2006 Dodge Challenger Concept

In my mind there's only one thing wrong with the new Challenger, its name. While I love the way it flows

Only the coupe's name is wrong, as a challenger always ranks lower than a champion. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

off the tongue as much as the many memories it conjures up, a challenger always ranks lower than a champion.

Of course, coming close to selling as many Mustangs as Dearborn has been able to over the past year would make the new coupe a champion in Dodge's books, and the smiles on the faces of those new Challenger owners as they blow past hoards of pony car hopefuls on twisty back roads will make them feel like winners too. So what's in a name? Folks always root harder for the up-and-comer anyway.

Specifications:

• Body Type: 2-door coupe
• Layout: front engine, RWD
• Engine: 425 hp, 420 lb-ft of torque, 6.1L, 16-valve, OHV HEMI V8
• Transmission: 6-spd manual
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS with EBD
• Exterior Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 5025 / 1997 / 1449 / 2945 mm (197.8 / 78.6 / 57.0 / 116.0 in)
• Exterior Dimension Differences from 2006 Charger (L/W/H/WB): -57 / +106 / -30 / -103 mm (-2.2 / +4.2 / -1.2 / -4.1 in)
• Track (frt/rr): 1,626 / 1,654 mm (64.0 / 65.1 in)
• Suspension: short/long-arm independent
• Curb Weight: N/A
• Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): 4.6 seconds
• Standing ¼ mile: 13 seconds
• Top Speed: 280 km/h (174 mph)
• Braking (96.6 km/h - 0): 40.54 m (133 ft)
• Tire Size (frt/rr): P255/40R20 / P265/45R21
• Wheel Size (frt/rr): 20 x 9 / 21 x 10 in (outer diameter: 29.76 in or 777 mm / 29.76 in or 756 mm
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Capacity (trunk): N/A
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): N/A
• Range: 483 km (300 miles)
• Direct Competitors (potential): Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Shelby Cobra GT500, Pontiac GTO
• Web Site: www.dodge.ca