Remarkable Retro Rides: 2014 Dodge Challenger

2014 Dodge Challenger Shaker (Credit: © Dodge)

Chrysler bravely dove into the deep end of the muscle car pool in the 1960s and ‘70s. They blew consumers away with such stunning models as the Plymouth Barracuda, Duster, Belvedere and Road Runner, as well as the Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Coronet, and the Chrysler 300. Today, it takes more than just a little luck to locate one of these forty-year old muscle cars and even if you do it can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to relocate it to your garage. The obvious alternative is a great looking and ultra-reliable retro-ride.

Dodge is putting out a retro-ride that replicates one of the most visually appealing coupes ever. The 1970 Plymouth Barracuda/Dodge Challenger was possibly one of the most popular cars of all-time and is still highly sought after. The first Dodge Challenger was a behemoth of an automobile. It was a coupe but it more closely resembled a barge than a muscle car. The truly stunning autos were produced from 1970 to 1974. The cars which were produced from 1978 to 1983 are hardly worthy to bear the name Challenger, much less muscle car. They were low-powered, low-quality, econo-boxes produced by Mitsubishi. That brings us to 2008 when Chrysler wisely decided to bring back the Challenger. It presently remains in production and is one of the best selling automobiles in the continental U.S.

The Challenger is offered in four basic trim levels. The entry level coupe is the SXT version. It features a 3.7-liter V6 engine that makes 305-hp. Standard fare on the SXT includes a five-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, and automatic climate control among its extensive amenities.

The R/T trim level comes standard with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that generates 376-hp and 410 lb.-ft. of torque mated with a six-speed manual gearbox. Several upgrade packages are available on the R/T level. The R/T Plus and R/T Classic add things like security alarms, parking sensors, black side stripes, and 20-inch wheels and tires. The Super Track Pac ups the ante with high-performance suspension and brakes.

The SRT 8 and SRT8 Core levels are geared more towards mind blowing performance and horsepower. A 6.4-liter Hemi V8 delivers 470-hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque and propels the Challenger from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.5-seconds. While the SRT8 comes standard with all of the latest luxury items, the SRT8 Core is edgy with a more competitive feel.