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Dealership Crash Destroys 717-HP Challenger Hellcat

8/27/2026

23 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Matt Bowers dealership in Louisiana destroyed a 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat during routine service.
A general manager said an unqualified lube tech took the 717-horsepower Challenger for a test drive and crashed it.
Hill rejected the dealership’s offer of a replacement Hellcat at MSRP, which waived the usual $25,000 markup.
A senior company representative apologized and said an investigation into additional compensation was underway.

History

Historical Context

After the 1999 recall of 6.5 million Firestone tires on Ford Explorer SUVs, the auto industry faced heightened scrutiny. Decades later, a Matt Bowers Chevrolet lube technician in Shreveport crashed a 717-hp Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, prompting Stellantis to review dealer training and compensation rules. The incident echoes concerns first raised by the 1999 Explorer recall.

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Story summary

Matt Bowers dealership in Louisiana destroyed a 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat during routine service.
A general manager said an unqualified lube tech took the 717-horsepower Challenger for a test drive and crashed it.
Hill rejected the dealership’s offer of a replacement Hellcat at MSRP, which waived the usual $25,000 markup.
A senior company representative apologized and said an investigation into additional compensation was underway.

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