- Second-level security offered for high-performance Dodge Charger and Challenger models equipped with 392-cu.-in. HEMI® V-8 or supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 engines
- New Security Mode limits engines to idle speed
- Four-digit secondary encryption protects against key-code-spoofing thieves
- No-charge retroactive upgrade available for affected 2015-2021 model-year vehicles
Auburn Hills, Mich. – Dodge today announced an automotive software upgrade designed to further thwart theft of Charger and Challenger models equipped with 392-cu.-in. HEMI® V-8 or supercharged 6.2-liter 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.
“Today, Dodge is launching a new owner-customized ‘double verification’ security system,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge Brand Chief Executive Officer – Stellantis. “When flashed into the computer of affected 2015 or newer Dodge muscle cars, the protective software will limit the engine output to less than 3 horsepower, foiling fast getaways and joyrides.”
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 approximately 2.8 horsepower and 22 lb.-ft. 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 will 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 392-cu.-in. HEMI V-8 or supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 engines, as well as owners of 2019-2021 Scat Packs equipped with 392-cu.-in 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//SRT
For more than 100 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Their influence continues today as Dodge shifts into high gear with muscle cars and SUVs that deliver unrivaled performance in each of the segments where they compete.
2021 marks the year that Dodge is distilled into a pure performance brand, offering Hellcat-powered, 700-plus-horsepower SRT versions of every model across the lineup. For the 2021 model year, Dodge delivers the drag-strip dominating 807-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock, the new 797-horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Redeye, the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world, and the new 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, the most powerful SUV ever. Combined, these three muscle cars make Dodge the industry’s most powerful brand, offering more horsepower than any other American brand across its entire lineup.
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 domestic brand has earned top spots in both J.D. Power studies in the same year.
Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.
Rod Washington: Rod is a blogger, writer, filmmaker, photographer, daydreamer who likes to cook. Rod produces and directs the web series, CUPIC: Diary of an Investigator. He also produces news and documentary video projects. Check out his podcast StoriesThisMoment at https://m3e.d71.myftpupload.com/stm-tncn-podcasts/
