Southern Maryland News - Southern Maryland Automotive Trends
Dodge Challenger brings back iconic appearance with modern flourishes
The Dodge brand’s Challenger muscle-car arsenal is reloaded as the most complete model lineup with 10 trim levels, ranging from the 707 horsepower SRT Hellcat to the 305 horsepower, 30-mpg 3.6-liter Pentastar-V-6 powered SXT model. All 2016 Dodge Challenger models are designed and engineered for world-class precision and outstanding performance.
The 10 available trim levels for the 2016 Dodge Challenger include: SXT, SXT Plus, R/T, R/T Shaker, R/T Plus, R/T Plus Shaker, R/T Scat Pack, 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker, SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat.
The Dodge Challenger is built at the Brampton (Ont.) Assembly plant.
Heritage-inspired exterior styling for both form, function
Dodge is reaching back into its rich history and broad range of heritage colors. New again for the 2016 model year, Plum Crazy joins heritage and high-impact exterior colors range from B5 Blue to TorRed.
Seven different stripe options give Challenger drivers the ability to get instant customization straight from the factory.
Inspired by the iconic 1971 Challenger, all 2016 models take on a bold appearance that draws on the 1971 model’s split-grille and split tail-lamp cues, updated with four signature LED headlamp halo surrounds offset by piano black trim. Single projector-beam headlamps at each front corner light the road ahead. High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps are also available.
In profile, the 2016 Challenger’s signature muscle car proportions and large thruster rear-quarter panels stand out from the crowd, while fender and belt lines tie together at the front and rear of the car to create a sleeker appearance. Twelve wheel designs are available, including a new for 2016 Hyper Black II finish to the lightweight forged-aluminum wheels.
A split tail-lamp design continues the historic 1971 model’s inspiration. For a modern look, the Dodge brand’s signature LED treatment creates a single ribbon of light within each lamp. A redesigned rear valance gives the 2016 Challenger with a widened, more planted appearance, while fascia-mounted exhaust tips provide a high-performance finished look.
Driver-focused interior sculpted with ’71 Challenger cues
Inside the 2016 Dodge Challenger is an enthusiast designed cockpit, featuring worldclass materials, execution and technology, also inspired by the interior of the 1971 Challenger.
To highlight the muscle car’s performance abilities, the 2016 Dodge Challenger is designed with a performance cockpit that embodies the trapezoidal-themed exterior in an artistic and more organically styled way.
Dodge Challenger’s cleanly executed instrument panel features an aluminum-stamped driver’s bezel, which establishes the driver’s cockpit. For a high-tech look, an innovative 7-inch TFT instrument cluster screen extends through the driver’s bezel and provides a customizable display. The gauge cluster features an analog speedometer and tachometer that straddle the TFT customizable instrument cluster and provide a heritage-inspired “tic-toc-tach” look with throwback radial numbering and concave shape. Additionally, the center stack neatly houses the 5-inch and available 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreens.
A trapezoidal shaped aluminum-stamped high-sill center console provides Dodge Challenger’s interior with a fresh, asymmetric look, while the leather-wrapped surface and
French-seamed accent stitching exudes craftsmanship and style. With its unique elevated design, the center console houses additional controls for the Uconnect touchscreen above with ergonomically located redundant button and knob controls for audio and climate functions. A media hub with an SD card slot, USB outlet and auxiliary audio input is neatly housed inside the center console’s armrest.
Three available steering wheels are each designed specifically for the performance driver.
The standard Dodge steering wheel features a sculpted rim so the driver’s hands have a sure grip at the 2- and 10-o’clock positions, while available paddle shifters (with automatic transmission) are located on the backs of the upper spokes.
The SRT-branded, tilt-telescoping, heated steering wheel features a flat bottom for control through the tight handling corners. Available paddle shifters (with automatic transmission) are located on the back of the upper spokes. The buttons to control the full-color Driver Information Display (DID) cluster are large and illuminated. Buttons for Uconnect and phone access now reside along the bottom edge of the horizontal spokes.
