By Steven Symes 
Through its Direct Connection performance parts brand, Dodge has launched a new theft deterrent device for all Hemi-powered muscle cars it no longer makes. Why this wasn’t done four years ago when Hellcats and the like were getting stolen constantly is a question we’d love to have answered, but we suppose it’s better late than never.
Suspect throws live grenade during a police chase.
This new device, called the Start Defender, works only with Dodge Chargers and Challengers equipped with a Hemi V8, because nobody else matters. Also, what thief wants to swipe a V6? The car also has to be a 2018 to 2023.
A CAN-based starting circuit interrupt system, Start Defender can require two-factor authentication before a Dodge Charger or Challenger will even start. Someone will need to type in a correct sequence of buttons on the device, then authenticate they’re the car owner or are authorized by the owner to start the engine.
Because so many thieves attack the ignition on Dodge’s this is supposed to stop them dead in their tracks. It can be temporarily disabled for going through car washes or taking the vehicle to the shop.
Four different button sequences can be programmed into a Start Defender, so you could have four different people with their own codes using the same vehicle. Whoever has access to the online account can then just cut someone off from the ignition.
Excuse us if we’re a little skeptical this is the magic bullet so many seem to believe it is. We’ve seen updates to Dodges which were supposed to end the theft trend, only for thieves to get around them. The only devices we’ve seen really work are aftermarket pre-ignition, somewhat like this, so perhaps this will be effective.
According to Dodge, the Direct Connection Start Defender system costs $695 for the hardware. An owner can install it themselves or have a shop do it.
Image via StellantisThrough its Direct Connection performance parts brand, Dodge has launched a new theft deterrent device for all Hemi-powered muscle cars it no longer makes. Why this wasn’t done four years ago when Hellcats and the like were getting stolen constantly is a question we’d love to have answered, but we suppose it’s better late than never.
Suspect throws live grenade during a police chase.
This new device, called the Start Defender, works only with Dodge Chargers and Challengers equipped with a Hemi V8, because nobody else matters. Also, what thief wants to swipe a V6? The car also has to be a 2018 to 2023.
A CAN-based starting circuit interrupt system, Start Defender can require two-factor authentication before a Dodge Charger or Challenger will even start. Someone will need to type in a correct sequence of buttons on the device, then authenticate they’re the car owner or are authorized by the owner to start the engine.
Because so many thieves attack the ignition on Dodge’s this is supposed to stop them dead in their tracks. It can be temporarily disabled for going through car washes or taking the vehicle to the shop.
Four different button sequences can be programmed into a Start Defender, so you could have four different people with their own codes using the same vehicle. Whoever has access to the online account can then just cut someone off from the ignition.
Excuse us if we’re a little skeptical this is the magic bullet so many seem to believe it is. We’ve seen updates to Dodges which were supposed to end the theft trend, only for thieves to get around them. The only devices we’ve seen really work are aftermarket pre-ignition, somewhat like this, so perhaps this will be effective.
According to Dodge, the Direct Connection Start Defender system costs $695 for the hardware. An owner can install it themselves or have a shop do it.
Image via Stellantis