Dodge Delivers Modern Muscle Car Magic

By Steve & Tami Laser
Autos & Parts Contributing Editors

Do you remember the first Dodge Challenger? It was introduced in fall 1969 as a 1970 model, sharing Chrysler’s “E-body” platform with the third-generation Plymouth Barracuda. Revised styling for 1971 included split taillights and a twin-inlet grille. Fast-forward 45 years and history repeats itself (sort of) with the revised Challenger for 2015.

Just about everyone remembers the return of the Challenger in 2008. Based on the same rear-drive platform as the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, Challenger’s styling evoked the original. For 2015, Challenger gets a new look with 1971 design cues includ- ing a new split grille, more pronounced power bulge hood, LED halo headlights and split LED taillights.
There’s a new TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission. The base V6 delivers 305 horses, the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 puts out 375 hp and a new 6.4-liter HEMI V8 kicks out 485 ponies. Then there’s the R/T Shaker with the 5.7-liter, a new R/T Scat Pack, plus a new 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker.

The Challenger that’s making head- lines is the new SRT Hellcat billed as “the most powerful and fastest muscle car ever” (from the factory) with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 that punches out an amazing 707 horses. Yet Hellcat’s starting price of $59,995 is out of reach for many enthusiasts.

We decided to test the Challenger R/T Plus with the 5.7-liter V8 teamed with a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission and anti-spin rear differential. The Super Track Pak package added 20-inch Hyper Black alloy wheels with 245/45ZR-20 tires, and high-perfor- mance brakes, suspension and steering.

The interior featured a retro theme with sport seats trimmed with two-tone premium leather. We recently drove Challenger’s top competitors, the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. In contrast, Challenger feels like a larger car with a wider cabin.

With 375 horses and 410 ft-lbs of torque on tap the rumbly V8 provides ample thrust for any occasion. We had fun charging up steep hills, powering along our favorite stretch of twisty country road and making a beeline for the freeway and Orange County. The manual gearbox was a joy to use and the clutch pedal was lighter than some other performance cars we’ve driven.

New Dodge Performance Pages are included with the optional Uconnect® system and its bright 8.4-inch touch- screen display. Drivers can increase engine and throttle responsiveness, adjust Electronic Stability Control (ESC) settings and change the steering feel. The system also includes active launch control with launch RPM settings, performance timers and perfor- mance gauges such as G-force indica- tors for off-road (track) use.

Uconnect also included an excellent audio system with satellite and HD radio, plus navigation. SiriusXM TrafficTM and Travel LinkTM with 5 year service are part of the deal. Uconnect Via Mobile lets users enjoy personal Internet radio accounts and stream audio using their own mobile devices via Aha by Harman, iHeartRadio, Pandora and Slacker.

While we didn’t have a chance to try it, Dodge says the available mobile phone app lets users start and lock or unlock the doors plus access on-demand Wi-Fi, making their Challenger a “moving hot spot.” Other nifty features on our test car included Hill Start Assist, Ready Alert Braking, ParkSense® rear parking system, a back-up camera, and Keyless Enter ‘n GoTM.

If we were in the market for a muscle car from an American nameplate, it would be tough to decide between the Challenger, Camaro and Mustang.

All three are now sophisticated world- class cars that are light years ahead of their predecessors in terms of technol- ogy and build-quality. And with a bottom-line price including destination of $38,570, the Challenger R/T would fit very nicely into our garage.

Dodge Challenger R/T Plus
Base Price: $34,495
As Tested: $38,570
Engine: 5.7-liter OHV V8
Horsepower: 375 @ 5,150 rpm
Torque: 410 @ 4,300 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Braking System: Disc/disc, ABS
Wheelbase: 116.2 in.
Tires: . 245/45ZR-20
Est. Fuel Economy: 15 city/23 hwy

Final words:
INCREDIBLY GOOD LOOKING AND A BLAST TO DRIVE