Vehicle Tested
| 2011 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye
Base Price: $24,895
At-Tested Price: $33,590
Built in Canada.
Options
Toxic Orange Pearl Coat Exterior Paint
Preferred Package 26G (leather interior, heated seats, Boston Acoustics Speakers, Amplifier)
Electronics Convenience Group
Super Sport Group
Rallye Appearance Package
Sound Group II
Sunroof
Rallye Stripes
Navigation System
Engine: 3.6-liter V6
Transmission: Five-Speed Automatic
Drive Wheels: Rear-Wheel Drive
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Dodge's retro-themed 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 two direct competitors is that Challenger seats five passengers and the Mustang/Camaro are four-seat vehicles.
For 2011, Challenger gets a pair of new engines, an interior makeover and new features. SE, R/T, and line-topping SRT8 trim levels continue. The SE gets an all-new 3.6-liter V6 that makes 305 horsepower, 55 more than last year's V6. Sole transmission offering with the V6 is a new five-speed automatic. R/T models stick with 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 power boost with a new 470-horsepower 6.4-liter V8 and either the five-speed auto shifter or the six-speed manual. The SRT8 engine gains cylinder deactivation for 2011, aimed at reducing fuel consumption. 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 $24,895 and includes air conditioning with automatic climate control, tilt-telescope steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, front bucket seats, six-way power driver seat, center console, split-folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry and starting, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with digital-media player connection, Bluetooth cell-phone connection, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, floormats, theft-deterrent system, 235/55R18 tires and alloy wheels.
The R/T has a base price of $29,895 and adds to the SE limited-slip differential, uprated brakes, satellite radio, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights, rear spoiler, fog lights and sport suspension.
The SRT8 starts at $42,780 and adds to the leather upholstery, heated front seats, remote engine start, heated power mirrors, Boston Acoustics sound system with music hard drive, universal garage door opener, compass, outside-temperature indicator, HID headlights, performance suspension and 245/45ZR20 tires.
Key options include leather upholstery, sunroof, navigation system 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. All Challengers are assembled in Canada and carry a $825 destination charge.
Get Up and Go Dodge offers Challenger in three flavors: Mild, Hot, and Fire. The mild one of the bunch, the SE gets new life this year with the addition of the 305-horsepower V6. Accleration can be termed as snappy, with a 0-60 mph time of about 6.5 seconds. Though a tick behind the lighter Mustang and Camaro V6 models, Challenger SE has surprising punch at all speeds and won't disappoint.
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 6.4-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 18/27 mpg are an improvement over last year's V6. R/T automatics rate 16/25 mpg and the SRT8 pulls up the rear with 14/23 mpg 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. Yet in routine driving the new V6 yields an impressive 20-22 mpg. Straight highway driving yields close to 28 mpg. 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 and Camaro. Though 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 is new for 2011. It incorporates some audio controls, making operation of both a bit muddy. In addition the programming interface isn't nearly as simple to use as most other systems and give you the feeling that it's an aftermarket unit.
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 a high beltline, 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 There's no doubt Challenger is a looker, but can the car's mechanical make up back up its stunning retro styling? In a word, yes. Challenger is fun to drive, gets plenty of looks, 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.
The upgrades for 2011 place it a notch above Mustang and Camaro when compared feature for feature. That, and the reasonable rear seat, gives Challenger a leg up on the competition.
Specifications 2011 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye
| Dimensions
| 2-door coupe
| Engine
| DOHC V6
| Wheelbase, in.
| 116.0
| Size, liters/cu. in.
| 3.6 / 220
| Length, in.
| 197.7 | Horsepower
| 305 @ 6350 | Width, in.
| 75.1
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 268 @ 4800
| Height, in.
| 57.1
| Transmission
| 5-Speed Automatic
| Weight, lbs.
| 3834
| EPA Estimates, mpg
| 18 city / 27 highway
| Cargo Capacity, cu. ft.
| 16.2 |
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| Fuel Capacity, gals.
| 19.1
| 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 |
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