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Dodge Challenger: Difference between revisions
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From the Challenger's dark and waning days of 1974, fast forward to year 2006. Chrysler, now owned by [[Cerberus]] Capital Management, thankfully chose to revive the Challenger for 2008 as a late-model year release. While it retains much of the same look as the original, the '08 was available as a top-dog SRT model only with a 425 hp 6.1L (370 cid) V8 with a 5-speed automatic transmission (for those keeping score, that is as much ''net'' horsepower as the almighty 426 Hemi had as a ''gross'' horsepower rating). It's based, once again, on a shortened Charger platform, just as the original was. Additionally, this [http://www.newdodgechallenger.net new Challenger] has the tires and suspension to actually stop, corner and handle unlike the original, has (in SRT trim) 170+ MPH capability - and gets decent gas mileage to boot (relatively speaking). When the Challenger prototype was released at the 2006 Detroit NAIAS, approving onlookers had but 2 words to say: '''BUILD IT!'''. | From the Challenger's dark and waning days of 1974, fast forward to year 2006. Chrysler, now owned by [[Cerberus]] Capital Management, thankfully chose to revive the Challenger for 2008 as a late-model year release. While it retains much of the same look as the original, the '08 was available as a top-dog SRT model only with a 425 hp 6.1L (370 cid) V8 with a 5-speed automatic transmission (for those keeping score, that is as much ''net'' horsepower as the almighty 426 Hemi had as a ''gross'' horsepower rating). It's based, once again, on a shortened Charger platform, just as the original was. Additionally, this [http://www.newdodgechallenger.net new Challenger] has the tires and suspension to actually stop, corner and handle unlike the original, has (in SRT trim) 170+ MPH capability - and gets decent gas mileage to boot (relatively speaking). When the Challenger prototype was released at the 2006 Detroit NAIAS, approving onlookers had but 2 words to say: '''BUILD IT!'''. | ||
And build it Chrysler did. [[Chevrolet]] | And build it Chrysler did. [[Chevrolet]] debuted a new [[Chevrolet Camaro|Camaro]] in April 2009 as an early 2010 model, and Ford now has a new restyled Mustang available (also as an early 2010 model)... so the pony car market is ablaze once again. Unfortunately, [[Plymouth]] is no more, so there will be no [[Plymouth Barracuda|Barracuda]], [[Pontiac]] apparently doesn't see another [[Pontiac Firebird|Firebird]] in its future (despite obvious demand for one), and [[AMC]] became history in 1988, so obviously another Javelin is out of the question... but for those who have been holding out faith for another good ol' American ponycar V8 shootout once again, their patience has hereby been rewarded. | ||
Recently added to the model lineup is a special edition car which Dodge labels as the [http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/0807_2009_dodge_challenger_drag_race_package/index.html Drag Race Package]. Such a car brings back memories of the infamous [[Muscle Car]] era where super-stock specials were built by the factory with ridiculous horsepower power ratings! This specific car has been stripped of an extra 1,000 pounds to reduce E.T.'s by a measurable amount. Deletions include body sealer, sound deadening, a ventilation system, airbags, rear seats, windshield wiper assembly, side- and rear-impact beams and subsequently, any chance the car can be DOT-certified for the street. | Recently added to the model lineup is a special edition car which Dodge labels as the [http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/0807_2009_dodge_challenger_drag_race_package/index.html Drag Race Package]. Such a car brings back memories of the infamous [[Muscle Car]] era where super-stock specials were built by the factory with ridiculous horsepower power ratings! This specific car has been stripped of an extra 1,000 pounds to reduce E.T.'s by a measurable amount. Deletions include body sealer, sound deadening, a ventilation system, airbags, rear seats, windshield wiper assembly, side- and rear-impact beams and subsequently, any chance the car can be DOT-certified for the street. | ||
Revision as of 13:43, 15 May 2009
- For the new Dodge Challenger, see Dodge Challenger (2008)
The Dodge Challenger was Chrysler's first real foray into the hot pony car market that had been dominated by Ford's wildly successful Mustang and GM's Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird twins. Until the Challenger's introduction, Chrysler was content to let Plymouth carry the pony car banner with the Barracuda, but while the Barracuda tried, it wasn't really much of a threat to the Mustang or the Camaro and Firebird for a variety of reasons. That would all change in 1970, when the Barracuda was redesigned and now on the E-body platform, distancing itself from its hum-drum A-body Valiant origins. And now, Chrysler finally saw fit to add a Dodge model, aptly named Challenger, to do battle along side the Barracuda as an all-out assault on the Mustang, Camaro and Firebird.
