REVIEW: 2023 Dodge Charger Super Bee Special Edition

Well, this is a very sad review for me to write.  It is very likely this will be the last Charger I’ll ever review in its current gasoline engine configuration.  Yes, it’s Last Call  before the Charger and Challenger convert to fully electric, so I’ll just enjoy it while I can.  I made an impassioned plea on the radio last week for Stellantis to reconsider this decision.

2023 Dodge Charger Super Bee Special Edition

Exterior

Dodge is only making 1,000 Super Bees for 2023.  Half will be this blue hue, and the other half Plum Crazy, a purple color.  I love the stripes on this car, they are not overbearing, and check out the huge Super Bee emblem on the hood, a really cool addition.

 

 

There is a functional hood scoop, and air dams around the headlights and under the front bumper.  The blue paint is beautiful with red brake calipers, 20” wheels and a black rear spoiler.  The Super Bee emblems on the front fenders demand respect from any would-be racers who pull up next to you, and the functional hood pins take me back to my youth.

Powertrain

Under the hood is where you find the naturally-aspirated 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that is putting out 475-horses and it puts out 475-pound feet of torque. My tester has the 8-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles.  The paddles work great, but depending on the drive mode settings, the transmission shifts hard and fast on its own.

Interior

Moving to the inside, the interior is nicely done and quite spacious.  I love the optional Carbon & Suede interior package, and the air-conditioned and heated power seats are very comfortable.  The Super Bee comes loaded with just about everything you can imagine, except a moon roof.

The 8.4” Chrysler Uconnect 4C system is terrific as always, easy to operate, and the navigation system works great. The 18-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system sounds terrific and has surround sound and a huge subwoofer in the trunk. 

My review vehicle has a backup camera, steering wheel controls, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, voice commands, blind spot monitoring, and remote start.

On the Uconnect 4C screen, you’ll have a blast going through all the apps, especially the Performance Pages.   

 

 

The gauge cluster is bright, has a 180-mile per hour speedometer, and an extensive driver information center in the middle that is easy to navigate from the flat-bottomed steering wheel. A digital speedometer is always a handy thing to have.

Line Lock

You’ve got to do a launch from a dead stop and feel the G-forces pin you to the seat. You also have to try the line lock button.  It allows you to do a full throttle burnout with the front brakes locked completely down, but you’ll run through those wide expensive tires quickly if you do.  If you decide to do this, take it from me, turn the air conditioning system off, a lesson I learned the hard way when I had the Dodge Challenger Redeye widebody a few years back., take a look:

Ride and Drive

Handling is exceptional, the steering is a bit heavy but that comes in handy at times, acceleration is wonderful, the exhaust sound is incredible, and the wide stance and huge tires keep you grounded for traction.

What You'll Pay And MPG

Pricewise, my very loaded review car with options has an MSRP of $63,985. That is an exceptional buy for a super-fast sedan, that also doubles as a great daily driver, and is sure to be a future collectable.

This car is rated at 15 miles per gallon in town and 24 on the highway, but at least for me, with my driving habits, those are mythical numbers. 

Verdict

Still, after reviewing a lot of these cars through the years, these cars always amaze me.  To have that much power, comfort for four and possibly five passengers, and a massive trunk, the Charger Super Bee Last Call edition is pure driving pleasure.