Vehicle Tested
| 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T
Base Price: $30,860
At-Tested Price: $41,745
Built in Ontario, Canada.
Options
HEMI Orange Paint
Customer Preferred Package
Sirius Radio
Electronics Convenience Group
Sound Group II
Super Track Pack
Six-Speed Manual Transmission
Sunroof
HID Headlamps
Media Center Radio
Engine: 5.7-Liter V8
Transmission: Six-Speed Manual
Drive Wheels: Rear-Wheel Drive
|
The retro-themed Dodge Challenger was introduced in 2008 as a direct competitor to the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. It's an old-school front-engine rear-wheel-drive two-door coupe that shares engines and chassis with the larger four-door Dodge Charger. One difference between the Challenger and its pony-car competition is that Challenger seats five passengers and the Mustang/Camaro are four-seat vehicles.
For 2010, Challenger sees little change and continues in SE, R/T, and line-topping SRT8 trim levels. The SE comes with a 250-horseower 3.5-liter V6 and five-speed automatic. R/T models get a multi-displacement 5.7-liter V8 that makes 372 horsepower with the five-speed auto box and 376 horsepower when equipped with the available six-speed manual transmission. SRT8 models get a 425-horsepower 6.1-liter V8 and either the five-speed auto shifter or the six-speed manual. All manual transmission models come with a hill-holder clutch.
All models come standard with antilock four-wheel disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, tire-pressure monitor and dual-front, front-side and curtain side airbags. Obstacle detection and rear-view monitor are not offered.
The SE lists for $22,735 and includes air conditioning, tilt-telescope steering wheel, cruise control, front bucket seats, eight-way power driver seat, center console, split-folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, floormats, theft-deterrent system, 215/65R17 tires and alloy wheels.
The R/T has a base price of $30,860 and adds to the SE leather-wrapped steering wheel, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights, rear spoiler, fog lights, sport suspension and 235/55R18 tires.
The SRT8 starts at $41,230 and adds to the R/T limited-slip differential, performance suspension, uprated brakes, leather upholstery, heated front seats, keyless access and starting, remote engine start, heated power mirrors, Boston Acoustics sound system, satellite radio, hard drive, iPod adapter, steering wheel radio controls, Bluetooth cell-phone link, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, HID headlights and 245/45ZR20 tires.
Key options include leather upholstery, sunroof, and Chrysler's uconnect multimedia package. It consists of navigation system with traffic information, in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, 30-gigabyte hard drive, and digital-media player connection. Newly available for 2010 is purple "Plum Crazy" paint, which is offered only on the SRT8. All Challengers are assembled in Canada and carry a $725 destination charge.
Get Up and Go Dodge offers Challenger in three flavors: Mild, Hot, and Fire. The mild one of the bunch, the SE, accelerates smartly from a stop and has reasonable passing power. However, the engine runs out of punch on the highway and climbing grades.
R/T models pack quite a punch and will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about six seconds. The five-speed automatic shifts firmly between gears and pauses a trifle too long before downshifting when more acceleration is needed. The six-speed manual has stiff-but-positive throws and a hitch-free clutch.
The Fire model is obviously the SRT8. SRT stands for Street and Racing Technology and is Chrysler Corporation's tagline for enthusiast-orientated products. The Viper, for example is an SRT product. In the Challenger, SRT means a fire-breathing 6.1-liter V8 that thrusts Challenger from zero to 60 mph in about five seconds. As you might expect passing power is exceptional and the engine willingly revs to redline.
Regardless of model, traction can be a problem. SE models have useful all-season tires that can be utilized year round. R/T and SRT8 models have aggressive touring and performance tires that aren't well suited to Chicagoland's snowy winters. So buyers of those models should consider purchasing a set of snow tires for the winter months.
Fuel economy mirrors the performance numbers. SE models net EPA ratings of 17/25 mpg. R/T manual models drop slightly to 15/24 mpg. The SRT8 pulls up the rear with 14/22 mpg with manual and 13/19 with automatic. Dodge recommends mid-grade fuel on the SE and R/T and says that the SRT8 requires premium-grade fuel.
