The Challenger’s cockpit also has a retro touch to it, but with modern-day comfort and convenience items such as a navigation system. It’s harder to copy the original 70’s model, and Dodge can’t really sacrifice today’s ergonomic standards just for the sake of looking retro. The only unusual element is the Mercedes-style turn signal and wiper stalk, which is a little too low on the left side and takes getting used to.
The fat front bucket seats seem to fit any type of human body frame, while the tilt and telescopic steering column helps find a comfortable driving position. The climate control rotary dials are easy to use while driving, and the sound system, complete with touch-screen interface, offers excellent output.
Climbing in the back seat isn’t easy, though, and headroom is limited for taller folks while the wide C-pillars darken the atmosphere, not to mention hampering visibility when backing up. You might not want to spend more than half an hour back there, but it’s more liveable than in the Chevy’s back seat. As for the trunk, it’s pretty spacious but not all that shallow, and you’ll rub your pants against the bumper to reach far-away items.
Now obviously, in a Pony Car, bragging rights is an important factor, and there is where the Challenger falls a little short. The Camaro SS packs up to 426 horspower and the 2011 Mustang GT gets 412 horses, while the R/T must do with 375.
We’re not implying that 375 horsepower is an embarrassing number, as the Dodge rips to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds with the 6-speed manual tranny. But you can’t flaunt the R/T’s power output when it’s lower than the competition. In regards to the V6-powered Challengers, they’re also behind the Camaro and Mustang, but the upcoming Pentastar, 3.6-litre V6 could save the day for the 2011 model year. And there’s always the 425-hp SRT8 model, but it’s more expensive.
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| The Challenger’s cockpit has a retro touch to it, but with modern-day comfort and convenience items such as a navigation system. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
The fat front bucket seats seem to fit any type of human body frame, while the tilt and telescopic steering column helps find a comfortable driving position. The climate control rotary dials are easy to use while driving, and the sound system, complete with touch-screen interface, offers excellent output.
Climbing in the back seat isn’t easy, though, and headroom is limited for taller folks while the wide C-pillars darken the atmosphere, not to mention hampering visibility when backing up. You might not want to spend more than half an hour back there, but it’s more liveable than in the Chevy’s back seat. As for the trunk, it’s pretty spacious but not all that shallow, and you’ll rub your pants against the bumper to reach far-away items.
Now obviously, in a Pony Car, bragging rights is an important factor, and there is where the Challenger falls a little short. The Camaro SS packs up to 426 horspower and the 2011 Mustang GT gets 412 horses, while the R/T must do with 375.
We’re not implying that 375 horsepower is an embarrassing number, as the Dodge rips to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds with the 6-speed manual tranny. But you can’t flaunt the R/T’s power output when it’s lower than the competition. In regards to the V6-powered Challengers, they’re also behind the Camaro and Mustang, but the upcoming Pentastar, 3.6-litre V6 could save the day for the 2011 model year. And there’s always the 425-hp SRT8 model, but it’s more expensive.
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| The Challenger R/T packs 375 horses, less than the Camaro SS and 2011 Mustang GT. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |