Dodge
has unveiled the latest iteration of its popular Challenger sports car for
2015, and it’s better than ever. With new styling cues reminiscent to those of
the original Challenger from 1971, new technology features to bring it even
more up-to-date, and new engines and transmission options that make it possibly
the most badass sports car manufactured by an American car company ever to hit
the streets, it may be the best Challenger yet.
The
2015 Dodge Challenger features an all-new exterior, with a front grille that
splits in the middle to mock that of its 1971 predecessor, as well as new LED
rear tail lamps that’ll most definitely make people wonder which sports car
they’re behind. The Challenger will also be offered in many striking exterior
colors, including a classic plum purple, a striking lime green, and a hot
bright orange, giving buyers the freedom to make their car exactly the way they
want it. But this is only the beginning of what makes the latest version of the
Challenger one epic sports car.
Inside
the 2015 Dodge Challenger, Dodge’s commitment to be one of the most
technologically-advanced car manufacturers in America is evident. Offering
three of Chrysler’s latest U Connect radio options, ranging from a standard
five-inch touch-screen, and offering up to an eight-inch touch-screen with “connected
car” features such as U Connect ACCESS services with one-touch 911 assistance
and even a Wi-Fi hotspot using 3G connectivity, plus Chrysler’s award-winning U
Connect interface with voice command, this is easily one of the most
technological sports cars currently sold in America. In addition,
retro-inspired gauges integrate a color information display in the center,
while still keeping a familiar analog speedometer and tachometer, blending
modern-day convenience features with familiar 1970s-esque touches. A new
steering wheel is thicker and adds more controls for the infotainment features
of the car. Retro-inspired interior color schemes add to the fun of the car.
In
regards to power, there’s a whole lot to love in the 2015 Dodge Challenger.
Base models keep the familiar and award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine with
variable valve timing and 306 horsepower, the most power from this engine in
Chrysler’s lineup. The R/T models get the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine with multi
displacement system (MDS) technology for saving fuel on the highway, and making
370 horsepower. Working up the line, the SRT models feature a 6.4-liter
supercharged HEMI V8 engine with multi displacement system (MDS) technology and
470 horsepower. But perhaps the biggest news is the addition of Dodge’s most
powerful V8 engine yet: the Hellcat. While Dodge hasn’t released power ratings
for the Hellcat yet, they do say it will make “over 600” horsepower. There is a
special SRT Hellcat model for those who want this engine. Transmission choices
will be either a new eight-speed “Torq-Flite” automatic with paddle shifters available
on all models, or a six-speed short-throw manual transmission for at least the
V8-powered models (there is a possibility that Dodge will allow buyers of
V6-powered Challengers to opt for this transmission choice, however). Of course
the Challenger will retain its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) architecture.
The
2015 Dodge Challenger will be available in four basic models: the SXT, the R/T,
the SRT, and the SRT Hellcat, with special trim packages ranging in between
each model, such as the Superbee and the R/T Classic trim levels. Pricing will
start around $26,000 for the base SXT model with an eight-speed automatic
transmission, and will climb all the way up to over $60,000 for a
top-of-the-line, fully-loaded SRT Hellcat model with a six-speed manual
transmission. The 2015 Challenger will go on sale in late summer 2014, along
with its all-new 2015 Charger sibling, and is offering prospective buyers the
option to lease a 2014 Challenger (or Charger, for that matter) for a year and
then upgrade to a 2015 Challenger (or Charger) for the same lease rate (or
purchase one). Those details are available on Dodge’s website.
-Vincent D., Vincent’s Auto Reviews
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