The 2012 Dodge Challenger is the kind of car that can bring a smile to the face of even the most jaded car enthusiast. Try as you might, it's impossible to escape the considerable charm of this ultimate modern-day boulevard cruiser.
The Challenger's classic muscle car styling will draw you in, but its refined ride and handling and spacious interior make this big coupe appealing to drive.
We tested two versions of the Challenger: a V-6 version with an as-tested price of $33,590 and the high-performance SRT8 with a sticker price of $48,320.
Styling Consequences
The Challenger is a rolling homage to the original coupe, which was produced in the early 1970s. It takes many of the original's design cues — hood slits, a rectangular grille and pronounced rear haunches — and incorporates them in a modern way. To Dodge's credit, the result is a coupe that both recalls the past and looks contemporary. That's not an easy feat.
There are reasons why cars no longer look like they did in the '70s, and the modern-day Challenger showcases one of them with its poor visibility. A big C-pillar and tall trunk make it hard to check your right-side blind spot. It's also difficult to see curbs when pulling into the street, as they're lost behind the car's huge hood. Plus, the roofline makes it hard to see overhead stoplights when you're first in line at intersections. Still, the Challenger doesn't compromise visibility as much as another retro muscle car: the Chevrolet Camaro coupe.
Going & Stopping
The standard 305-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 engine is smooth and refined, but it doesn't have a lot of grunt from a standing start. It comes alive at midrange engine speeds, which leads to more eager acceleration, but it lacks the SRT8 V-8's appealing exhaust burble that goes so well with the Challenger's whole outlook. The V-6 gets an EPA-estimated 18/27 mpg city/highway.
Like an NFL linebacker, the Challenger SRT8 possesses a quickness that's unexpected in something so big and heavy (its curb weight is around two tons). Dodge pegs the Challenger SRT8's zero-to-60-mph acceleration time in the high 4-second range, and the 470-hp, 6.4-liter V-8 always pulls strongly, whether you're cruising in the city or accelerating on the highway. A burbling exhaust note is your constant soundtrack, and it erupts into a howl when you floor the gas pedal.
Driven aggressively, the SRT8 is a monster of a car with a knack for intimidation. Slow down, though, and it turns into a docile cruiser. The rumbly exhaust remains, hinting at its performance potential, but a progressive gas pedal and smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission make for low-drama driving. Be prepared for frequent fill-ups, though, as the SRT8 is rated 14/23 mpg. Premium gas is recommended.
Getting an automatic SRT8 was a little disappointing initially, as Dodge also offers a six-speed manual, and I like to change gears myself when driving a performance car, but I grew to like the automatic in the big muscle car that is the Challenger.
Loading...
Comments