No Challenger is going to win over the hearts of eco-friendly environmentalists. The car is just too big and heavy to garner better fuel-economy numbers. In routine driving expect to average close to 20 mpg with the SE. Mileage falls off quickly in R/T and SRT8 models. Owners of those models will likely see less than 18 mpg.
On the Road From its aggressive stance, you'd think Challenger would ride with the composure of a Conestoga wagon, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Dodge's pony-car sports a long-for-the-class 116-inch wheelbase and that helps offset the firm suspension. Of course, the SE has the best impact absorption. The R/T is considerably firmer but not harsh. SRT8 models ride firmer still and can annoy on badly broken roads.
The Challenger is too heavy and wide to be called nimble. In fact, the Mustang feels much more agile on twisty roads. However, SE and R/T have plenty of grip and firm, accurate steering. Body lean is kept in check on both models and the brakes have ample stopping power.
SRT8 models hold the road with tenacity. Body lean is minimal and the stiffer suspension and stronger brakes are evident from the get go. On city streets, the SRT8 is a bit like a bull in a china shop, but on the open road it truly shines.
Wind noise is kept in check on all models. The SE cruises quietly at any speed. R/T and SRT8 have lots of tire rumble and noticeable exhaust growl that grows tiring on long trips. SRT8 adds a lumpy idle, which is befitting a '60s-era muscle car.
Behind the Wheel Unlike it's exterior, Challenger's interior doesn't play the retro game. Switchgear is modern and materials trump the current Mustang. Though they are appropriate for the class, the overall feeling is dark and serious.
Gauges are deeply inset into the dashboard. Subdued lighting and widely space numbers make them difficult to read at a glance. Climate and audio system controls are conventional and placed for easy access. The optional navigation system incorporates some audio controls, making operation of both a bit muddy.
Front seat riders are treated to ample head and leg room. Seating comfort depends on model. SEs have the softest seats. R/T and SRT seats incorporate aggressive bolstering that holds occupants in place when the road gets twisty but might not be to everyone's liking.
Outward visibility is hampered by the low roofline and thick rear pillars. Getting in and out can be complicated by the long doors.
Rear seats are roomy by sporty coupe standards, but still not suitable for long-trip adult comfort. Head room is acceptable, but knee room vanishes if the front seats are pushed all the way back.
At 16.2 cubic feet, the trunk is impressively large for the class and big for a midsize car. In addition, the split-folding rear seatback usefully expands cargo space. The trunk opening has a high lift over, however. Interior storage is good with a couple of open bins in the center console and deep door map pockets.
Bottom Line Challenger backs up its brawny looks with plenty of mechanic muscle. It's fun to drive and, in the right hands, has impressive performance potential.
Though Challenger suffers from traditional coupe shortcomings, it's large enough to function as an occasional four seater. However, that largeness is also a detriment. It's too big to park easily, too wide to be agile, and not very fuel efficient. Prices are slightly higher than Mustang and on par with the Chevrolet Camaro so shop wisely.
Specifications, 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T
| Dimensions
| 2-door coupe
| Engine
| OHV V8
| Wheelbase, in.
| 116.0
| Size, liters/cu. in.
| 5.7 / 345
| Length, in.
| 197.7
| Horsepower @ rpm
| 376 @ 5150
| Width, in.
| 75.7
| Torque (lb.-ft.) @ rpm
| 410 @ 4300
| Height, in.
| 57.1
| Transmission
| 6-Speed Manual | Weight, lbs.
| 4041 | EPA Estimates, mpg
| 16 city / 24 highway
| Cargo Capacity, cu. ft.
| 16.2
|
|
| Fuel Capacity, gals.
| 19.0
| Manufacturer's Warranty
| Seating Capacity
| 5
| Bumper-to-Bumper
| 3 years / 36,000 miles
| Front Head Room, in.
| 39.3
| Powertrain
| 5 years / 100,000 miles
| Front Leg Room, in.
| 42.0
| Corrosion
| 5 years / 100,000 miles
| Second-Row Head Room, in.
| 37.4
| Free Roadside Assistance
| 3 years / 36,000 miles
| Second-Row Leg Room, in.
| 32.6
| Free Scheduled Maintenance
| None
|
|
|