Cruising down Woodward Avenue on a Friday night in Detroit, the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost, a unique iteration of the famed Dodge Hellcat, is an experience that immediately grabs attention. As the traffic light turned green, gently pressing the throttle was enough to awaken the beast within. The symphony of the roaring exhaust and the unmistakable whine of the supercharger resonated through the warm night air, instantly drawing eyes from onlookers gathered along the iconic Woodward strip. All 807 horsepower strained against the Pirelli three-season tires, hinting at the immense power lurking beneath the surface of this exceptional 2023 Dodge Hellcat.
Moments later, discretion became the better part of valor as police presence became apparent. Easing off the throttle, the supercharged Challenger, a potent member of the 2023 Dodge Hellcat family, gracefully coasted, respecting the speed limits while still radiating raw power. Pulling up to the next stoplight, a classic muscle car encounter unfolded. A Ford Mustang GT pulled alongside, its passenger eager for a challenge, mistaking the Black Ghost, a stealthy version of the 2023 Dodge Hellcat, for a less formidable Scat Pack. A subtle gesture towards the nearby police cruiser diffused the situation with a mutual understanding and a shared appreciation for powerful machines. As the light turned green, both cars continued their cruise, the allure of the 2023 Dodge Hellcat Black Ghost subtly radiating even at low speeds.
Throughout the evening, the 2023 Dodge Hellcat Black Ghost continued to attract attention, often mistaken for a Scat Pack due to its understated styling cues. Unlike a standard Dodge Hellcat with overt badging, the Black Ghost cleverly disguises its true nature. The rear stripe, traditionally a Scat Pack signature, coupled with the absence of prominent SRT or Hellcat badges (except a subtle black Hellcat grille logo, easily missed in the dark), led many to underestimate this 807-horsepower machine. The repeated inquiries for races from owners of naturally aspirated pony cars highlighted the brilliance of Dodge’s design – creating a true sleeper within the formidable 2023 Dodge Hellcat lineup.
The genius of the 2023 Dodge Hellcat Black Ghost lies in its duality. It pays homage to Detroit’s street racing heritage, specifically the original 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE “Black Ghost,” while delivering the unadulterated power of an SRT Hellcat Redeye. Dodge masterfully crafted a vehicle that could be mistaken for a 485-horsepower Scat Pack, yet packs a staggering 807-horsepower punch, making it the ultimate choice for those who crave immense performance without shouting about it. This 2023 Dodge Hellcat variant is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, a true testament to subtle power.
While seasoned car enthusiasts will likely recognize the telltale supercharger whine, hinting at the potent heart of this 2023 Dodge Hellcat, the Black Ghost maintains a level of subtlety unmatched by its more flamboyant Hellcat siblings. It’s a masterclass in understated aggression, offering the raw thrill of a supercharged HEMI engine in a package that flies just under the radar. For those seeking unparalleled performance without the need for excessive attention, the 2023 Dodge Hellcat Black Ghost stands as the definitive muscle car sleeper.
The Legacy of the Black Ghost within the 2023 Dodge Hellcat Lineup
The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost package is more than just a trim level; it’s a tribute to automotive legend. Inspired by the iconic 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE driven by Godfrey Qualls, a Detroit street racer, decorated veteran, and police officer, the Black Ghost edition captures the spirit of its namesake. Qualls’ original Challenger, a black beauty adorned with a white tail stripe and a unique black vinyl gator-skin roof, serves as the design blueprint for this “Last Call” special edition 2023 Dodge Hellcat.
The modern Black Ghost meticulously recreates these iconic elements. The white stripe, reminiscent of the Scat Pack models, and the distinctive gator-skin-style roof treatment immediately set it apart. Classic chrome accents, including the fuel door and DODGE lettering on the upper fascia, along with Challenger script logos on the grille, fenders, and rear spoiler, further enhance its vintage appeal, echoing the badging of the 1970s models. The exterior is further refined with black Mopar hood pins and “Warp Speed” satin carbon wheels, which offer a brighter silver finish compared to the darker wheels prevalent on many contemporary Dodge models. While modern muscle car aesthetics often lean towards darker wheels and minimal chrome, the Black Ghost package embraces classic beauty, making it a standout within the 2023 Dodge Hellcat range.
Stepping inside the 2023 Dodge Hellcat Black Ghost reveals an interior that balances luxury and performance. Carbon fiber trim accents complement the black suede headliner and Alcantara/Laguna Leather seats. The Alcantara steering wheel and a unique Black Ghost badge on the passenger dashboard add exclusive touches. Of course, the cabin is equipped with the advanced 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system, providing seamless control over SRT Drive Modes and the SRT Performance Pages application, essential tools for managing the immense power of this 2023 Dodge Hellcat.
Unleashed Performance: The Heart of the 2023 Dodge Hellcat Black Ghost
Beneath the Black Ghost’s subtle exterior lies the heart of a true beast – the same powertrain that defines the most potent 2023 Dodge Hellcat models. Based on the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak, this special edition is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI engine, force-fed by a massive 2.7-liter IHI supercharger. This formidable combination delivers a staggering 807 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque. Power is channeled to the rear wheels through a lightning-fast 8-speed automatic transmission and a performance-oriented 3.09 gear ratio, a significant upgrade from the standard 2.62, resulting in explosive low-end acceleration that is a hallmark of the 2023 Dodge Hellcat experience.
Official figures place the Redeye Widebody Jailbreak at 0-60 mph in a blistering 3.4 seconds under ideal conditions. However, even on regular street surfaces with less-than-perfect tires, the 2023 Dodge Hellcat Black Ghost consistently achieves 0-60 mph sprints in a mere 3.6 seconds. These times were achieved on multiple street surfaces with simple stop-and-launch techniques, without resorting to tire-warming burnouts or surface preparation. Compared to a standard 2017 Challenger SRT Hellcat, the Black Ghost demonstrates a slight edge in initial acceleration, but the true advantage of this Redeye-powered 2023 Dodge Hellcat lies in its monstrous mid-range power.
While the initial launch from a standstill might only see a marginal improvement over the standard SRT Hellcat due to traction limitations, the 2023 Dodge Hellcat Black Ghost truly shines once it’s rolling. The additional horsepower and torque become fully unleashed in the mid-range, creating a relentless surge of power that outpaces most street-legal vehicles. On the highway, accelerating from 60 mph in the Black Ghost is an exercise in neck-snapping speed, catapulting the car into triple digits with astonishing ease. Only a select few, often far more expensive European exotics, can rival the mid-range pull of this potent 2023 Dodge Hellcat.
Beyond sheer power, the 2023 Dodge Hellcat Black Ghost is equipped with advanced performance hardware. Adaptive, adjustable Bilstein dampers and massive six-piston Brembo brakes ensure that this 807-horsepower muscle car handles corners with surprising agility. Drivers can select from Street, Sport, and Track suspension settings to tailor the ride to their preferences. The Track setting, while firm, remains surprisingly comfortable for daily driving, even on less-than-perfect roads, offering a superb balance of handling and ride quality. When faced with spirited cornering, the Brembo brakes provide immense stopping power, inspiring confidence at any speed.
With only 300 examples produced, the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost is a rare and highly sought-after gem within the 2023 Dodge Hellcat family. For those fortunate enough to acquire one, they possess a stunning muscle car that seamlessly blends classic design inspiration with breathtaking modern performance, a true testament to the enduring appeal of the Dodge Hellcat legacy.
