Dodge suspends Hellcat orders amid 'unprecedented' demand

After warning of dealer scams, the company is now restricting new orders until current orders can be validated.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has reportedly suspended new orders for the Hellcat-powered Dodge Charger and Challenger.

The company earlier this month warned potential buyers that some dealers have been taking large numbers of orders and deposits, without acknowledging limited supply and advising customers that many of the orders may not be filled for months or years.

Dealers were already instructed to not place any orders, even customer orders, if they had just one Hellcat in stock. FCA has also promised a maximum of one Hellcat per showroom per month, and only for dealers who sell the largest volume of Dodge vehicles.

"Due to unprecedented demand for the 2015 Dodge Charger and Challenger SRT Hellcats, we are temporarily restricting orders while we validate current orders that are in the system," an FCA spokesperson now tells Motor Authority.

Dealers placed orders for nearly 5,000 Hellcats by the end of October, and the tally now surpasses 9,000 units, according to The Truth About Cars. The company has not signaled any intention to ramp up production to help meet the overwhelming demand.