Seating options in the new 2016 Dodge Challenger include premium cloth, Ballistic Cloth, Nappa leather and Nappa leather with Alcantara Suede. Challenger offers performance seats with large side bolsters for maximum lateral support in hard cornering. For improved comfort and convenience, heated and ventilated front seats in Nappa leather are available. In addition, Dodge Challenger offers 14 different interior color and trim selections inspired by the muscle car’s roots. They include a wide variety of colors and materials, from throwback Houndstooth cloth to Ruby Red and Black, Tungsten and Black, and Pearl and Black premium leather sport and performance seats with accent stitching.
All-new blacktop appearance group for 2016 Challenger models
Back by popular demand and continuing the Dodge brand’s popular “blacked out” appearance offering is the new Challenger Blacktop Package — now available for 2016 on Dodge Challenger SXT and SXT Plus models with 305 horsepower, or up to 375 horsepower with the HEMI V-8 powered Challenger R/T and R/T Plus models.
For a sinister look, Dodge Challenger Blacktop starts with large, 20-in. five-spoke Gloss Black aluminum wheels wrapped with all-season tires. Continuing the theme is the 1971-inspired split-grille in Gloss Black, while Satin Black finishes on the deck-lid spoiler and fuel-filler door provide an aggressive look. And, to make sure the Challenger Blacktop has a one-of-a-kind appearance, a new “strobe” designed dual stripe runs from nose-to-tail and harks back to “Mopar-or-no-car” nostalgia.
Inside, the Blacktop Package amplifies the sinister exterior styling through discrete and subtle dark finishes and appointments on Dodge Challenger SXT and R/T models. Inside, passengers will find a premium black cloth interior on Challenger SXT and R/T models and standard Nappa and perforated Nappa leather in black on SXT Plus and
R/T Plus models. Also included is the Dodge performance-contoured steering wheel with Dark Anodized finished paddle shifters. Painted accents feature new for 2016 K-Black bezels to accentuate the Dark Brushed II aluminum instrument panel and aluminum center console bezels. For added sinister detail, the 1971-inspired “tic-toc-tach” gauges feature Gloss Black inner and outer cluster rings. The Blacktop comes complete with premium velour-bound floor mats with the Dodge logo embroidered in Tungsten.
Additional technology features on 2016 Dodge Challenger SXT and R/T models with the Blacktop Package include ParkView rear backup camera and fog lamps on Challenger SXT.
Hellcat continues to prowl
The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat returns in 2016 as the quickest, fastest and most powerful muscle car ever. Propelled by the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8, its 707 horsepower rating is highest of any V-8 engine in FCA US celebrated history. The supercharged HEMI engine can be mated with the six-speed manual transmission or the beefy TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic.
This HEMI Hellcat engine is Dodge and SRT’s first application of V-8 supercharger technology, delivering the full brand experience with fresh potency.
This breakthrough supercharged engine features a forged-steel crankshaft with induction-hardened bearing surfaces. The result is a crank so well-engineered it can withstand firing pressures of 110 bar (1,595 psi) — the equivalent of five family sedans standing on each piston, every two revolutions. And its unique, specially tuned crank damper has been tested to 13,000 rpm.
High-strength, forged-alloy pistons — developed using advanced telemetry measurement — are coupled to powder-forged connecting rods with high-load-capacity bushings and diamond-like-carbon-coated piston pins.
Also returning in 2016 is the Dodge Challenger SRT 392 model with its 392 cubic inch HEMI V-8. Power output remains at a potent 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque.
The SRT 392 model also can be mated with the TorqueFlite eightspeed automatic or the proven six-speed manual transmission.
