Dodge’s entry pulls a fast one.

Plum Crazy Dodge Challenger — Dodge Challenge sales are plum crazy!

The Dodge Challenger is No. 1. Or at least it was in June 2017. In the annual battle for pony car supremacy, the Ford Mustang continues to lead the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger in US auto sales, but last month the Challenger overtook the two to finish first.

And that’s no small feat for Dodge’s sport coupe. Long a distant third-place finisher, the Challenger is living up to its name and is within striking distance of overtaking the second-place Camaro.

Pony Car Sales Through June 2017

What’s especially significant here is this Challenger is the same generation model released in 2008. Moreover, both of its American competitors are newer, with the most recent Mustang released in 2015 and an all-new Camaro in 2016.

The Dodge Challenger is the lone car bright spot among the major brands in the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles portfolio. Specifically, sales are up 4 percent through the first six months of 2017, while sales of the similar Dodge Charger sedan are down 11 percent.

Mustang sales are plunging, dropping 29.2 percent through June. Comparatively, Camaro sales are nearly flat, slipping just 0.7 percent during that time. There’s an opportunity here for both Mustang foes to pick up sales this year, but we’ll see how Ford chooses to respond before making predictions.

Pony Car Sales Breakdown

June 2017 Pony Car Sales

New and Specialty Models

So, how is Dodge managing to wring out sales from the Challenger, now in its 10th year of production? By releasing a slew of new and speciality models.

In 2008 — its first model year since the 1970-1974 pony car run (let’s never mention the heretical Mitsubishi model of the late 1970s and early 1980s) — Dodge limited production to 6,400 units and nearly all sold in advance of production.

Throughout the intervening years, Dodge expanded the Challenger product line as new engines joined the portfolio. Special package options, including Drag Race, Rallye, and Rallye Redline joined in, giving shoppers even more reason to consider this model.

And Along Comes the SRT Demon

Even as its competitors prepared and released new models, Dodge kept the pedal to the metal with the Challenger. Notably, in 2015 Challenger sales reached a record 66,365 units as a special edition Hellcat variant making 707 horsepower rolled out. The novelty of this before-unheard-of model sparked sales. Also, Dodge’s decision not to limit production fueled interest.

Earlier this year, Dodge threw new attention on the Challenger as it announced an SRT Demon wide-body variant. The specialty model comes packed with a 6.2-liter V8 engine outfitted with a 2.7-liter supercharger with an output of 808 horsepower. Fill this machine with 100 octane racing fuel and 840 horsepower is at the ready.

The interesting thing here is that the first Demons have yet to arrive at Dodge dealers. That’ll happen in the fall and the allotment of 3,000 2018 models should add further impetus to Challenger sales.

Meanwhile, Dodge continues to enjoy outstanding buzz based on its latest super model, no doubt a contributing factor in its sales increase so far this year. Another factor is the Challenger GT, the model’s first-ever all-wheel drive variant.

2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon — 2018 Challenger SRT Demon sales begin this fall.

Ford, Chevrolet Respond

Neither Ford nor Chevrolet is likely to allow Dodge to steal their thunder without putting up a fight.

For one thing, the 2018 Mustang gains a Pony Package, offering 19-inch polished wheels, side stripes, and other embellishments. Other yet-to-be-determined changes will have to await the release of the 2018 Mustang product sheet in the coming weeks.

As for the Camaro, a high-performance ZL1 1LE Extreme Track package debuts, outfitted with a racing-based suspension and aero technologies, while delivering a blistering 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Importantly, Chevrolet matches this engine with a six-speed manual gearbox only.

It may be a few more years before we see an all-new Challenger, bringing the current-generation model run to at least 12 years. That’s long for any car, but still a few years short of the 15-year model run (1979-1993) of the third-generation Fox-body Ford Mustang.

Sales statistics verified with each manufacturer.

Jeep, Ram Propel FCA

Fiat Chrysler is riding a 73-month streak of year-over-year sales increases, the longest in the industry. After sales bottomed out during the last recession and just as Fiat gained control of Chrysler, the automaker has been nearly unstoppable. Credit the Jeep brand and Ram trucks with much of that continued good fortune, but when sales are tallied this month, a trio of oft-dismissed minivans may hold the key to FCA’s continued expansion.

The Chrysler Corporation launched the modern minivan movement in 1983 with the introduction of the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. From the onset, Chrysler has dominated the segment, typically accounting for at least 50 percent of the industry’s sales. But minivans have long since peaked as customers flocked to more versatile crossover utility vehicles.

Since last fall, FCA has been in transition concerning its minivan products. The automaker invested upwards of $2.6 billion to develop a new model, the Chrysler Pacifica, while also continuing production of the Dodge Grand Caravan. The Chrysler Town & Country is officially canceled, but before shutting down production FCA pushed out thousands of models, flooding dealer inventories with the same.

Chrysler Pacifica Production Begins

Chrysler Pacifica production began on Feb. 29 and just 487 copies were sold in April. May will be this model’s first full month and sales should prove robust.

At the same time, Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan sales continue with year-to-date sales up 64 and 104 percent respectively through April 2016.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.

Strong Incentive on Three Minivan Models

Propelling sales for both models are strong incentives. As of publication, Town & Country incentives include a $3,500 cash allowance or 1.9 percent financing for up to 84 months plus an additional $500 back. Grand Caravan incentives also come in at $3,500 along with 0 percent financing for 60 months plus a $1,500 cash allowance. Additional incentives should bring in deeper cuts, especially for remaining 2015 inventory.

Lease deals are also available, depending on the trim level selected. Typically, you’ll pay $289 to $299 per month for 36 months, with $2,999 down. However, CarsDirect.com explains that the Dodge lease on Grand Caravan SE isn’t especially attractive, considering its low MSRP.

Despite being a new model, financing and lease deals on the Chrysler Pacifica are in place. Right now, Chrysler is offering a $2,000 cash credit on the Pacifica. Or, buyers can choose 0 percent financing for 36 months and receive $1,500 cash back. If leasing is your preference, a Pacifica LX can be had for $269 per month with $1,999 due at signing.

Well-Stocked Inventory and May 2016 Sales

Last week, Automotive News noted that as of the beginning of May, 22,170 Town & Countrys and 29,247 Grand Caravans were unsold, representing a two-month inventory. Add in thousands of Pacificas and FCA’s dominance in the minivan segment will continue.

The timing of the Pacifica’s release coincides with curtailing Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart sedan sales. Jeep and Ram sales should continue to bolster the automaker for May; together FCA is looking at a 74th consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases and should do so despite two fewer selling days this year.

DODGE

Pony Wars: Dodge Challenger Upends Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro