The New York International Auto Show hosts the HEMI Grand Finale – End of an Era
Story and photos by Dan Gallo, Jr.
If you find yourself in the market for a new vehicle and looking for a family friendly way to enjoy an in-person hands on approach to your automotive research, not to mention the experience of seeing the most recent new model unveilings and cutting-edge concept car reveals – the New York International Auto Show has it all.
As North America’s first and longest running automotive exhibition (held annually for 123 years since 1900!), the New York International Auto Show provides a one-stop shop opportunity to explore the world’s newest vehicles. This year’s show ran from April 7th to April 16th, 2023 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, NYC, as it has since 1987.
On display and up front at the Stellantis exhibit was the impressive and show-stopping seventh and final “Last Call” 2023 Dodge, the Challenger SRT Demon 170, providing a truly memorable farewell to the beloved HEMI. Some others displayed throughout the show were the Dodge Durango SRT 392, Chrysler 300C 392 (6.4L HEMI option returns!), Ram 1500 TRX Crew Cab as well as the outdoor Camp Jeep on-site obstacle course offering thrill rides with Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392’s.
With the imminent discontinuation of HEMI powered production cars, SUVs and trucks scheduled for this upcoming December 2023, for many this was the last chance to see a vast display of new HEMI powered vehicles. It was important to not only document this, but to also share this grand finale show experience with fellow Mopar Action readers. While there were plenty of Hybrid and EV offerings exhibited, it was great to see several HEMI vehicles displayed as well as operating at the show. For the Hemi and historically, this truly marked the end of an era.
As covered in the upcoming August 2023 issue of Mopar Action, the absolute highlight at this year’s New York International Auto Show and publicly seen for the first time since its debut was the 1,025 horsepower, seventh and final “Last Call” 2023 Dodge, the Challenger SRT Demon 170. The car was displayed upfront at the Stellantis exhibit for all to see. With 0-60 mph times measured at 1.66, a certified 8.91-second ET at 151.17 MPH quarter-mile, and a stated MSRP of $96,666, the 170 Demon finale certainly is one a HELL of a car.
This 2023 Chrysler 300C 392, 6.4L HEMI located towards the back of the display was the potent “sleeper” of the bunch.
Overhead view of the Stellantis exhibit shows the strong commitment to the new Hornet. From the Demon to a “Goes Like Hell” Hornet – introducing the new 2023 Dodge Hornet GT GLH Concept. Several “species variations” of the Hornet were in this hive.
This Dodge Durango SRT 392 sporting the black with redline stripe package was a hit for all ages.
Looking for a truck that stands out from the rest? Well, this Baja Yellow Ram 1500 TRX Crew Cab should certainly do the trick.