SRT Drive Modes tailor the driving experience to each driver
Whether its on-road or on-track, Challenger SRT owners can personalize their drive experience via the Drive Modes feature. Drive Modes tailor the driving experience by controlling horsepower, transmission shift speeds, steering (Challenger SRT only), paddle shifters (automatic transmission only), traction and suspension. Drive Modes are pre-configured for Sport, Track and Default settings, while the Custom setting lets the driver customize the drive experience to their favorite settings.
Custom — Allows the driver to personalize the vehicle’s performance
Sport — Delivers increased vehicle performance capability over the Default Mode
Track — Delivers maximum vehicle performance capability on smooth, dry surfaces
Default — Activates automatically when starting the vehicle
R/T Scat Pack 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 gives Challenger
The 2016 Dodge Challenger and its R/T Scat Pack with 6.4-liter HEMI powertrain, showcases the evolution of the performance brand while staying true to the muscle car’s heritage, with its roots harking back to Scat Pack performance stage kits offered on 1968-71 Challengers.
With a best-in-class 485 naturally aspirated horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker models deliver mid 4-second 0-60 mph times and low 12-second quarter mile times.
An active electronically controlled exhaust gives the 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack a deep, throaty exhaust note in keeping with its heritage and trackbred credentials. Performance upgrades include Brembo four-piston caliper front brakes, which deliver world-class stopping power, enabling a braking distance of 60-0 mph in 117 feet, performance suspension, an isolated rack-mounted electric power steering (EPS) system (with three settings: Normal, Comfort and Sport), 20 x 9-inch polished with black pocket aluminum wheels, high-performance tires, standard Dodge Performance Pages, which allow driver control over a range of vehicle settings, including steering feel, transmission response, stability and traction controls, and standard launch control. A Scat Pack 6.4-liter badge, a 180-mph radial-numbered speedometer, aggressive front splitter and rear spoiler with an embedded ParkView rear backup camera complete the package.
A special Scat Pack Appearance Group adds a unique Bumble Bee rear stripe, Gloss Black grille surround, Satin Black fuel-filler door, HID headlamps. The interior features Scat Pack embroidered high-performance seats, premium embroidered floor mats, animated Scat Pack logo in the cluster and a high-performance steering wheel.
Challenger R/T models include the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine and available Shaker hood with functional cold-air intake. For Dodge fans looking for the most-affordable V-8 muscle car in America, the 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T lineup features the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, which delivers up to 375 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque with a six-speed manual transmission. When paired with the highly-refined Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual, the Dodge Challenger R/T achieves 0-60 mph runs in the high-5-second range.
When paired with the, state-of-theart ZF 8HP70 TorqueFlite eightspeed automatic transmission, the 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T models produce 372 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, and include innovative Fuel Saver Technology to seamlessly transition to high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. For even more control, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters are included. The result: quicker shifts, an engaging driving experience and even quicker 0-60 mph runs in the mid-5-second range.
Dodge Challenger SXT and SXT Plus models feature the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, which delivers 305 horsepower at 6,350 rpm and a responsive 268 lb.ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm.
A cold-air induction system and dual exhausts from the headers back to the exhaust tips help deliver more than 90 percent of the engine’s peak torque from 1,800 to 6,400 rpm — all for outstanding drivability and responsiveness. Paired with the standard eightspeed transmission, the Pentastar V-6 offers up to an EPA estimated 30 mpg on the highway.
Segment-exclusive eightspeed automatic standard
The 2016 Dodge Challenger’s segment-first TorqueFlite 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission delivers world-class precision and fuel efficiency, along with a new electronic shifter, Sport mode and paddle-shifting capabilities for more performance, as well as an improvement in fuel economy. Once limited to sedans costing twice as much, the Dodge Challenger democratizes this exclusive world-class technology, offering the TorqueFlite eight-speed auto- matic transmission standard on every V-6 model.
