Cruising down Detroit’s iconic Woodward Avenue on a balmy Friday night in the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost, the air was thick with anticipation. As the traffic light shifted to green, I gently pressed the accelerator, and then, as the car moved forward, I gradually demanded more. The symphony of the roaring exhaust intertwined with the distinctive whine of the supercharger instantly captivated onlookers gathered in the parking lots lining Woodward. All 807 horsepower surged, pushing the Pirelli all-season tires to their absolute limit.
2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost flexing its muscle on Woodward Avenue, showcasing its powerful stance and performance capabilities.
Just as rapidly as the car had surged into boost, I eased off, shifted gears, and allowed the supercharged Challenger to coast. The evening air felt charged, not just with engine fumes but also with a noticeable police presence. Staying within the speed limit was the priority. Approaching the next red light, I watched as a police cruiser discreetly pulled off the main road and into the shadows of a dimly lit parking lot, effectively vanishing from plain sight. Moments later, a thunderous Ford Mustang GT pulled up beside me. The passenger leaned out, shouting over the rumble of their engine, “Your Scat Pack sounds pretty mean – wanna race?” I simply nodded towards the parked police car ahead. The Mustang occupants quickly understood, gave a respectful thumbs up, and as the light turned green, we all proceeded cautiously.
Side view of the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost at a stoplight, highlighting its classic white stripe and stealthy black paint, embodying its sleeper persona.
As the night unfolded and I continued my leisurely drive along Woodward Avenue, numerous individuals inquired about impromptu races. Interestingly, in my personal Challenger SRT® Hellcat, such challenges from typical pony cars are far less frequent. However, when a second person mistook the Black Ghost, with its menacing aura, for a Scat Pack, a thought sparked. The distinctive stripe adorning the rear of the Black Ghost is traditionally reserved for the Challenger R/T Scat Pack. Furthermore, the absence of prominent SRT or Hellcat badges on the rear and sides – only the classic Challenger script logo remains – contributes to this misidentification. The sole SRT Hellcat emblem, subtly rendered in black, is positioned on the grille, easily lost in the shadows at night, especially with headlights illuminating the road.
Front grille of the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost showcasing the subtle black Hellcat badge and the aggressive front fascia, hinting at the immense power within.
The repeated misidentification by drivers of less powerful cars wanting to race revealed the genius behind the Black Ghost’s design. They were perceiving it as an R/T Scat Pack Widebody. In a brilliant homage to a legendary Detroit street racer from the 1970s, Dodge engineers achieved the seemingly impossible: they crafted an SRT Hellcat Redeye sleeper. This 2023 Hellcat iteration masterfully blends raw, untamed power with an understated aesthetic.
The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost parked, emphasizing its gator-grain roof vinyl and distinctive rear stripe, elements that pay tribute to its namesake.
Realistically, the moment the supercharger’s whine pierces the air, most seasoned car enthusiasts will recognize that this is far from a standard Challenger Scat Pack. The Black Ghost’s exhaust note alone is a dead giveaway that a naturally aspirated engine is not at play. Yet, for the driver seeking the adrenaline-pumping performance of a supercharged HEMI® engine without overtly broadcasting its presence, this 2023 Hellcat Challenger offers a level of subtlety unmatched by its Mopar® muscle car counterparts.
In essence, the 2023 Hellcat Black Ghost is an 807-horsepower beast cloaked in the guise of a 485-horsepower muscle car. This duality makes it an unparalleled choice for those who prefer to operate under the radar, enjoying immense power discreetly.
The Allure of the Black Ghost Package for 2023 Hellcat Enthusiasts
For those unfamiliar, the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost package draws its inspiration from the iconic 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE driven by Godfrey Qualls, a decorated veteran, Detroit police officer, and legendary street racer. Qualls’ Challenger was instantly recognizable by its black paint, contrasting white tail stripe, and distinctive black vinyl gator-skin-style roof. The modern Black Ghost edition, a fitting tribute, incorporates these signature elements: the white stripe reminiscent of Scat Pack models and the unique gator-skin roof treatment.
To further enhance the classic aesthetic, the 2023 Hellcat Black Ghost features a retro-inspired chrome fuel door, Challenger script logos elegantly placed on the grille, fenders, and rear spoiler, and the classic DODGE chrome lettering prominently displayed on the upper fascia, just ahead of the hood’s leading edge – mirroring the brand badging of the 1970s models. The exterior package is further refined with black Mopar hood pins and “Warp Speed” wheels in satin carbon. These wheels, while named “satin carbon,” present a bright silver appearance, a departure from the darker wheel finishes prevalent on many contemporary Dodge models. While personal preference often leans towards darker wheels and minimized chrome on modern muscle cars, the Black Ghost package undeniably achieves a stunning visual impact with its classic appeal.
