Driving Impressions: 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost

By: Mark Moskowitz MD

There is no question this is a single purpose car/ weapon. Start it up; inside and out, the engine roars. Unlike in several other moderns, you can't tone it down. Everyone knows you've arrived. And when you leave, few can catch you or match you in a straight line.

Even though the Dodge Hellcat Black Ghost has the subtleties of black paint, window trim, door handles, spoilers, grille and sideviews, it sports a broad white stripe over the tail. Perhaps it's an homage or throwback to the 1969 Super Bee or 1968-70 Dodge Charger*.

As a matter of fact, it is a throwback. It hearkens to the memory of the famed Black Ghost that emerged at night to race on the streets of Detroit. That car, a Black 1970 Hemi Challenger, is now enshrined as one of the thirty-two members of the National Historic Vehicle Register.

Old school features abound; hood pins, subtle front and rear spoilers, hood scoops, and air intake via an inner headlight opening – think 1964 Thunderbolt but with a functional light surrounding it.

Dog dishes are no longer de rigueur but the mags have a deep-dish style and much, including calipers, is blackened or subtle behind them or as subtle as it can be with SRT emblazoned. Similarly, vinyl tops are out. Faux black gator skin graphics take their place.

The chrome fuel door, black Challenger script, and the printed D O D G E on the hood are all as they appeared on the 1970 Challenger. And though a 'Widebody', the style of the present model is highly evocative of the 70-74 edition. That shape was lost during the doldrums of the late seventies and early eighties (second generation) but revived when it reappeared on the 2008 edition on a chassis which shared multiple components with the Mercedes 300E. That model had a Hemi option (SRT8). Shape has remained nearly constant though performance has evolved – most notably in the form of the Hellcat version, introduced in 2015 with a remarkable 707 horses at its disposal.

The Black Ghost is the sixth of seven 'Last Call' models celebrating the end of the Challenger and Charger as we know them. Only 300 Ghosts will be offered. The MSRP approaches $101,000 (with transport) but I suspect few will get one at that price. For a photo op, I pulled into one Carolina dealership. The Ghost nearly emptied the place, and I was regaled with stories of legendary markups.

Entering the car, there's carbon fiber on the dash and console. Alcantra covers the steering wheel and door recesses and tops the center of supportive seats providing a surprising amount of grip. Paddles as well as a shifter on the console control an 8-speed TorqueFlight automatic, the only gearbox offered, but it's quick and stout. The coolest button is the SRT which launches the myriad modes and the steering, gearing and suspension adjustments expected in a modern performance car. But don't expect lane keep assist nor as previously alluded - a quiet mode. You can, however, restrict power to just 500 horses - for the kids. The red key unlocks all 807 horsepower allowing others to achieve sub 12 second quarter miles!

Under normal conditions, the Ghost is pleasant and comfortable with light and easy controls. Dial in a few adjustments and you can master the on ramps. Get on it and the ghoul can slide out from under you but that's the power you're after.

 Dodge has a history of taking the end of their series and making multiple different editions. Much of it is done with badging and paint. Think of all the different Vipers. Now at what seems to be the end of their big V8 runs, there's the Black Ghost with ten more horsepower than the Hellcat Redeye and 90 more than the 'baseline' SRT Hellcat. And some unique styling touches. Different enough? Distinct enough? Sure is. I want one

(To the best of my knowledge, the 1970 Dodge Challenger did not sport a rear stripe when it left the factory. A period photo has the original Black Ghost owner, Godfrey Qualls, standing in front of a black Charger with a white tail stripe. Godfrey or current owner Gregory may have added this to his ride.)

Photo credit: Mark Moskowitz MD
Dan Vaughan / conceptcarz.com

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