Dodge Challenger, Charger Limited to 3 Hp to Prevent Theft
In both Canada and the U.S., Dodge’s most powerful models are highly coveted not only by performance enthusiasts but also criminals. Yep, car thieves love V8-powered Chargers and Challengers. Fortunately, the company has found a new solution to prevent theft.
It’s essentially a software upgrade linked to a four-digit security code. As a result, if a non-authorized driver steals your Dodge, they will take forever to get away.
- Also: Car Thieves Love Powerful Dodges, Hate Teslas
- Also: Dodge Improves Charger and Durango Enforcer Vehicles for 2021
Why? Because the feature limits the vehicle’s engine speed to idle, or 675 rpm. In these conditions, the engine produces approximately 2.8 horsepower and 22 pound-feet of torque.
Imagine the scene as police chase a Hellcat going impossibly slow down the street. That would be hilarious.
The software upgrade can be installed free of charge by any Dodge dealer on 2015 through 2021 model-year Dodge Charger and Challenger models equipped with a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 or supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8. It’s expected to be available in late spring.
This sort of security reinforcement is similar to double encryption and two-factor authentication systems which have become common on consumer online accounts and digital platforms.
Dodge says it will continue to pursue other enhancements to vehicle-theft deterrence in order to protect owners’ investments. We’ll wait to see if and when the Dodge Durango gets to benefit from them, too.
