Like Queen Elizabeth II, the Dodge Challenger has now assumed such status as to have two birthday celebrations - a policy we're certainly in support of. So in addition to the 50th Anniversary Edition, a limited-edition Challenger model introduced last year, there's now this: the Challenger 50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition.
As per the other 50th Challenger, the Commemorative Edition option pack will be available across different Challenger models - the R/T, R/T Scat Pack and R/T Scat Pack Widebody - but now without a limit on production numbers. Anyone confused about different 50th anniversary specials announced in two different years should know they're both based on MY20 Challengers; the Anniversary Edition should be with customers now, the Commemorative Edition later this year.
Make sense? Good. Because, odd naming strategy aside, the 50th CE is worth knowing about. It's not a drastic overhaul by any means, instead introducing a few desirable retro features to a new model that's now pretty classic itself - this generation alone counting for a chunk more than 20 per cent of the Challenger's 50 years. So there are 20-inch wheels painted 'Gold School', a Satin Black bonnet, roof and boot, 'Challenger 50' logos and further Satin Black details like the fuel filler and badge. There's yet to be a bad-looking Challenger of this generation yet, and the 50th doesn't change that. The colour seen here is Smoke Show, new for 2020, though the Commemorative Edition is also available in White Knuckle, Triple Nickel, Pitch Black, Octane Red, Granite and Indigo Blue.
The changes inside include more '50' logos, white faced dials with yellow accents, an original Challenger on the stat-up screen, plentiful carbon and even more Alcantara. Dodge says the new car "invokes a sense of nostalgia in the modern, athletic cockpit of the Challenger."
Nobody is going to call this an exhaustive overhaul, but then that's reflected in the price: a 50th Commemorative Edition only costs $5k more than a standard Challenger R/T, or $5,495 more on the Scat Pack and Scat Pack Widebody. Which means an R/T 50th costs less than $40,000; handily given the anniversary, even a Scat Pack Widebody Commemorative Edition still has a price beginning with '$50'.
Dodge is, perhaps understandably, quite pleased with their effort: "With its heritage design, unmatched power and everyday liveability, the Challenger is a true GT car and every bit as beloved and relevant to today's consumer as the first generation was 50 years ago." Which is probably stretching it a tad, though it's hard not to admire the enthusiasm. Commemorative Edition orders will open for US customers later this month, ahead of deliveries in the autumn. Then it'll be on to the next 50 years, whatever they may bring for the Challenger - and, indeed, the muscle car genre as a whole...
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