The 2014 Dodge Challenger is ranked #9 in 2014 Affordable Sports Cars by U.S. News & World Report.
Compare the 2014 Dodge Challenger against the competition Challenger Rallye Redline models add a Sport Mode and steering-wheel paddle-shifters. 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Riding around in a bright red Dodge Challenger SRT8 is not the best way to go unnoticed.
The 2014 Dodge Challenger doesn't just recall the musclecars of the past--it relives that past with every scan of its shape, with every twist of the key. Love this car - it will definitely turns heads. $30,495 2-Door Coupe R/T Classic Opt for the SXT Plus model, and you get heated Nappa leather seats, fog lamps and park assist. And at 16 cubic feet, the trunk is larger than those of some sedan models.The interior design and materials, however, border on the Spartan, with acres of black plastic and a slightly cut-rate feel that has always been this car's Achilles Heel.
Outward visibility is one significant concern, given the Challenger's high shoulders, thin wide windows, thick rear pillars, and rather low seating position. It can be hard to see blind spots when changing lanes, as well as the rear of the car when backing up, or even the front of the hood when parking.Items included on all Challengers include electronic stability control; front, side, and side-curtain airbags; and anti-lock brakes. The clutch pickup is low and easy to manage but, in the snow, even the slightest touch of the accelerator will provide tyre spin followed by the car’s traction control modules going into a meltdown.As we pulled out of Chrysler Drive heading south on Interstate 75, we squeezed on the accelerator pedal and listened to the V8 roar to life as the rear tyres struggled for grip.A bright red American muscle car in snowy conditions – it’s hard not to smile.The Challenger is not an easy beast to control in the dry, let alone in the snow. This generation of vehicle came out in 2008, so it definitely does not feel like a model about to slide into 2014.It’s basically as if the absolute bare minimum equipment levels have been placed inside to maintain its true muscle car heritage (or if you’re a cynic, keep costs down). Part of that has to do with the Challenger's steering, which is simply too light. Those with an eye on the drag strip might also note that the Challenger's hefty curb weight and power come up short of the competition.The combination of a longer wheelbase and somewhat more forgiving suspension tune, especially in V-6 form, give the Challenger more of a 'presence' on the road--and a little less precise. Pugnacious but practical, noisy yet refined, the 2014 Dodge Challenger possesses a … Cadillac President Steve Carlisle says the company has Tesla firmly in its sights, announcing this week the upcoming Cadillac Lyriq will cost less than $US60,000 ($AU84,100). These models are competitive with the base Mustang and Comaro, but true muscle-car enthusiasts should leap for the R/T models, which pack a 375-horsepower HEMI V-8, along with a throaty, gorgeous rumble. On top of that, a Rallye Redline edition adds an exaggerated 'bad-boy' look (red Nappa leather inside and black-chrome wheels outside) plus a lower axle ratio, performance suspension and steering tune, and larger disc brakes. A door opening during a side impact crash increases the likelihood of occupant ejection. I could go on and on about this car - I just absolutely love this car. The cheap plastics, clacky air-conditioning controls, ancient infotainment system and an instrument cluster that would make a 1999 Toyota Camry look advanced are all (im)properly American.Thankfully then, it’s not any other car, it’s a Dodge Challenger SRT8 and regardless of how simple and cheap it feels inside, the second you press the start button it starts to make sense.Clutch in and go for first gear; this isn’t an easy gearbox. Ride quality is very well damped, and SRT models now offer an adaptive suspension with normal and sport shock modes.True muscle-car enthusiasts should of course leap for the R/T models, which pack a 375-horsepower HEMI V-8, along with a throaty, gorgeous rumble. At that price we suspect it would be a big hit.The next-generation Challenger is rumoured to be based on the new Alfa Romeo rear-wheel drive platform, which we suspect will mean it’ll come with significantly better driving dynamics.It’s another two years away, and is likely to arrive after the new Ford Mustang, and possibly a Holden import of the next Camaro, but the Dodge Challenger (or whatever it ends up being called, given the Mitsubishi Challenger nameplate clash) can’t come to Australia soon enough. There’s no sense of cornering compliancy and its heavy American muscle car attributes are evident.That’s not to say it’s not fun.
In front, nice supportive seats and plenty of headroom (much more than the Camaro, thankfully).