An American Tradition
The essence of an American muscle car is not limited to bad boy looks but also includes what’s hiding beneath the hood. In the R/T incarnation, Dodge enlists the services of the 5.7-litre V8 HEMI generating 375 hp (372 with the automatic transmission) powering numerous other products of the pentastar brand.
The engine responds very well to throttle input and its delicious voice is the stuff of dreams. With this much power, high fuel consumption goes hand it hand with performance; on average, and without too much enthusiasm on my part, I maintained 14 litres per 100 km.
Long Live the Straightaway
The Challenger remains faithful to the spirit of the 70s even when it comes to driving. Straight stretches are pure bliss. However, when corners and winding roads come into play the size of the car and its overall weight represent a handicap. On the other hand, the driving challenge it poses along with engine torque make for some fun times on the track. What’s more, its fully independent suspension ensures surprising comfort.
Despite its long gears, the six-speed transmission is fairly easy to use. It even seems to be asleep on the highway, checking out at 1,500 rpm at 100 km/h. Driving “normally,” the Challenger proves fairly nimble in all situations. The brakes offer good everyday performance, even if they’re not as tough as the SRT-8’s. The flexible suspension ensures a very comfortable ride.
Competition
Despite the presence of other sports cars on the market, to me the Challenger’s only real rivals are the Ford Mustang GT (from $37,499) and Chevrolet Camaro 1SS (from $36,995), both true American muscle cars. The Challenger R/T will set you back $35,295 in its basic version.
Conclusion
The Challenger is, first and foremost, a toy. You’ll buy this car for what it represents: unadulterated weekend driving enjoyment with no particular goal. It’s an extraordinary machine that unfortunately isn’t at its best in the middle of January. Like your bicycle, you’ll have to settle on parking it in the garage for the off-season and cross your fingers that spring will arrive sooner than expected.
photo:Philippe Champoux
The essence of an American muscle car is not limited to bad boy looks but also includes what’s hiding beneath the hood. In the R/T incarnation, Dodge enlists the services of the 5.7-litre V8 HEMI generating 375 hp (372 with the automatic transmission) powering numerous other products of the pentastar brand.
 |
| In the R/T incarnation, Dodge enlists the services of the 5.7-litre V8 HEMI generating 375 hp. |
The engine responds very well to throttle input and its delicious voice is the stuff of dreams. With this much power, high fuel consumption goes hand it hand with performance; on average, and without too much enthusiasm on my part, I maintained 14 litres per 100 km.
Long Live the Straightaway
The Challenger remains faithful to the spirit of the 70s even when it comes to driving. Straight stretches are pure bliss. However, when corners and winding roads come into play the size of the car and its overall weight represent a handicap. On the other hand, the driving challenge it poses along with engine torque make for some fun times on the track. What’s more, its fully independent suspension ensures surprising comfort.
Despite its long gears, the six-speed transmission is fairly easy to use. It even seems to be asleep on the highway, checking out at 1,500 rpm at 100 km/h. Driving “normally,” the Challenger proves fairly nimble in all situations. The brakes offer good everyday performance, even if they’re not as tough as the SRT-8’s. The flexible suspension ensures a very comfortable ride.
Competition
Despite the presence of other sports cars on the market, to me the Challenger’s only real rivals are the Ford Mustang GT (from $37,499) and Chevrolet Camaro 1SS (from $36,995), both true American muscle cars. The Challenger R/T will set you back $35,295 in its basic version.
Conclusion
The Challenger is, first and foremost, a toy. You’ll buy this car for what it represents: unadulterated weekend driving enjoyment with no particular goal. It’s an extraordinary machine that unfortunately isn’t at its best in the middle of January. Like your bicycle, you’ll have to settle on parking it in the garage for the off-season and cross your fingers that spring will arrive sooner than expected.
 |
| The Challenger R/T will set you back $35,295 in its basic version. |
photo:Philippe Champoux
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