subject: Dodge Challenger [print this page] Dodge Challenger Dodge Challenger
So it's not as quick as the Ford Mustang; so it's not as sleek as the Chevrolet Camaro. Who cares it's American muscle, so what's not to love? Here's an ovation to '70s retro, and to the Dodge Challenger.
The Dodge Challenger debuted in 1970 as the twin of the renowned Plymouth Barracuda. It was the epitome of the pony car aesthetic: long hood, short rear deck, blunt-nosed grill and aggressive hood scoops. Owners could choose from an astonishing cornucopia of options, colors, trims, fobs, and nine engines, the most famous of which was the 426-hp Hemi. In its first year, 84,032 Challengers were sold. The second year, due to loss of interest in muscle cars and increased emission regulations, only 29,883 Challengers were produced. In subsequent years, the one-hit wonder faded from memory, and the apathetic 1978-1982 Japanese Dodge Challenger merely nailed the coffin shut.
Resurrected in 2008, the Dodge Challenger blesses streets with its balanced fusion of strength, panache and deftness. As a bulky five-seater coupe, it offers three trims: an unappreciated SE; popular and powerful R/T; and an over-the-top, pure blazing speed SRT8.
SE
Powered by an apathetic 3.5-liter, 250-hp V6 leaking out 250 lb-feet of torque, coupled with a five-speed automatic gear box, the $23,000 SE is the wanna-be muscle car of the trio. The feature roster is sufficient but unimpressive. Besides regular amenities, the SE has an eight-way power driver seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seat and a four-speaker CD/MP3/audio jack sound system.
R/T
Labeled as the best buy of the three, the $31,000 R/T is powered by a whopping 5.7-liter, 376-hp V8, capable of 400 lb-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard, while a six-speed manual is optional. The R/T offers sport-tuned suspension and steering, exterior elements like automatic headlamps and foglights, and leather-wrapped interior bric-a-brac.
SRT8
Check out the $41,000 SRT8's 6.1-liter, 425-hp V8 thrusting out 420 lb-feet of torque. Transmission options are the same as the R/T. Interior features include leather upholstery, heated front seats, premium sound system with Bluetooth, keyless ignition, and a performance meter that measures criteria like acceleration and lateral G-forces. On the exterior: twin black stripes, dual hood scoops, sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, automatic xenon headlights and heated side mirrors.
A wealth of options and packages add to the madness. A multimedia package, a navigation system, 13-speaker sound system, performance tires and equipment, Mopar accessories and more are all available.
Performance & Handling
While most enthusiasts bemoan the SE's somewhat droopy performance, all laud the R/T's impeccable racing style, and many revere the SRT8's tire-shredding speed. The Challenger is more powerful but less agile than the competing Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro. The SRT8 trim easily keeps pace with the Camaro SS and Shelby Mustang GT500.
Fuel Economy
Power must come at some cost, right? EPA mpg estimates are 17/25 for the SE, 16/25 for the R/T and 13/19 (automatic) for the SRT8. These estimates are slightly lower than competitors.
Safety
NHTSA granted the Challenger five stars for frontal and side crash protection and four stars for rollover protection.
Reliability
US News & World Reports in conjunction with J.D. Power and Associates gives the Challenger a 6/10 reliability ranking.
But who needs high mpg? This is American muscle, and it's time to shred and split.
