Dodge Challenger Coupe. 3rd generation, 2014 restyling
It is a good time to live, as we have a chance to drive such legendary cars as the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang, but, most importantly, the Dodge Challenger that is considered the most accurate embodiment of the classic Muscle Car of the early 1970s, and not just an embodiment, but its more perfect incarnation, which combines the possibilities unlimited by environmental standards of the past and the achievements of modern technologies.
Design
The design of the Dodge Challenger can be admired for hours and hours. When we look at it, we begin to understand that a car can be created not only to transport people and their belongings from point A to point B, but to fly, enjoying the speed, towards adventure or just wherever the road takes you and depending on how much fuel you have. Kowalski from The Vanishing Point eventually flew towards two bulldozers, but this only intensified the very idea of ‘car moving forward’ and made it more convex…
The Challenger gives the impression of a powerful car, but is not an example of aerodynamics, as the designers tried to preserve the nostalgically recognizable outlines of the classic prototype.
But if we dissociate ourselves from the cultural significance of the Dodge Challenger, we can note the utilitarian design of the third generation: simplified racing-like contours, a cheerfully raised stern and, on the contrary, a low, long hood, a sloping roof with a large windshield. The Challenger gives the impression of a powerful car, but is not an example of aerodynamics, as the designers tried to preserve the nostalgically recognizable outlines of the classic prototype. And by the way, the 2014/2015 Dodge Challenger is a big car of more than 5 meters long, 1.9 meters wide, 1.4 meters high, with a wheelbase of almost 3 meters.
Interior
As part of the restyling of the third generation in 2015, the interior was significantly improved, acquiring better finishing materials and a new infotainment system as part of an 8.4-inch touch interface. It is believed that the Challenger surpasses the traveling comfort parameters of its eternal competitors, the Camaro and the Mustang. But objectively speaking, luxury is not the main quality for muscle cars, so the interior of the Challenger is rather modest. But at least it has sports seats, whereas the rear seats have folding armrests and can be folded down. Plus, the Challenger has a trunk with a volume of 0.4 cubic meters, which is quite a lot for such a car.
Engines and chassis
The Challenger’s basic engine is a 3.5-liter 6-cylinder 250 hp engine, but Dodge generously offers a whole range of magnificent power units, including a Chrysler Hemi V8 5.7 with 376 hp, Chrysler Hemi V8 6.1 with 425 hp and the monstrous 707 hp Hellcat. The engines are accompanied by a 4-speed automatic transmission, as well as a 5-speed or 6-speed automatic transmission.
Trim levels
The number of options available depends on the trim level, which, in turn, depends on the engine power. In total, the Dodge Challenger after the 2014 restyling has seven trim levels: SXT, SXT Plus, R / T, R / T Plus, R / T Scat Pack, SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat. The SXT trim level includes:
- V6 engine;
- 18-inch alloy wheels;
- keyless entry;
- cruise control;
- auto-dimming rear-view mirror;
- automatic climate control;
- six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat;
- on-board computer;
- sound system.
The SXT Plus comprises the above elements, and some additional features:
- 20-inch alloy wheels;
- rear spoiler;
- sports suspension and brakes;
- fog lights;
- automatic headlights;
- parking sensors;
- rearview camera;
- heated and ventilated front seats.
The Challenger R / T trim level includes the same options as the SXT, but it has a more powerful engine. The R / T Plus version has the same options as the SXT Plus with the availability of xenon headlights, more powerful suspension and brakes.
The R / T Scat Pack starts with the R / T options, but offers an even more powerful engine, upgraded suspension and brakes, active exhaust system, front and rear spoilers, programmable stability control, sports seats.
The Challenger SRT 392 has a redesigned hood, 20-inch forged wheels, improved brakes, adaptive suspension dampers, and options for adapting control to the particular driver’s behavior.
And, finally, there is the creation of the fantasy of a real muscle car fanatic, weighed down with bright images of fire, the rattle of metal and the smell of burnt rubber, a petrol monster from the very depths of car hell, called the Challenger SRT Hellcat, distinguished by a 707 hp engine. But besides this, the wild ‘cat’ has a hood adapted for high-speed movement, advanced air intakes, enlarged front and rear spoilers, remote start, parking sensors, a rear-view camera, blind spot monitoring system and rear cross path detection.
In addition to the listed basic options, the Challenger fans have access to such additional options as automatic wipers, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning, navigation system and more.
Safety
As for such an important aspect for muscle cars as safety, the 2015/2016 restyled Dodge Challenger meets most of the modern requirements. It has anti-lock disc brakes, traction control and stability control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags.
During the national crash tests, the Challenger received a five-star rating (maximum) for general collision protection, a four-star rating for overall forward collision safety, and a five-star rating for overall side impact safety. The IIHS awarded the Challenger the highest score for safety in crash tests, but it is also noted that it is not very safe in a direct forward collision.
