2011
Dodge Challenger
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Summary
The Dodge Challenger SRT8 was first introduced in 2008. It is a
modern interpretation of the classic American muscle car. Unlike the
unrefined pony cars of yesteryear, the Challenger features the fuel
efficiency, safety, handling, technology and build quality expected.
The 2011 Dodge Challenger is an American two-door coupe that seats
five and is based on Chrysler's underpinnings to the Charger and 300
sedans. For 2009, the Challenger got two more trim levels: SE and
R/T.
Full Review 2011
Competition includes the Ford Mustang and upcoming Chevrolet
Camaro.
2011 Cabin Features
The Challenger's theme of retro design is continued in the cabin
with its gauge cluster, black headliner and a slanted shifter
console. Interior volume comes in at 93.9 cubic feet, with 16.2
cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk. Major gauges are deeply
recessed into the dashboard and are dimly backlit, making them hard
to read at times. The view to the rear is fairly good, too, because
the side glass goes well back and the rear window's as big as the
mirror view. The Chrysler-standard control layout places most
systems within easy reach. The navigation system absorbs most audio
functions, but mostly with good results. Challenger's rear-seat
accommodations are quite good for a sporty car. Smaller adults may
tolerate short trips, while kids will fit fine. Entry and exit are
expectedly awkward. In manual versions, the shifter features a
unique "pistol-grip" design. Front-seat occupants sit in prominently
bolstered seats. The SRT8 has exclusive leather sport seats with
accent stitching and embroidered SRT8 logos.
Dodge Challenger Design
The Challenger was designed after the 1970 model, and is without a
doubt a Challenger no matter how you look at it. However, the
current Challenger avoids coming across as a retro car or a new car;
it's the sort of middle ground that may better stand the test of
time. It has a broad grille and rear-end treatments. The Challenger
is 197.7 inches long and 75.7 inches wide, longer and wider than the
Mustang's 187.6-inch length and 73.9-inch width. It includes
standard body-colored handles, front and rear bumpers, and mirrors,
stainless-steel performance dual exhaust with rectangular tips (R/T,
SRT8), and black hood racing stripes (SRT8). The Challenger rides on
17-inch aluminum wheels for the SE, and 20 inch aluminum or
chrome-clad wheels (standard on SRT8, optional on R/T).
Safety Features
Available safety features should include ABS, traction control,
antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Keyless engine start
should remain available, along with Chrysler's uconnect multimedia
suite, which can include a wireless cell phone link, 30-gigabyte
hard drive for storing digital music and picture files, and a
navigation system.
Driving the '11 Challenger
Accurate steering is marred by excessive power assist. Though not
as agile as a Mustang, Challenger handles well given its sheer size
and heft. When cruising, the Challenger is civilized. There is
authority in the exhaust note but it doesn't sound like authority
grabbed the bullhorn until you get into the gas and are rewarded
with a satisfying rumble that becomes more howl as it winds up;
manual gearbox cars use different mufflers and have a deeper tone.
Body lean in fast turns is well controlled, and the brakes provide
sure-footed stopping control. The SE is surprisingly refined; its
engine produces a slightly throaty growl under hard acceleration.
R/T and SRT8 models produce sound levels in keeping with their
high-performance character. Engine, exhaust, and road noise are
omnipresent in those models, even in relaxed highway cruising.
Challenger's ride is surprisingly supple, especially given this
car's performance mission. SRT8 has more side-to-side motions than
the SE or R/T.
Challenger Power
The Challenger offers a V-6 and manual transmission option and a
V-8 5.7-liter Hemi with variable valve timing and an expanded
multi-displacement system that allows the car to operate on four
cylinders when less power is needed. Unlike its archrival, the
Mustang, the Challenger has an independent rear suspension. In
testing, a manual-transmission R/T averaged 16.5 mpg with slightly
more city driving than highway use. Test automatic-transmission
SRT8s averaged 15.8-16.8 mpg. Chrysler recommends mid-grade
89-octane gas for the SE and automatic-transmission R/T.
Premium-grade gas is recommended for the manual-transmission R/T and
required for the SRT8.
Conclusions
The 2011 Dodge Challenger offers consumers a vehicle that
reminds them of a nostalgic past, yet in many ways is modern. The
V6-powered Challenger SE comes with a moderate price, while the
V8-powered R/T is a good performance value. The SRT8 is the ultimate
Challenger. "Comfortable, stylish and impressively capable in terms
of performance, the 2009 Dodge Challenger is exactly what a modern
version of an old muscle-car icon should be." says Edmunds "Bottom
line: The SE delivers time-travel design at a deep discount, but
utterly lacks the visceral and audible thrill of the original,"
writes Motor Trend. Compared to its competitors, the Challenger
actually offers a decent rear seat area and cargo capacity in its
trunk. For fans of the Challenger, driving doesn't get better than
cruising in a retro, but modern day muscle car.