Dodge Direct Connection Performance Parts Brand Marks HEMI® Day With New Start Defender Theft-deterrent System
Dodge, a Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) brand, has launched the new Start Defender theft-deterrent system for 2018-2023 model-year Dodge Charger and Challenger vehicles, coinciding with HEMI Day on April 26. The system, priced at $695 MSRP, features a CAN-based starting circuit interrupt system with two-factor authentication.
The Start Defender system includes a private, encrypted Wi-Fi network for setup and management, accommodating up to four different button sequences for multiple drivers. The system can be enabled/disabled for various activities like valet parking or dealership visits. Available through Wesley Motorsports, it can be self-installed or professionally fitted without special tools.
This launch aligns with HEMI Day (4/26), which celebrates the legendary 426-cubic-inch HEMI V-8 engine introduced in 1964. The system builds upon existing Dodge security features, including factory-installed security alarms and Key Programming Lockdown.
Dodge, un marchio di Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), ha lanciato il nuovo Start Defender, sistema antifurto per i modelli Dodge Charger e Challenger dal 2018 al 2023, in occasione del HEMI Day del 26 aprile. Il sistema, dal prezzo di listino di 695 dollari, include un circuito di avviamento basato su CAN con autenticazione a due fattori.
Il sistema Start Defender prevede una rete Wi-Fi privata e criptata per la configurazione e la gestione, supportando fino a quattro diverse sequenze di tasti per più conducenti. Può essere attivato o disattivato per varie situazioni, come il parcheggio con valet o le visite in concessionaria. Disponibile tramite Wesley Motorsports, può essere installato autonomamente o da un professionista senza bisogno di attrezzi speciali.
Il lancio coincide con il HEMI Day (26/4), che celebra il leggendario motore V8 HEMI da 426 pollici cubici introdotto nel 1964. Il sistema si integra alle già presenti funzionalità di sicurezza Dodge, tra cui gli allarmi di fabbrica e il Key Programming Lockdown.
Dodge, una marca de Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), ha lanzado el nuevo Start Defender, sistema antirrobo para los vehículos Dodge Charger y Challenger de los años modelo 2018-2023, coincidiendo con el HEMI Day el 26 de abril. El sistema, con un precio de venta sugerido de 695 dólares, cuenta con un circuito de arranque basado en CAN con autenticación de dos factores.
El sistema Start Defender incluye una red Wi-Fi privada y encriptada para la configuración y gestión, permitiendo hasta cuatro secuencias de botones diferentes para varios conductores. El sistema puede activarse o desactivarse para distintas situaciones, como el aparcamiento con valet o visitas al concesionario. Disponible a través de Wesley Motorsports, puede instalarse por el usuario o profesionalmente sin herramientas especiales.
Este lanzamiento coincide con el HEMI Day (26/4), que celebra el legendario motor V8 HEMI de 426 pulgadas cúbicas introducido en 1964. El sistema complementa las características de seguridad existentes de Dodge, incluyendo alarmas instaladas de fábrica y el Key Programming Lockdown.
Dodge는 Stellantis(NYSE: STLA)의 브랜드로서 2018년부터 2023년형 Dodge Charger 및 Challenger 차량을 위한 새로운 Start Defender 도난 방지 시스템을 4월 26일 HEMI Day에 맞춰 출시했습니다. 이 시스템은 695달러 MSRP 가격으로, CAN 기반 시동 차단 회로와 이중 인증 기능을 갖추고 있습니다.
Start Defender 시스템은 설정 및 관리를 위한 개인 암호화된 Wi-Fi 네트워크를 포함하며, 최대 네 명의 운전자를 위한 네 가지 버튼 시퀀스를 지원합니다. 발렛 파킹이나 딜러 방문 시 등 다양한 상황에서 시스템을 활성화하거나 비활성화할 수 있습니다. Wesley Motorsports를 통해 구매 가능하며, 특별한 도구 없이 직접 설치하거나 전문가에게 설치를 의뢰할 수 있습니다.
