Introduced in 2008, the fourth-generation Challenger is the first modern iteration of the nameplate and revived the iconic pony car after 25-year hiatus. Upgraded in 2015, the current Challenger is set to remain in production until 2019. After launching several new models and trims, including the SRT Hellcat and the all-wheel-drive GT, Dodge introduced the special-edition Mopar '17 at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show.

Created to celebrate Mopar's 80th Anniversary, the '17 Challenger includes numerous Mopar performance parts and accessories, as well as an exclusive owner’s kit and a serialized badge. Limited to only 160 units, it joins an exclusive club as the eighth limited-edition, Mopar-modified vehicle delivered straight from the factory. The Mopar '17 Challenger follows the Mopar ’10 Challenger, Mopar ’11 Charger, Mopar ’12 300, Mopar ’13 Dart, Mopar ’14 Challenger, Mopar ’15 Dodge Charger R/T, and Mopar ’16 Ram Rebel.

“Since its birth in 1937, Mopar has evolved from the name of an antifreeze product to a global customer-care brand,” said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service of FCA. “The Mopar ’17 Dodge Challenger, our latest limited-edition vehicle, is a testament to this philosophy, showcasing how Mopar assists owners in personalizing all FCA US vehicles.”

Set to arrive in select dealerships in early second quarter of 2017, the Mopar '17 Challenger is arguably one of the most exciting products introduced at the Chicago Auto Show.

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What Makes the Mopar '17 Challenger Special?

The exterior of the Mopar '17 Challenger comes with many bespoke features, starting with the paint. The limited-edition model is available in two color combinations, one combining Pitch Black and Contusion Blue and one bringing together Pitch Black and Billet Silver. The Contusion Blue and Billet Silver hues were pulled from Dodge color palette, with the upper section of the car was hand-painted Pitch Black at the Mopar Custom Shop.

The Contusion Blue color provides a subtle, "hiding-in-plain-sight feel" at night and a "brilliant appearance" in daylight. This isn't very noticeable in Mopar's photos, but the color combination looks gorgeous nonetheless. On the other hand, Billet Silver offers a more high-impact, high-contrast exterior combo to those who prefer a monochrome appearance.

A special Mopar 392 logo, also hand-painted on at the Mopar Custom Shop, adorns the front fenders, while the deck lid spoiler is finished in the same Pitch Black as the upper body. Up front, there is a bit of contrast between the engine hood and the Satin Black shaker. Mopar also added a set of 20-inch wheels with semi-gloss accents and center caps with the Dodge logo and Hellcat-spec black exhaust pipes instead of the standard chrome tips.

Changes aren't as comprehensive on the inside, but Mopar did add a pair of performance seats with Tungsten logos embroidered on the seatbacks. Matching Tungsten stitching adorns both the seats and the door panels. Everything else remains unchanged, but this isn't necessarily bad, as the Challenger's interior was last updated in 2015.

Under the hood, the Mopar '17 uses the same 6.4-liter V-8 engine found in the Challenger R/T 392. The unit pumps out the standard 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. But while the output is as standard as it gets, Mopar made a few modifications here and there. Specifically, the limited-edition model features a new cold air intake, and air catcher duct system through the inner headlamps, as seen on the Hellcat, and Shaker strut tower braces and caps powder-coated in silver. Mopar also added a serialized badge under the hood, showing 1-80 of the Contusion Blue version and 1-80 of the Billet Silver model. Stopping power is provided by four-piston Brembo brakes.

In addition to all of the above, the Mopar '17 Challenger is sold with a special Owner's Kit packaged in a custom Mopar box. The bundle includes a welcome letter, hand-signed rendering from the FCA Design Office, Special Mopar '17 booklet, customized acrylic memorabilia showpiece, Mopar valve stem caps, Mopar '17 keychain, and a Mopar 80th anniversary badge.

Production is limited to 160 units, while pricing is set at $55,790, excluding taxes and destination fees. This sticker places the Mopar '17 between the $50,195 Challenger SRT 392 and the $64,195 Challenger SRT Hellcat.