BUT... was it ultimately a classic case of "too little, too late"? Many gearheads would rightly argue that 1970 was in fact the zenith of the muscle/pony car market, but in 1971, compression ratios started to decrease, insurance companies were levying hefty surcharges on high-powered muscle/pony cars, and a middle east oil embargo was on the horizon... it wasn't looking good for the muscle/pony car market (dare we even say they became politically incorrect). Perhaps if the E-body Challenger and Barracuda had come out three years earlier, their collective fate might have been very different than what it turned out to be. For that reason, many car critics, perhaps unfairly, were quick to dismiss the Challenger and Barracuda as "arriving to the party too late and leaving too early".
Challengers, however, after decades of being mere used cars on the collector market, have seen their values soar into the stratosphere as of late, especially 1970-71 numbers-matching big-block models (even bogus Hemi models can still command a 6-figure price tag). And the demand for these doesn't show any trend of slowing down any time soon. It may have taken over 3 decades, but perhaps the Challenger (and Barracuda) are finally getting their proper due in the pony car market. So instead of being "too little too late", it looks more like an argument for "better late... than never".
Here's a brief rundown on year to year changes:
| |
| Dodge Challenger | |
|---|---|
| Chrysler Corporation | |
| Production | 1970-1974,2008-present |
| Class | Compact |
| Body Style | 2-Door Coupe 2-Door Convertible |
| Length | 192" |
| Width | 76.5" |
| Height | 51.5" |
| Wheelbase | 110" |
| Weight | 3400-3800 lbs |
| Transmission | 3-Speed Manual, RWD 4-Speed Manual, RWD 3-Speed Automatic, RWD |
| Engine | 3.7L (225 cid) I6 (1970-1972) 5.2L (318 cid) V8 (1970-1974) 5.5L (340 cid) V8 (1970-1973) 5.5L (340 cid) 3x2 V8 (1970) 6.3L (383 cid) V8 (1970-1971) 7.0L (426 cid) Hemi V8 (1970-1971) 7.2L (440 cid) V8 (1970) 7.2L (440 cid) 3x2 V8 (1970-1971) |
| Power | 110-425 hp |
| Similar | Plymouth Barracuda |
| Platform | E |
| Designer | John Herlitz |
1970
The Challenger was built on an all-new E-body platform, which was a shortened B-body Charger/Coronet chassis, but the Challenger's wheelbase was 2" longer than the Barracuda's, and although they were corporate twins, they shared no body panels. The Challenger could be outfitted with just about any option, several different model configurations and every engine in Chrysler's lineup including the holy-grail 426 Hemi on R/T (Road/Track) models. There were base, SE, R/T and T/A models to choose from, and the SE and R/T model could be overlapped. Coupe and convertibles were available on all versions except the T/A, which was hardtop only.
Base models could have a 145 hp 3.7L (225 cid) Slant-6, 230 hp 5.2L (318 cid) V8 (standard on the SE) or a 6.2L (383 cid) V8 in 2- or 4-bbl guise (275 and 300 hp respectively). The base engine for the R/T technically was the 335 hp 383-4, but the 275 hp 5.5L (340 cid) V8 could be had too if one didn't want a big block. Optional was the 7.2L (440 cid) V8 with a 4- or 6-bbl (6-Pack) setup (375 and 390 hp respectively). And, of course, the 425 hp 7.0L (426 cid) Hemi. The lone engine choice on the T/A model was a 290 hp 340 6-pack V8. Got all that?
Their options list was equally exhausting, being available with such niceties as power windows, cruise control, air conditioning (except the 440-6 or the Hemi)... the list went on (literally). Hardtop SE models differed visually from base and R/T models by having a standard vinyl roof with a smaller formal back window than the rest. Optional on SE was an overhead console with low-fuel, door-ajar, and seat-belt lights. 4-speed manuals and 3-speed automatics were available on all engines, and 3-speed manuals could be had on all but the 383-4, 440-6 and the Hemi.
1970 was the highest-year selling Challenger, at almost 80,000 units altogether (including the T/A) and, to many Challenger fans, the most desirable.
A white 1970 Challenger R/T had the starring role in the cult-classic 1971 movie Vanishing Point that featured Barry Newman in the role of Kowalski, the Challenger's driver. A similar car was also used in the made-for-TV Vanishing Point remake in 1997 which featured Viggo Mortensen.
A Hemi-Orange 1970 Challenger R/T was also featured in the 2003 film 2 Fast 2 Furious which starred Paul Walker and Tyrese Gibson.
1971
Visual changes for this year was a new divided grille and the taillights were now separated with individual reverse lights in the middle, versus one single reverse light in the middle of last years single taillight design. The T/A was no more (although a look-alike package was offered with the black scooped hood and "go wing", but without the 340-6 engine) and there was some other shuffling of trim and packages as well. The R/T was no longer available as a convertible, the SE model lost its distinctive small rear window design, and the 340 was officially now standard in the R/T models. R/Ts also gained non-functioning lower side gills (2) on the front of the quarter panels, and could have a new "R/T" decal on the front center portion of the hood. The previous 383, 440-6 (down 5 hp to 385) and 426 Hemi were still available carried over from last year, but the 440-4 was no longer available. Base and SEs still had the 225 Slant-6, 318, or 383 with 2- or 4-bbl carb.
