Car of the week – September 17 – Dodge Challenger R/T

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  • A retro masterpiece: Dodge Challenger R/T.

    There are lots of new, state-of-the-art improvements that make this new Challenger the stonking bit of kit that it is but the main reason it stands out from other American muscle cars has got little to do with modern auto technology you find in most vehicles these days and everything to do with its glorious retro-styling.

    All muscle cars retain their heritage in the way they are designed but there is something uniquely appealing about the Challenger. This is what a thoroughbred muscle car should look like, mean, moody and magnificent.

    In effect, Dodge have gone back to the future because this Challenger has been inspired by the 1971 Challenger which was a work of art.

    Park them side-by-side and the resemblance would be striking.

    In fact, everything from the fabulous looking front with its long bonnet and air-vents, split-grille and headlights with LED halo surrounds, the sleek side-profile with powerful rear haunches and the rear with split tail-lamps is inspired by the seventies. 

    The modern car has a redesigned rear valance to give it a widened, more planted appearance and the red inlays on the front grille, stripe down the side and fabulous wheels complete what is a very cool looking package.

    Inside, the car has the signature Dodge feel. It is again inspired by that 1971 car to retain a heritage feel throughout this Challenger.

    There is a tad too much plastic in it for my liking but it matters little as the cockpit, once again is well thought out and with superbly comfortable leather performance seats, in Nappa leather and Alcantara suede, which are ventilated.

    The TFT instrument cluster features an analog speedometer and tachometer with throwback radial numbering and a concave shape. The cool aluminium-stamped dash also houses an 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen, the visual control centre for what is an impressive infotainment system. 

    This car also has the Super Track Pack app where you can monitor such things as G-Force, car set-up, lap times, and 0-100kmh times among other things which is all part of what is a full-on, engaging drive experience.  

    The one slight moan I have is the steering wheel, or more precisely the buttons on it. I was constantly accidentally pressing the phone button and got more than a little tired of a woman’s voice telling me there was no phone connected. It might only be a small thing but it is extremely irritating.

    Although heritage is the theme of this vehicle it is bristling with the very latest in auto-technology – nothing that is going to blow your mind but the usual safety features such as a new adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross path detection and forward collision warning.

    This slightly sinister looking car oozes aggressive personality and when it comes to flexing it muscle it delivers one almighty punch.

    There is a Hellcat version of this machine which is powered by a supercharged 6.2 litre V8 engine with an insane 707bhp.

    Our test car couldn’t match that kind of grunt but the 5.7-litre V8 Hemi that sits under that gorgeous bonnet is awesome and plenty powerful enough.

    It has 372bhp, 542nm of torque and a glorious sound track to go with it. Push the starter button and the lazy deep baritone rumble as the engine comes to life just builds the anticipation of what is to come.

    All that power is delivered to the rear wheels by an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic gearbox with paddle-shifts on the steering wheel.

    The great thing about this Challenger, apart from its looks, is that it is tremendous fun to drive. It has a 0-100kmh time of around 4.5 seconds and driven in sport mode, which provides quicker gear-changes, is extremely responsive and that V8 Hemi contributes a rather pleasing sound track to go with it.

    This is quite a heavy car, although new, lighter axles, reduce the load, and though you can feel it going into corners it handles superbly, thanks to the chassis which is designed to deliver world-class performance and sport-tuned suspension.

    This new Dodge Challenger R/T is a retro masterpiece and is one of those cars you just can’t stop admiring and driving. It might not be a Hellcat but when it bares its teeth it’s a classic.

    Verdict

    I like the fact that this car looks like something from the early seventies because amid all the mediocrity where one car looks very much like the other it really stands out from the crowd. The 5.7-litre Hemi is a superb engine and all the upgrades keep this beauty ahead of its rivals. In the world of American muscle cars this new Challenger is hard to beat and it offers great value for money. It’s a belter.

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