Dodge Challenger R/T: The Return of a Hot Rod

What's New About the Dodge Challenger R/T:

After a long absence, Dodge has revived its most notable sports coupe - the Dodge Challenger - keeping the retro design and rear-wheel drive platform. The Challenger is based off of the same platform as the popular second-generation Chrysler 300. Unlike the vehicle we’re familiar with from the popular TV show "The Dukes of Hazard," where the Challenger appeared, the current generation vehicle is still true to form, including the latest safety and technological advances.

Must Have Goodies:

The Challenger R/T we reviewed was equipped with Dodge’s distinctive roaring 5.7-liter 8-cylinder Hemi engine, a power cloth driver’s seat, rotary dial knobs for the air condition, dual exhaust pipes, 18-inch wheels and tires, one-touch power windows, 60/40 rear folding seats with an armrest and cupholders, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player and satellite radio. While our vehicle didn’t have a sunroof or a navigational system, we recommend adding it to your list. Also as opposed to the 4 speakers which were standard in the R/T we reviewed, it’s recommended that you opt for Dodge’s upgraded sound system, which includes a 276-watt amplifier; 6-Boston Acoustics speakers and a DVD-player in the R/T. And an ever better sound system is available in the SRT-8, which has an optional 13-speaker audio system. Oh yes, we can’t forget adding the optional 20-inch wheels, which gives the vehicle a better ride and a more aggressive stance.

What Rocked:

While the interior of the Challenger is very basic just like the original, the real notable features here are the retro-looking exterior design and the rocking fuel-efficient Hemi engine. Unlike all of its competitors, the Challenger can easily seat up to five adults comfortably.

What We Hated:-

The R/T we reviewed was equipped with an Autostick automatic transmission, which allows you to drive the vehicle as a clutch-less automatic. I would have preferred a 6-speed manual transmission to truly test the juice underneath the hood. Dodge should also make a power sunroof as a standard feature, why should we have to pay extra for this feature? Lastly, while the rear seat room surpassed the competition, it was quite cumbersome for occupants to enter the rear cabin from the driver’s side, with the standard power seats. On the other hand, we found that it was easier for occupants to enter the back seat from the passenger side.

Any Juice:
How dare you ask this question? It’s one of America’s original muscle cars! The Challenger is available with a 372-horsepower engine or a 425-horsepower engine. You’ll have to pay $10,000 more for the SRT8, which offers the most powerful engine in the Challenger line. If you’re looking for gas mileage, you should consider the economy minded Challenger SE, which is equipped with a 6-cylinder engine, producing 250 horses.

Verdict:
If you’re interested in reliving your past or if you’re just looking for a big vehicle to cruise the family around, the Challenger is the perfect vehicle for you. Unlike most of its competitors, the Challenger has a big car ride and feel, offering a very powerful engine if you opt for either of the upgraded eight-cylinder engines. The Challenger is available in three trim packages. Pricing for the hot rod starts at a modest $22,000 for the base 6-cylinder SE and can easily climb to $46,000, with the high-performance SRT8 package. While this is the hottest vehicle being offered in the Chrysler line up today, dealers are offering deep discounts to get you behind the wheel of one.

Other Competitors: Chevy Camaro, Ford Mustang, Hyundai Genesis Coupe and Mitsubishi Eclipse.