Ghost was renowned in Detroit street racing circles, featuring a distinctive black paint job, a white tail stripe, and a unique black vinyl gator-skin roof. The modern Black Ghost meticulously recreates these iconic elements.
This Last Call special edition boasts the Scat Pack-inspired white stripe and the signature gator-skin-style roof treatment. Adding to its classic appeal are features like a chrome fuel door, Challenger script logos adorning the grille, fenders, and rear spoiler, and the vintage DODGE chrome lettering prominently placed on the upper fascia. These design cues echo the brand badging of the 1970s models, bridging the gap between past and present.
Further enhancing the exterior are black Mopar hood pins and “Warp Speed” satin carbon wheels. These wheels, appearing almost bright silver, provide a striking contrast to the darker wheel trends seen on many modern Dodge vehicles, adding to the Black Ghost’s unique visual signature. While modern muscle cars often lean towards darker aesthetics, the Black Ghost package masterfully integrates chrome and bright accents for a stunning classic look.
Inside, the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost continues the premium feel with carbon fiber trim, a luxurious black suede headliner, and black Alcantara/Laguna Leather seats. The steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara, and a special Black Ghost badge is proudly displayed on the passenger side dashboard. Modern tech is seamlessly integrated with the inclusion of the 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment screen, providing access to SRT Drive Modes and SRT Performance Pages.
Performance Specs: Unleashing the 807-Horsepower Beast
Dodge Challenger Black Ghost interior showcasing Alcantara seats and carbon fiber trim
Underneath its classic skin, the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost boasts the formidable specs of the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak. At its heart lies a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI engine, force-fed by a 2.7-liter IHI supercharger. This powerhouse delivers a staggering 807 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque. Power is channeled to the rear wheels via a rapid 8-speed automatic transmission and a performance-oriented 3.09 gear ratio, ensuring explosive acceleration from a standstill.
Dodge Challenger Black Ghost engine bay showcasing supercharged HEMI
Official figures for the Redeye Widebody Jailbreak put the 0-60 mph sprint at around 3.4 seconds under ideal conditions. However, real-world street tests of the Black Ghost consistently achieve 0-60 mph times in the 3.6-second range, even on imperfect road surfaces and with standard tires. This blistering acceleration is achieved with a simple launch, without the need for tire burnouts or surface preparation. Compared to the standard SRT Hellcat, the Redeye variant, including the Black Ghost, shows a clear advantage, particularly in mid-range acceleration.
Dodge Challenger Black Ghost on the road showcasing its powerful stance
While the initial launch might only see a marginal improvement over the standard Hellcat due to traction limitations, the true power of the 807 horsepower engine shines through in the mid-range. Highway cruising at 60 mph becomes an instant rocket launch into triple-digit speeds with a simple press of the accelerator. This level of mid-range power is typically reserved for high-end European exotics, making the Black Ghost an exceptional value proposition for its performance.
Dodge Challenger Black Ghost Brembo brakes and wheel detail
Beyond straight-line speed, the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost specs include performance-enhancing features like adaptive, adjustable Bilstein dampers and massive six-piston Brembo brakes. These components contribute to surprisingly agile handling for a muscle car of this caliber. Drivers can choose between suspension settings like Street, Sport, and Track, tailoring the ride to their preference. Even the Track setting offers a comfortable ride for daily driving, while providing enhanced cornering capabilities. The Brembo brakes ensure confident stopping power, further enhancing the overall driving experience.
Conclusion: A Limited Edition Legend with Unmatched Specs
The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost is a rare gem, with only 300 examples produced. For those fortunate enough to own one, it represents a unique blend of classic design inspiration and modern, breathtaking performance. Its specs place it firmly in the top tier of muscle cars, offering an 807-horsepower experience that is both thrilling and surprisingly refined. The Black Ghost is more than just a car; it’s a tribute to automotive history and a testament to Dodge’s enduring legacy of building powerful and desirable muscle cars.