이번 출시는 1964년에 도입된 전설적인 426입방인치 HEMI V-8 엔진을 기념하는 HEMI Day(4월 26일)에 맞춰 이루어졌습니다. 이 시스템은 Dodge의 공장 설치 보안 경보 및 키 프로그래밍 잠금 기능 등 기존 보안 기능을 보완합니다.
Dodge, une marque de Stellantis (NYSE : STLA), a lancé le nouveau Start Defender, système antivol pour les modèles Dodge Charger et Challenger des années 2018 à 2023, à l'occasion du HEMI Day le 26 avril. Ce système, au prix de 695 $ MSRP, dispose d'un circuit de démarrage basé sur CAN avec authentification à deux facteurs.
Le système Start Defender comprend un réseau Wi-Fi privé et crypté pour la configuration et la gestion, permettant jusqu'à quatre séquences de boutons différentes pour plusieurs conducteurs. Le système peut être activé ou désactivé selon les besoins, comme pour le parking voiturier ou les visites en concession. Disponible via Wesley Motorsports, il peut être installé soi-même ou par un professionnel sans outils spéciaux.
Ce lancement coïncide avec le HEMI Day (26/4), qui célèbre le légendaire moteur V8 HEMI de 426 pouces cubes introduit en 1964. Le système complète les fonctionnalités de sécurité existantes de Dodge, notamment les alarmes d'usine et le verrouillage de programmation des clés (Key Programming Lockdown).
Dodge, eine Marke von Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), hat das neue Start Defender Diebstahlschutzsystem für Dodge Charger und Challenger Modelle der Baujahre 2018-2023 vorgestellt, passend zum HEMI Day am 26. April. Das System kostet 695 US-Dollar (UVP) und verfügt über eine CAN-basierte Startunterbrechung mit Zwei-Faktor-Authentifizierung.
Das Start Defender System beinhaltet ein privates, verschlüsseltes Wi-Fi-Netzwerk zur Einrichtung und Verwaltung und unterstützt bis zu vier verschiedene Tastensequenzen für mehrere Fahrer. Das System kann für verschiedene Situationen wie Valet-Parken oder Werkstattbesuche ein- und ausgeschaltet werden. Erhältlich über Wesley Motorsports, kann es selbst oder professionell ohne Spezialwerkzeug installiert werden.
Dieser Launch fällt mit dem HEMI Day (26.4.) zusammen, der den legendären 426 Kubikzoll HEMI V8-Motor feiert, der 1964 eingeführt wurde. Das System baut auf den bereits vorhandenen Dodge-Sicherheitsfunktionen auf, einschließlich werkseitig installierter Alarmanlagen und Key Programming Lockdown.
- New revenue stream through aftermarket security product
- Enhances brand value by addressing vehicle security concerns
- Additional product offering in Direct Connection portfolio
- None.
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --
- Direct Connection, the Dodge performance parts brand, introduces new Start Defender theft-deterrent system for 2018 to 2023 model-year Dodge Charger and Challenger vehicles
- Protecting modern-day HEMI®-powered Dodge muscle cars aligns with HEMI Day, celebrated each year on April 26 (4/26) in honor of the legendary 426-cubic-inch HEMI engine
- Direct Connection Start Defender features CAN-based starting circuit interrupt system that enables two-factor authentication; vehicle will only start when correct sequence is entered
- Start Defender device management and setup features private, encrypted Wi-Fi network with website
- Multiple drivers can access up to four different button sequences
- System can be enabled/disabled during a variety of activities without owner present as needed, such as trips to car wash, dealership, valet parking and more
- Direct Connection Start Defender theft-deterrent system available at a
U.S. manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of$695 - Start Defender is a Direct Connection licensed product available through Wesley Motorsports
- For product details and ordering information, visit DCPerformance.com
Direct Connection, the Dodge performance parts brand, is introducing a new Start Defender theft-deterrent system for 2018 to 2023 model-year Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger muscle cars, just in time for HEMI® Day on April 26.
