Dodge Challenger

Model Overview

The Dodge Challenger is an iconic pony car and muscle car from Stellantis Group's Dodge brand (formerly Chrysler). Among the "Big Three" American muscle cars (alongside the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro), it stands out as the most retro-styled and the longest-standing advocate of the V8 engine. The first-generation Challenger debuted in 1970 as Dodge's response to the Pontiac Firebird and Ford Mustang, before production ended in 1974 due to the oil crisis. In 2008, Dodge revived the Challenger on the Chrysler LX platform, upsizing it into a full-sized muscle car that remained in production until December 2023. Towards the end of its life cycle, the Challenger became one of the most sought-after muscle cars in North America, thanks to its nostalgic styling, raw V8 power, and pop-culture acclaim from the Fast & Furious movie franchise. In late 2023, production of the petrol-powered Challenger officially came to an end with the final batch of "Last Call" special-edition models rolling off the assembly line. In March 2024, Dodge unveiled the production version of the all-electric Challenger Daytona SRT concept car, marking the start of a new electrified era for this legendary lineage.

Design Language

The third-generation Challenger’s design pays direct homage to the original 1970 model. Its exterior mirrors the classic's proportions closely: a flat and wide bonnet, quad rectangular headlights integrated with a recessed front grille to form a distinctive unified front fascia, and signature full-width tail lights. The profile features sharp, upright, and muscular body lines. Dimensions are substantial, measuring approximately 5,021 mm in length, 1,923 mm in width, and 1,461 mm in height, with a 2,946 mm wheelbase—dwarfing rivals like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro to stand firmly in full-size muscle car territory.

Inside, the Challenger received a modern refresh following its 2015 facelift. The centre console features a driver-centric layout, equipped with a 7-inch (8.4-inch on higher-spec variants) Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system as standard. Paying tribute to its heritage, the cabin retains plenty of tactile physical buttons and classic round air-conditioning vents. The seats are plush and wide in true "American sofa" fashion, while rear-seat accommodation remains relatively generous for a sports coupe in this segment.

Powertrain and Performance

Powertrain performance forms the very soul of the Challenger. Towards the end of its life cycle (up to 2023), the Challenger offered an extensive lineup spanning from a V6 to supercharged V8s—a rare powertrain matrix in modern automotive history:

• SXT/GT: Powered by a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 naturally aspirated engine producing 309 hp and 363 Nm of torque. This serves as the entry-level powertrain, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD).

• R/T: Powered by a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 naturally aspirated engine pushing out 375 hp and 556 Nm of torque.

• R/T Scat Pack: Powered by a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 naturally aspirated engine (392 HEMI) churning out 485 hp and 644 Nm of torque.

• SRT Hellcat: Powered by a 6.2-litre supercharged HEMI V8 engine pushing a monstrous 717 hp and 889 Nm of torque.

• SRT Hellcat Redeye: Powered by an uprated 6.2-litre supercharged V8 engine delivering 797 hp and 958 Nm of torque.

• SRT Demon 170 (Ultimate Edition): Powered by a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 engine, unleashing up to 1,025 hp and 1,281 Nm of torque when fuelled on E85 ethanol blend. It completes the 0-96 km/h sprint in just 1.66 seconds, ranking among the world's quickest-accelerating production petrol cars.

Transmission duties are handled by an 8-speed automatic gearbox (TorqueFlite 8HP), with a 6-speed manual transmission (Tremec TR-6060) available on selected variants.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the Challenger sits on a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive architecture built upon a shortened version of the Chrysler LX platform. Suspension is handled by a double-wishbone independent setup at the front and a multi-link independent arrangement at the rear, paired with an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Braking-wise, base models feature four-wheel disc brakes, whilst the Hellcat and more hardcore variants step up to a Brembo high-performance braking system (six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers). To harness the immense grunt, Widebody variants feature wider track widths and beefier 305 mm section tyres, substantially boosting cornering grip.

Cabin and Equipment

The Challenger's cabin strikes a balance between everyday convenience and functional tech. Higher-spec variants come loaded with amenities such as a premium Harman Kardon sound system, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. An Alpine audio system (6 speakers as standard, with a 9-speaker option) delivers an engaging acoustic experience. Practical equipment includes a reverse camera and parking assist, while selectable drive modes offer Normal, Sport, and Track settings.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

Safety equipment on the Challenger covers essentials such as multi-stage airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), and tyre pressure monitoring. Higher-spec models add rear parking sensors and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM). Notably, as an old-school, performance-focused muscle car, the petrol-era Challenger eschewed Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist—a deliberate omission to preserve an unadulterated, analog driving feel.

Market Performance and Reception

The Challenger stands as a living testament to American muscle car heritage. Following its 2008 rebirth, sales grew steadily, peaking in 2018 with 66,000 units delivered in a single year, even briefly overtaking the Ford Mustang in North America. Its enduring appeal lies not only in brute force, but in its unapologetic loyalty to V8 engines and pure, high-horsepower rear-wheel-drive thrills.

Nevertheless, under tightening global emissions standards and the unstoppable shift towards electrification, the petrol-powered Challenger bowed out in December 2023. To celebrate its storied run, Dodge released seven "Last Call" special-edition models. In March 2024, Dodge unveiled the electric Challenger Daytona SRT, packing an 800V electrical architecture, up to 670 hp, and an artificial V8 exhaust acoustic signature, ushering the nameplate into a new era. The Challenger is more than just a car—it signifies both the end of a golden era and the beginning of another in American automotive history.