Sales were unfortunately way down compared to last year, as the muscle/pony car market started taking huge sales and horsepower hits, averaging about only 30,000 units this year.
A 1971 Challenger convertible was used as the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car this year, of which only 50 replicas were sold to the public. All were EV2 Ceramic Red with white interiors and tops, and flat hoods with hood pins. Supposedly 2 were equipped with the 383-4 engine, 3 had the 383-2, 3 had the 340-4 and the remaining had the 318s (although some reports claim that all but the real pace car had 318s). The real pace car, unfortunately, has the dubious distinction of being the only Indy pace car to date to crash during the race after it collided into a press stand while exiting onto pit row.
1972
The party was over as far as SE, R/T, big-block engines and convertible bodystyles (and the previous high-impact colors, such as Plum Crazy Purple) were concerned - they were all gone, never to return. The R/T was replaced by a new Rallye version, and was available with either the 318 or 340, with either the 3- or 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic. Rallyes could be had with various striping packages on the hood or side panels (or both). The Slant-6 was still standard in the base model. 1972 models differed from last year with a new grille design (some have referred to this as the "frowning grille" design) and the quad headlights in four separate individual slots. The taillight panel was all new as well with a brushed-aluminum design, and included the taillights and reverse lights in their own separate slots as well. A new 2-spoke steering wheel debuted this year also. Sales decreased to less than 26,000 total units.
1973
The rarely-ordered Slant-6 was dropped, the 318 was now the base engine for both the base and Rallye. The 340 could still be had on the Rallye. The largest visual change was the addition of the small black rubber "bumperettes" on the bumpers to satisfy the new federally-mandated 5-MPH impact standards. Sales actually increased to 33,000+ units this year.
1974
The final Challenger was visually unchanged from the 1973 model. The 340 was dropped, replaced by the 5.9L (360 cid) V8. Base and Rallye models continued, either available with the 318 or 360. The pony car market was clearly drying up by this time, and the Challenger had quickly lost its way despite a promising start. By this time, the Ford Mustang had been downsized to the lowly Pinto platform, the Mercury Cougar was now a mid-size personal-luxury car based on the Torino, and even AMC realized they were fighting a losing battle as well, as they would discontinue the Javelin altogether at the end of this year. The Challenger and Barracuda would unfortunately suffer the same fate.
This would be the last the world would ever see or hear of a Dodge Challenger muscle car... or would it?
Photos
Main Competitors
The NEW Dodge Challenger
From the Challenger's dark and waning days of 1974, fast forward to year 2006. Chrysler, now owned by Cerberus Capital Management, thankfully chose to revive the Challenger for 2008 as a late-model year release. While it retains much of the same look as the original, the '08 was available as a top-dog SRT model only with a 425 hp 6.1L (370 cid) V8 with a 5-speed automatic transmission (for those keeping score, that is as much net horsepower as the almighty 426 Hemi had as a gross horsepower rating). It's based, once again, on a shortened Charger platform, just as the original was. Additionally, this new Challenger has the tires and suspension to actually stop, corner and handle unlike the original, has (in SRT trim) 170+ MPH capability - and gets decent gas mileage to boot (relatively speaking). When the Challenger prototype was released at the 2006 Detroit NAIAS, approving onlookers had but 2 words to say: BUILD IT!.
And build it Chrysler did. Chevrolet debuted a new Camaro in April 2009 as an early 2010 model, and Ford now has a new restyled Mustang available (also as an early 2010 model)... so the pony car market is ablaze once again. Unfortunately, Plymouth is no more, so there will be no Barracuda, Pontiac apparently doesn't see another Firebird in its future (despite obvious demand for one), and AMC became history in 1988, so obviously another Javelin is out of the question... but for those who have been holding out faith for another good ol' American ponycar V8 shootout once again, their patience has hereby been rewarded.
Recently added to the model lineup is a special edition car which Dodge labels as the Drag Race Package. Such a car brings back memories of the infamous Muscle Car era where super-stock specials were built by the factory with ridiculous horsepower power ratings! This specific car has been stripped of an extra 1,000 pounds to reduce E.T.'s by a measurable amount. Deletions include body sealer, sound deadening, a ventilation system, airbags, rear seats, windshield wiper assembly, side- and rear-impact beams and subsequently, any chance the car can be DOT-certified for the street.
See Also
External Links
- Official 2009 Challenger Website
- 2009 Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package
- Dodge Challenger Car Parts and Maintenance Parts- A forum dedicated to the discussion of Maintenance for the Dodge Challenger
- ChallengerForum.com
- Dodge Challenger Forum (LX/LY Based Challenger)