HEMI Day, celebrated each year by Dodge enthusiasts on April 26 (4/26), honors the legendary 426-cubic-inch HEMI V-8 "Elephant" engine that was introduced in 1964.
The Direct Connection Start Defender system provides an incremental theft-deterrent option for owners of modern-performance-era Dodge Charger and Challenger vehicles powered by the HEMI engine. The Start Defender system helps protect prized HEMI-powered muscle cars by building on existing security features from Dodge, such as a factory-installed security alarm, including a Deluxe alarm for Scat Pack and SRT models, as well as Key Programming Lockdown, which helps prevent unauthorized programming of new key fobs.
"The Direct Connection Start Defender theft-deterrent system is another tool to help HEMI-powered Dodge Charger and Challenger owners protect their muscle cars and have a little more peace of mind," said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO. "The Dodge Direct Connection portfolio continues to grow, and there's no better time to rollout a product like Start Defender than on the eve of HEMI Day."
The Direct Connection Start Defender is a CAN-based starting circuit interrupt system that lets vehicle owners set two-factor authentication for the starting circuit of their Dodge Charger or Challenger. Two-factor authentication is set via a button sequence chosen by the vehicle owner. The vehicle will only start when the correct button sequence is entered and authenticated.
Start Defender features a private, encrypted Wi-Fi network with a website to both set up and manage the system. Only the Start Defender system owner can reset the device. Up to four different button sequences are available so multiple drivers can access the system. Start Defender can also be configured to allow access for multiple drivers, and the system can be enabled or disabled during a variety of activities where the owner cannot enter the button sequence, such as car wash visits, valet parking, trips to the dealership for service and more.
The system includes an external relay control, and the hood switch can activate a relay-controlled 12V device, allowing sirens or other warning devices to be connected and controlled. The Start Defender system can be installed by a mechanic or also self-installed with no special tools needed. The system does not damage or alter any original equipment systems.
The Start Defender theft-deterrent system is now available through Wesley Motorsports as a licensed Direct Connection product, at a
Direct Connection
The Direct Connection portfolio, available online and through the Dodge Power Brokers dealer network, includes modern performance, crate engine, race and vintage muscle high-performance products for Dodge performance vehicles, offering factory street, strip and track performance parts developed by SRT engineers and backed by a Mopar warranty for peace of mind.
Performance enthusiasts and racers can access the Direct Connection hotline at (800) 998-1110 for technical and race support. More information on Direct Connection and Dodge Power Brokers is available at DCPerformance.com.
Dodge//SRT
For 110 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Their influence continues today as Dodge, America's performance brand, shifts into high gear with a lineup that delivers unrivaled performance in each of the segments in which the brand competes while moving forward to a future that includes electrified muscle in the form of the next-generation, all-new Dodge Charger.
The next-generation Dodge Charger electrifies a legend, with the Charger retaining its title as the world's quickest and most powerful muscle car, led by the all-new, all-electric 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack. The all-new Dodge Charger will also offer performance choices via multi-energy powertrain options, including the 550-horsepower Dodge Charger SIXPACK H.O., powered by the 3.0L Twin Turbo Hurricane High Output engine.
Dodge also keeps its foot on the gas as a pure performance brand with the 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, the most powerful gas engine SUV ever, and best-in-class standard performance in the compact-utility vehicle segment with the Dodge Hornet.
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.
Follow Dodge//SRT and company news and video on:
Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Dodge brand: www.dodge.com
Direct Connection: www.DCPerformance.com
DodgeGarage: www.dodgegarage.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dodge
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dodgeofficial
Twitter: www.twitter.com/dodge and @StellantisNA
YouTube: www.youtube.com/dodge, https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA
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SOURCE Stellantis
FAQ
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