Dodge announces new security feature for Charger and Challenger muscle cars

DETROIT: US car brand Dodge has announced an automotive software upgrade designed to further thwart theft of Charger and Challenger models equipped with 6.4-litre HEMI V-8 or supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V-8 engines.

Using the Dodge owner’s four-digit security code, the enhanced deterrence feature limits the vehicle’s engine speed to idle (675 rpm) and helps prevent auto theft.

The software upgrade can be installed free of charge by any Dodge dealer on 2015 through 2021 model-year Dodge muscle cars. The complimentary enhancement applies second-level vehicle security encryption via Dodge’s Uconnect 4C infotainment system.

“More than 150 cars are stolen every day in the United States,” added Kuniskis.

“For any car owner, it's terrible, it's a hassle and it's a personal violation. Though statistically rare, car thieves have targeted the high-horsepower Dodge muscle cars, and we want the Dodge ‘Brotherhood’ to know we’re taking quick action and covering their backs.”

At idle, these engines produce around 2.8hp and 29Nm of torque.

As a result, Dodge’s enhanced security measures have a secondary public safety benefit by preventing criminal police evasion and high-speed chases of stolen vehicles.

Double encryption has become common on consumer online accounts and adds a second layer of owner protection against vehicle theft.

The four-digit encryption code is designed to discourage key-code-spoofing thieves.

Dodge said it would continue to pursue other enhancements to vehicle-theft deterrence in order to protect owners’ investments.

Owners of 2015 through 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT or Charger SRT models equipped with 6.4-litre HEMI V-8 or supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V-8 engines, as well as owners of 2019-2021 Scat Packs equipped with 6.4-litre HEMI V-8 engines, should contact their local Dodge dealer to schedule a free Security Mode installation appointment.

Dodge expects the new security feature to be available late in the second quarter of 2021.

Dodge is part of the Stellantis group.

In 2020, Dodge was named the "#1 Brand in Initial Quality," making it the first domestic brand ever to rank No. 1 in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS).

The Dodge brand also ranked No. 1 in the J.D. Power APEAL Study (mass market). These results are historic because it marks the first time a US brand has earned top spots in both J.D. Power studies in the same year.