2011 Dodge Challenger
Last fall, Dodge introduced the high-performance 2011 Challenger SRT8 392, a substantial update that brought with it a new, 6.4-liter Hemi. While it’s certainly the quickest Challenger to date—the car we tested pulled off a 12.9-second quarter-mile run—it does run $44,410, and some customers might prefer a less expensive Dodge muscle car. Fortunately for those on a budget or in less of a hurry, the rest of the 2011 lineup has been tweaked, too. Dodge supplied full details on the range and unveiled two special-edition Challengers at this year’s Chicago auto show.
All 2011 Challengers receive heavily revised suspensions, with new shocks and springs, tweaked geometry, and firmer bushings. The front and rear camber settings are more aggressive, there are fatter anti-roll bars at each end, and new electro-hydraulic power steering is supposed to provide better road feel.
Key visual changes were presaged by the 392. Out front, there’s a new trapezoid-shaped lower grille opening and a larger plastic splitter. Eighteen-inch wheels become standard, eliminating the base model’s old 17s, and all trims receive a retro-look chrome fuel-filler door. A new three-spoke steering wheel and revised instruments grace the interior, along with LED accent lighting, optional Nappa leather, and more-comfortable seats.
SE Gets a Better V-6
Entry-level SE models receive the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, in this application tuned to produce 305 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque and backed by a five-speed automatic. The new engine replaces an unloved and rather underpowered 250-hp, 3.5-liter six. While it’s still not the choice for enthusiasts, the SE at least is well-equipped, packing keyless ignition, a power driver’s seat, and automatic climate control. Base price for a Challenger SE is $25,495.
There’s also a Rallye package available on the V-6 car that adds a 276-watt sound system with Bluetooth, USB, and satellite radio, plus Uconnect voice recognition, fog lights, and heated front seats. It can then be enhanced in turn with the Super Sport Group, adding a firmer suspension, larger brakes, and 20-inch wheels.
The 2011 R/T is the only Challenger to carry over its powertrains from last year. As before, a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is the only engine choice. Equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission, it’s tuned to produce 372 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, and includes a cylinder-deactivation setup that saves fuel at low engine loads. Opting for the satisfying six-speed manual brings output up to 376 hp and 410 lb-ft but forgoes the fuel-saving tech.
Equipment builds upon that of the SE, adding bits like heated mirrors, a firmer suspension, a decklid spoiler, the requisite Hemi badges, and larger brakes. The R/T Plus package adds 20-inch wheels, Nappa leather, and the 276-watt sound system. Nostalgic buyers can once again opt for the R/T Classic, which for 2011 brings touches like retro badges; R/T stripes in black, white, or red; functional hood scoops; HID headlights; and a heritage egg-crate-style grille with R/T badges.
Get Envious—If You Like Green Paint
Also on display at the Chicago show were two limited-edition versions of the Challenger that will hit dealerships in a few weeks’ time. The Green with Envy cars are painted bright green in a nod to the “Sublime” and “Green Go” paint offered on old-school Challengers, as well as the “Snakeskin Green” slathered on the late Dodge Viper.
The Green with Envy treatment for the R/T Classic nets new cast-aluminum wheels meant to recall Challenger rims of yore, side stripes in either black (standard) or white (optional), and Nappa leather seating with green stitching. The car comes standard with the Challenger’s Super Track Pak Group: upgraded brake pads, revised steering, firmer dampers, Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, and fully defeatable stability control. At $35,785, it’s almost a bargain.
Last fall, Dodge introduced the high-performance 2011 Challenger SRT8 392, a substantial update that brought with it a new, 6.4-liter Hemi. While it’s certainly the quickest Challenger to date—the car we tested pulled off a 12.9-second quarter-mile run—it does run $44,410, and some customers might prefer a less expensive Dodge muscle car. Fortunately for those on a budget or in less of a hurry, the rest of the 2011 lineup has been tweaked, too. Dodge supplied full details on the range and unveiled two special-edition Challengers at this year’s Chicago auto show.
All 2011 Challengers receive heavily revised suspensions, with new shocks and springs, tweaked geometry, and firmer bushings. The front and rear camber settings are more aggressive, there are fatter anti-roll bars at each end, and new electro-hydraulic power steering is supposed to provide better road feel.
Key visual changes were presaged by the 392. Out front, there’s a new trapezoid-shaped lower grille opening and a larger plastic splitter. Eighteen-inch wheels become standard, eliminating the base model’s old 17s, and all trims receive a retro-look chrome fuel-filler door. A new three-spoke steering wheel and revised instruments grace the interior, along with LED accent lighting, optional Nappa leather, and more-comfortable seats.
SE Gets a Better V-6
Entry-level SE models receive the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, in this application tuned to produce 305 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque and backed by a five-speed automatic. The new engine replaces an unloved and rather underpowered 250-hp, 3.5-liter six. While it’s still not the choice for enthusiasts, the SE at least is well-equipped, packing keyless ignition, a power driver’s seat, and automatic climate control. Base price for a Challenger SE is $25,495.
There’s also a Rallye package available on the V-6 car that adds a 276-watt sound system with Bluetooth, USB, and satellite radio, plus Uconnect voice recognition, fog lights, and heated front seats. It can then be enhanced in turn with the Super Sport Group, adding a firmer suspension, larger brakes, and 20-inch wheels.
The 2011 R/T is the only Challenger to carry over its powertrains from last year. As before, a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is the only engine choice. Equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission, it’s tuned to produce 372 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, and includes a cylinder-deactivation setup that saves fuel at low engine loads. Opting for the satisfying six-speed manual brings output up to 376 hp and 410 lb-ft but forgoes the fuel-saving tech.
Equipment builds upon that of the SE, adding bits like heated mirrors, a firmer suspension, a decklid spoiler, the requisite Hemi badges, and larger brakes. The R/T Plus package adds 20-inch wheels, Nappa leather, and the 276-watt sound system. Nostalgic buyers can once again opt for the R/T Classic, which for 2011 brings touches like retro badges; R/T stripes in black, white, or red; functional hood scoops; HID headlights; and a heritage egg-crate-style grille with R/T badges.
Get Envious—If You Like Green Paint
Also on display at the Chicago show were two limited-edition versions of the Challenger that will hit dealerships in a few weeks’ time. The Green with Envy cars are painted bright green in a nod to the “Sublime” and “Green Go” paint offered on old-school Challengers, as well as the “Snakeskin Green” slathered on the late Dodge Viper.
The Green with Envy treatment for the R/T Classic nets new cast-aluminum wheels meant to recall Challenger rims of yore, side stripes in either black (standard) or white (optional), and Nappa leather seating with green stitching. The car comes standard with the Challenger’s Super Track Pak Group: upgraded brake pads, revised steering, firmer dampers, Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, and fully defeatable stability control. At $35,785, it’s almost a bargain.
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