Stepping inside the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost reveals an interior meticulously crafted with premium materials and exclusive badging. Carbon fiber trim accents the cabin, complemented by a luxurious black suede headliner, black Alcantara/Laguna Leather seats, and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. A unique Black Ghost badge adorns the passenger side of the dashboard, further distinguishing this limited-edition model. Of course, the cabin also features the user-friendly 8.4-inch Uconnect® infotainment screen, integrating seamlessly with controls for SRT Drive Modes and the SRT Performance Pages application, allowing drivers to fine-tune their driving experience.
Unleashing Unrivaled Street Performance with the 2023 Hellcat Black Ghost
Interior view of the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost showcasing the Alcantara steering wheel, carbon fiber trim, and Black Ghost badging, highlighting the premium and unique cabin.
Beneath the surface, the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost is built upon the formidable SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak platform. At its heart lies the monstrous supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® engine, force-fed by a 2.7-liter IHI supercharger. This potent combination unleashes a staggering 807 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque, ensuring breathtaking performance. Power is channeled to the rear wheels via a responsive 8-speed automatic transmission and performance-oriented 3.09 gears (a step up from the standard 2.62 ratio), resulting in explosive low-end acceleration that defines this 2023 Hellcat.
Engine bay of the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost, revealing the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI engine, the source of its immense power and performance.
Officially, the Redeye Widebody Jailbreak is capable of launching from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds under ideal conditions. Even on typical street surfaces with less-than-perfect tire conditions, the supercharged Challenger effortlessly achieves 0-60 sprints in around 3.6 seconds. These impressive figures were consistently recorded on various street surfaces with simple stop-and-launch starts – no tire-warming burnouts or surface preparations necessary. In comparison, my personal 2017 Challenger SRT Hellcat, equipped with stock Pirelli tires, typically lags behind by 3 to 4 tenths of a second in similar conditions. However, the true performance advantage of the Redeye models, including the Black Ghost, becomes truly apparent in the mid-range acceleration.
The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost in motion, demonstrating its powerful acceleration and handling capabilities on the road.
Even with an optimal launch, the immense 807 horsepower of the 2023 Hellcat Black Ghost can only be partially utilized from a standstill. This explains the relatively small margin of improvement in 0-60 times compared to a standard SRT Hellcat with approximately 100 less horsepower. However, once the Black Ghost is in motion, the full force of its power becomes available, allowing it to decisively pull away from even my own 2017 SRT Hellcat. This mid-range power surge is truly exceptional, exceeding the capabilities of most street-legal cars. It’s in this realm that Redeye-powered cars, like the Black Ghost, truly distinguish themselves. For instance, while cruising at 60 mph on the highway in the Black Ghost, a simple press of the accelerator pedal will catapult the car into triple-digit speeds with astonishing rapidity, a feat matched only by a select few vehicles available in the market – predominantly European exotics with price tags several times higher than any Dodge product.
Front three-quarter view of the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost, highlighting its aggressive stance, widebody design, and iconic styling cues.
Adding to its dynamic prowess, the Challenger Black Ghost is equipped with adaptive, adjustable Bilstein dampers and massive six-piston Brembo brakes. This combination elevates the 807-horsepower muscle car’s handling far beyond the expectations of a typical quarter-mile-focused machine. Drivers can select the “Street” suspension setting for a more compliant ride, or engage “Track” mode for sharpened cornering capabilities. The “Sport” setting provides a balanced compromise between handling and ride comfort. For many, including myself, the “Track” setting remains surprisingly comfortable for daily driving, even on roads with less-than-ideal surfaces. However, for those prioritizing maximum smoothness, the softer settings still deliver impressive cornering agility with minimal body roll. When encountering a turn with excessive speed, the powerful Brembo brakes swiftly bring the Challenger back under control.
With a production run limited to just 300 examples, the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost special edition is undeniably rare and highly sought after. For those fortunate enough to acquire one, they possess a truly exceptional muscle car. It seamlessly merges classic design inspirations with breathtaking modern performance, creating a unique automotive experience unlike almost anything else currently available. The 2023 Hellcat Black Ghost is not just a car; it’s a statement, a collector’s item, and a modern legend in the making.
