Summary
- Racing flag Easter egg on Last Call Shakedown hints at future of Dodge Challenger, sparking enthusiast speculation.
- Auto Easter eggs add humor and rivalry to car design, like GMC Hummer poking fun at Ram TRX, Ford Raptor, and Tesla Cybertruck.
- Dodge’s Last Call Challenger Shakedown hides unique Easter eggs, like Shaker logo in engine bay and DB emblem under console lid.
Automotive Easter eggs may have been around for a while, like the four-piece Americana homage stamped into the metal floorboard, strategically placed under the carpet, behind the seat of the early ‘90s C4 Corvette; but those hidden gems of pre-internet yesteryear never had the opportunity to be seen by the masses as they do now. Fast-forward three decades and car owners are ready to deep dive for the treasure tidbits that manufacturers have worked into their designs and then blast them through social media for all to enjoy.
Dodge, Ram, Chrysler, Jeep – the Stellantis fam have become well-known for Easter Egg practice. And occasionally that has set up some rib-jabbing rivalry in their concealed symbols. Here is a nod to a couple of tongue-in-cheek bantering masked morsels, and an exclusive reveal of one of the new Dodge Easter eggs that we haven’t previously seen but shows out loud and proud on the limited-run, one of only 500 Last Call Dodge Challenger Shakedown models.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Dodge, DodgeGarage, and HotCars.
Driven: One-Of-500 Dodge Shakedown Last Call Challengers
It doesn’t have 700 horsepower, but the Last Call Shakedown Challenger is a fitting sendoff to V-8 Dodge muscle
The Race Flag Is The Newest Easter Egg To Show Up On The Last Call
Throughout Mopar’s modern muscle models, there has been lots of talk about the hidden symbols within the Dodge headlights, with illuminated images only seen with the lamps activated. The Shakedown has its own exclusive design. It is nothing we have seen hit the internet yet. We found them when this Last Call’s lights were turned on and revealed a vortex (if you will) of race flags encircling the inner light of the Challenger. This Easter egg could leave Dodge enthusiasts wondering what’s next for the Dodge Challenger nameplate, is the flag a hint at what’s to come, and is the race on to get there?
Auto Easter Eggs Have A Sense Of Humor
Car owners have to chuckle when an automaker’s Easter eggs show out with a sense of humor or in a not-so-secret poke at the car’s competition. Such was the case when the GMC Hummer EV took aim at the Ram TRX, the Ford Raptor, and the Tesla Cybertruck all at once on their Infotainment display. With one fell swoop, the Hummer hits a two-fer showing its Meteor Mode graphic icon in full descent to crush a Raptor (Ford Raptor) and a T-Rex (Ram TRX). Adjacent is the Hummer’s Wheel Chock graphic icon depicting the Hummer overrunning a Tesla Cybertruck to use as its chock. Shots fired!
Maybe the instigator, maybe just a clap back, RAM served up a 1:60 scale embossed portrait on one of their TRX floor mats directed towards Ford. The Ram truck mat brazenly boasts a T-Rex towering over a tiny Raptor. It is a reasonable assumption that the image is a take on the TRX’s giant presence compared to the Ford truck.
Last Call: Dodge Easter Eggs Continue To Shakedown
In their Last Call versions, Dodge is bidding farewell to the internal combustion engine, but not without a camouflaged cache of Easter eggs of its own; some of which have previously been used. However, with a limited-run for the Last Call Challenger Shakedown, there has been less opportunity to see the eggs buried within this particular modern muscle car. In addition to the checkered flag in the headlight, these are the other Easter eggs that we’ve found:
Shaker Is Under The Shakedown Hood
For those fortunate enough to get an under the hood inspection on the Shakedown, the Last Call plate is immediately visible at the front of the driver’s side engine bay. Of note, some of those plaques are already making rounds on ebay. Also seen within the engine bay is the SHAKER graphic which appears on the lip of the hood cutout. It can only be seen as the hood is lifted to clear the top of the Shaker.
DB Is Embossed Under The Console Lid
As discussed in the Hellcat forum a decade ago, the underside of the console lid is marked with “DB” (for Dodge Brothers) inside an octagon “nut-shaped emblem”. The embossed image with the words “Designed in Detroit” underneath is also seen in the same place on the 2023 Dodge Challenger Shakedown Last Call edition.
Shaker Removal Tool Remains
Amidst whispers of it “going missing” from several models, this Shakedown came complete with the coveted (Shaker emblazoned) Shaker Removal Tool. The nut driver was found inside the glove box. Congratulations if found with the extra factory-supplied “Bright Pedal” or sport pedals in the trunk, as intended.
No Short Term Plans For Challenger Nameplate, Says Dodge CEO
It seems pretty clear that the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona will carry the weight of both a coupe and a sedan. Where does this leave the Challenger?
