Anyone work at CDJR dealer? Got special-order car question

Quick background is we were ready to order a new 2022 Challenger 1320 because the available 2021s in this region w/ options we want are very limited. One of the must-have items is a rear seat, which is deleted as part of the basic 1320 package. For 2019 - 2021, you could order a rear seat either as a separate cloth upgrade for the standard interior or as 1320 Plus Group interior upgrade that included it w/ leather seats.

The order fell apart yesterday when we were told that at this time there is no option to include a rear seat w/ a 2022 1320. Here's the e-mail discussion w/ the rep, after I noticed the build sheet did not include the rear seat option as specified:

Me: Unless something has changed for 2022 that I'm unaware, the rear seat option can be added as an override of the standard 1320. I've attached the sticker from one of the 2021 cars I found locally, but didn't want because it's Pitch Black. It retains the standard cloth interior, but has both passenger seat and rear seat options (see red oval in lower left corner). It's definitely possible, although confusing. Even the online "Build Your Car" feature doesn't disable the Rear Seat Delete selection when the Rear Seat Option - Cloth option is selected.

The other way is the 1320 Plus package, which is primarily an interior upgrade that includes both front passenger seat & rear seat along w/ leather upgrade. We're not interested in that option.

Rep: Yes that has indeed changed from last year. Once you select the 1320 package, the Rear Seat Cloth options is not available to select. It is not available in the 1320 plus package either. Once you select the 1320 package, it does not allow the Rear Seat Option as an available option. So if that is an important option, I will put you on a waiting list and if/when it is available, I can let you know and proceed with the build from there.

Me: Yeah, one of the reasons we decided to simply order a 2022 because half of the 2021s we've found weren't ordered w/ the rear seat.

Just to be clear, if we add the 1320 Plus Group for 2022, will that include the rear seat is it does for 2021? If so, we'll go w/ the 1320 Plus Group.

Rep: No, the 1320 Plus Group does not give you the rear seat.

This is everything in the 1320 Plus Group.
Power Tilt/Telescope Steering Column (SUB)
Door Trim Panel w/Ambient Lighting (CBR)
Nappa/Alcantara Performance Seats (*SL)
Heated Steering Wheel (NHS)
Black-Edged Premium Floormats (CCJ)
Premium-stitched Dash Panel (JAD)
Ventilated Front Seats (CAJ)
Radio/Driver Seat/Mirrors Memory (LEW)

Once you get the 1320 package, you can not get the Cloth Back Seat. Maybe it will change later in the year, but currently you can not get the Cloth Back Seat with the 1320.

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This guy does special orders on a regular basis so I'm 99% sure he's got his facts straight... even though it makes no sense to me.

Can anyone else confirm what this person is telling us? Or do they have their wires crossed re ordering a 2022 Challenger 1320? Feel free to PM me if you'd rather keep this private.

Thanks - Brad

Contact Brant Schroyer (sales manager) at Laurel Valley Motors in Latrobe, PA. That's where we bought our 2012 R/T & our 2016 Scat Pack Shaker. They are 350 miles away from us, but it was well worth it. They are VERY involved with the performance stuff there, & you won't get a better deal anywhere. No screwing around either - no salesman BS. Tell Brant I sent you - Eric Sauls.

Brant's email: b.schroyer@laurelvalleymotors.com .

Good luck.

FYI for anyone who might have been wondering, the dealership where we found our 2021 yesterday confirmed that, until further notice, 2022 1320s will not be available with a rear seat option. The limited chip supply appears to be driving this decision.

How many chips are there in the rear seat?

I'm thinking none and that claim doesn't make sense.

As it was explained to me... Corporate wants to promote the 1320 for more "serious" enthusiasts who want an affordable(?) street-legal option. I guess they figure if you want a rear seat that you might as well buy a standard Scat Pack.

Don't shoot the messenger, nor if I misunderstood what I was told. What I do know is 2 different unrelated dealerships said they couldn't order a 2022 w/ a rear seat w/ any option available currently. Therefore, we regrouped and located a suitable 2021 out of state.

That's more believable. My thought on hearing it blamed on the chip shortage was that the dealership was BS'ing you.

Maybe there is an assumption that a full roll cage will go into the 1320 cars when owners outfit them?

Maybe, but to not have the option is silly to me...unless there's something in the design of the 1320 that doesn't allow for it (which I doubt).

Don't forget that there's a high and low point for options. It used to be if 85% of people ordered an option they made it standard (think a/c), and if only 10% bought you eliminated it (manual trans).

Might be a subtle way of encouraging non racing individuals from buying one. Similar to what Chverolet did with the L-88 Corvettes. They intentionally rated the tri power 427 higher in HP and sold it cheaper. They also reportedly discouraged dealers from selling the option package by cutting their profit margin

Why would you need a roll cage for that?

I don't know - is the purpose of the 1320 package to buy a stripped down, factory drag car? I understand that modern vehicles do not require a cage until they run x in the 1/4 mile, but this decision to not offer the rear seat was probably made by a marketing department.