The Dodge Challenger R/T lineup and high-performance R/T Scat Pack and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker trims and SRT 392 model offer the choice of a six-speed manual or the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. By design, this state-of-the-art gearbox provides world-class shift quality and speed, plus refinement with enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. Paired with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine and its 400 lb.-ft. of torque, the Dodge Challenger R/T can deliver 0-60 mph performance in the mid-5-second range. For even quicker acceleration, the Dodge Challenger 6.4-liter Scat Pack, 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker and SRT 392 with 485 horsepower can do the same sprint in the mid4-second range.
The Challenger SRT Hellcat puts its power to the ground via the upgraded TorqueFlite 8HP90, which features maximum engine-torque capacity and 160 millisecond shifts with rev-matching.
Super Track Pak
For maximum performance on road and track, Challenger’s Super Track Pak provides a full complement of race-bred chassis upgrades and is available on all Challengers, including 3.6-liter V-6 models. The Super Track Pak lowers the suspension by 0.5 inches and adds Bilstein shock absorbers, upgraded brakes, Goodyear Eagle F1 three-season tires and specially-tuned suspension. The Super Track Pak comes complete with a shortcut button to the Dodge Performance Pages embedded in the 8.4-inch touchscreen radio and provides visible performance information, such as programmable shift light indicator, reaction time, 0-60 times, G-force indicator and lap times in the 7-inch TFT customizable cluster display.
Seventy-plus available safety, security features
The 2016 Dodge Challenger offers many accident-avoidance assistance features, including Blindspot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path Detection and adaptive cruise control, to name just a few. Blind-spot Monitoring provides an alert if a vehicle is in an adjacent lane and audibly chimes to warn the driver. Forward Collision Warning alerts when the driver fails to react to an impending forward obstacle. The Challenger’s adaptive cruise control matches traffic speed, accelerating to highway speed providing additional assistance whether on long highway drives or in heavy traffic. Rain-sensing wipers and automatic high-beam control aid the driver by assisting with common functions during inclement weather conditions. In addition, Challenger offers 9-1-1 call/Assist Call, which connects occupants — at the push of a button — directly with emergency-service providers via built-in cellular connection — exclusive to FCA US Uconnect Access service.
Challenger SXT
The 2016 Dodge Challenger SXT features the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar engine with 305 horsepower and 268 lb.-ft. of torque as the standard engine paired with the standard TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. On the exterior, standard features include 1971-inspired split satin chrome grille and split LED-illuminated tail lamps, automatic bi-function projector headlamps with halo LED surrounds, bright chrome fuel filler door with heritage “FUEL” lettering, dual exhaust with bright tips, 18-inch aluminum wheels in a premium Satin Carbon finish and P235/55R18 BSW all-season performance tires and power bulge hood with twin functional intakes, power body-color folding heated mirrors, and two-speed variable intermittent mode wipers.
On the inside, the 2016 Challenger features an interior with premium cloth seating in Houndstooth or Torque, stamped aluminum instrument panel bezel, 7-inch configurable cluster display, six-way power driver’s seat, Uconnect 5-inch touchscreen display with AM/FM/Bluetooth, media hub with SD card, USB and auxiliary input, six premium speakers, Bluetooth handsfree phone connectivity, auto-dimming rearview mirror with microphone, dual zone automatic temperature control, 160 mph primary speedometer, Keyless Enter ‘n Go with push-button start, leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping three-spoke steering wheel with vehicle controls, leather-wrapped shift knob, rear 60/40 split-folding rear seat with armrest and cup holders providing room for five, full-length floor-mounted center console, cell phone storage, 12-volt power outlet, front and rear climate control outlets, climate outlet with Challenger logo, LED-illuminated cup holders, LED front map lamps, LED rear-reading courtesy lamps, automatic dual-zone temperature controls, cabin-air filtration, Satin Silver door-lock knobs, luxury front and rear floor mats.
Standard safety features include six airbags, a four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS), all-speed traction control system (TCS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, electronic stability control (ESC), brake/ park interlock, brake override and much more.