The new Dodge Challenger is a car that celebrates the muscle car era in America. We were fortunate enough to drive a few of them over the course of the year. Back in January we drove a 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 out in California, and we just recently test drove a 2011 Dodge Challenger RallyE, which confirmed once again that the Challenger is a truly special car.
Exterior
Our 2011 Dodge Challenger RallyE had a redline, three-coat, pearl exterior paint job with gray center racing stripes, which looked incredible together. There is no mistaking the 2011 Dodge Challenger on the road with its retro-modern styling. Also included on the Super Sport Group Challenger we drove were fog lamps, 20-inch x 8-inch aluminum chrome clad wheels, 245/45VR20 BSW all-season performance tires and a body color rear spoiler. Dodge improved on an already wonderful exterior by including dual-chromed exhaust tips in the lower rear fascia and a restyled trapezoidal front air dam. The larger opening helps keep any of the powerful engine options cool and adds a nod to the Challenger’s iconic past. A bright, racing-style fuel-filler door is also now standard.
Interior
The leather-trimmed bucket seats were strong and stylish and fit nicely with the all-new, thick-rimmed, three-spoke Dodge steering wheel for better performance, feel and grip. The Challenger’s standard power driver’s seat now feature power lumbar for improved back support. There is truly room for three in the back seats and to make getting in and out of the rear seats a little easier, the front bucket seats slide forward with the pull of a handle. After spending time inside the Challenger RallyE, it’s no surprise the car achieves best-in-class rear head room (37.4 inches) and legroom (32.6 inches). Our model also sported air conditioning with automatic temperature control, rear seat arm rest with cup holder, front power windows with one touch down feature. Optional equipment also included heated front seats, seven Boston Acoustics Speakers with a 368-watt amplifier, Uconnect voice command with Bluetooth, auto dimming rearview mirror with microphone, and Sirius XM satellite radio. Dodge did a great job integrating tech into this retro machine by including a media center 430 CD/DVD/MP3/HDD, 30 GB hard drive for music and pictures, 6.5-inch touch screen display, power moonroof and Garmin Navigation system. Yes, there are a ton of modern amenities in this iconic sports car but even the interior takes you back to a time of fun and speed.
Performance
The new-for-2011 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 24 -alve VVT engine featuring double-overhead camshafts (DOHC) with dual-independent cam phasers (DICP) produces 305 horsepower, which is 55 horsepower more than the previous engine. I want to make things clear that this is not the big HEMI but the power is sufficient and the 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway clearly make the 305 horsepower V6 a serious option. The 2011 Dodge Challenger’s new five-link rear-suspension design features new roll-steer geometry, allowing independent control of camber which explains the constant feeling that you are in total control of the vehicle, even when taking some tough corners. Some of the handling improvements originate from the all-new electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) system, which transmits precise road feel to the driver and improves on-center tracking and fuel economy. Bottom line is the 2011 Dodge Challenger RallyE with the Super Sport Group (SS/T) will most certainly satisfy the muscle car lover in us all.
Overview
For drivers who crave more connectivity, comfort and convenience features, the 2011 Dodge Challenger RallyE really delivers. The styling, technology and overall excitement that this car delivers is well worth the $34,290 sticker price on our test model. The reaction to this muscle car was extraordinary – it brought as much joy to others as any car we’ve driven. Americans love their cars and the 2011 Dodge Challenger invokes the passion that was lost for many years but has now returned. For that, let’s celebrate the best of old and new combined in a single package.
