2012 Dodge Challenger

Dodge Challenger

The muscle car of the sixties and the seventies, the Dodge Challenger is back and that too with a bang. When it had been initially reintroduced in 2008, it seemed an overgrown retro car taking much space on the road, however, the Dodge Challenger 2012 is sleeker, better looking and more importantly, better performing than not only its earlier versions but also its competitors, the Camaro and the Mustang.

Within three years of being reintroduced, the Dodge Challenger has been upgraded from being a bulky and not-so-agile car to a performance car with a 305-hp V6 engine for the base model and a mighty 470-hp V8 for the top SRT8 model. There have been revisions to the suspension, brakes and steering, making the Dodge Challenger a comfortable and spacious five-seated coupe. The Dodge Challenger SRT8 model is the best but its price in excess of $50,000 makes it slightly inaccessible and the R/T model is still considered the best. Comparing the Dodge with its competitors, the Camaro is no doubt the flashiest and most styled but it lacks the rear seat room and outward visibility. On the other hand, the Ford Mustang when compared with the Dodge fares well on handling and performance again compromising on the comfort and rear passenger room available in the Dodge.

The Dodge Challenger comes in the segment where performance and style matter the most. The choice for a car in the segment although is entirely personal yet those who are looking for a comfortable and spacious car with a very good road grip, should not look beyond the Dodge Challenger. Here are its specifications in detail:

Trim levels and body styles: the Dodge Challenger is available in three trim levels each having a different engine, the SXT, R/T and the SRT8 392. Starting with the SXT model, besides the standard accessories like the alloy wheels, cruise control, steering wheel with audio controls, a trip computer, this model has an enhanced audio system with iPod/USB interface and satellite radio. The plus package for the SXT which is optional includes automatic headlights, fog lights, Bluetooth connectivity, leather upholstery, visor mirrors, and rear view mirror with auto dimming. The SXT model also comes in different groups such as the Super Sport group, the Interior Appearance group, the Electronics Convenience group and the Sound Group II, each having features as relevant to its group.

The R/T model of the Dodge Challenger has a V8 engine and the standard features of the SXT's Super Sport group model. Besides this, the R/T Plus package has the accessories that are not standard in the SXT plus package. Similar to the SXT model, the R/T model too has groups such as the Interior Appearance, Classic and the Super Track Pak each having features specific to its group.

The SRT model has all the features present in the R/T model as standard features with additional accessories like xenon headlamps, 20-inch wheels, hydraulic power steering, upgraded brakes, suspension and trip computer.

Performance

Talking of the top most model of the Dodge Challenger, the SRT has a 6.4 liter V8 engine which produces a horse power of 470 and torque of 470 lb-ft. All models have the five speed automatic transmission with the SRT Track Pak getting the six-speed manual. On the performance front, the manual SRT8 clocked 4.5 seconds when it zoomed from zero to 60 mph while the Challenger R/T model took the time of 5.5 seconds for reaching the same levels with the manual transmission and 5.8 with the automatic one. The fuel economy stands at 18mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined for the SXT model, 16/25/19 for the R/T model and 14/22/16 for the SRT8 392 automatic model.

Safety

All models of the Dodge Challenger come with enhanced safety features like the antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability, front side airbags, front head restraints and side curtain airbags. The power and size of the disc brakes differ with the trim levels and the packages.

Other special features

The interiors of the Dodge Challenger pales when compared to its exterior. Although the 2012 make has distinctive shifter knobs and the beveled dashboard, the interiors are not up to the mark when compared with the rivals in the same category. The rear roof pillars make the rearward visibility poor. However, the good thing about the Dodge Challenger is that the interiors are of good quality and has surfaces, which are soft to touch. A well contoured, small-diameter steering wheel provides an excellent driving experience. The seats, especially the front ones are very comfortable for long distance journeys. The rear seats have good legroom and headroom providing extreme comfort. The backseat of the Challenger can be folded 60/40 providing additional room. Again the trunk of the Challenger at 16.2 cubic feet is definitely the largest amongst its rivals.

Overall impression

The Dodge Challenger is no doubt the muscle car of the yester years but the latest updates to it have made it a challenge for its present day rivals, namely the Mustang and the Camaro. The vivid color selection, the big LCD touch screen, modern crisp lines and enhanced safety features have made the Dodge Challenger popular among all age groups. Driving the Dodge is heaven and its size is also its advantage as it provides a quieter and more comfortable drive than most of its competitors. It has a strong road feel with the independent suspension though customers can get the adaptive suspension with the SRT8 models.

Therefore the Dodge Challenger qualifies as a great sports car. With ample headroom and legroom, a great V8 engine, independent suspension, enhanced audio system, better security features and certain other tech features, the Dodge Challenger is certainly a great vehicle for long distance drives. Recreating the magic of the yesteryears, the Dodge portrays agility and power pushing the young drivers to go for fast and speedy R/T model or the Super Sport group with better brakes and steering. Handling and performance of the Challenger provide it a respectable feel.

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