2014 Dodge Challenger

By Christian Seabaugh

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Vehicle Overview

It may trail the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang in sales, but the Dodge Challenger is nonetheless one of our favorite muscle cars on the market, and one helluva road trip car. The 2014 Dodge Challenger is available with three engine options. The base engine is Chrysler's Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 which makes 305 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque, paired only with a five-speed automatic. Stepping up to the Challenger R/T nets you a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 that's good for 376 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed manual. The optional five-speed automatic nets you slightly less horsepower and torque. At the top of the line is the Challenger SRT8, which has a big 6.4-liter V-8 that makes 470-hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, available with a six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic.

Challenger keys around the office are always a hot commodity. Though we've spilled many words, taken many photos, and filmed hours of video on the Challenger, this is the most fitting sum-up of the big Dodge, "No matter who you are, you will feel like the coolest person alive in that supple yet supportive driver's seat. It's a feeling unlike any other. The various thumbs-up and looks of approval and/or jealousy you'll get from other drivers on the road only boost the effect. And then there's that awesome pistol-grip shifter. It is this ability to project coolness that allows you to ignore the Challenger's many flaws. It's thirsty, the interior is comfortable but bland, the navigation system old and low-resolution, the suspension floaty and disconnected, and at two-plus tons, it's simply fat. But none of that matters, because wherever you are and wherever you're going, you'll feel like you're just out for a Sunday cruise -- even if you're actually stuck on the freeway on a Monday morning."

Despite rumors it'd be getting an eight-speed automatic this year, the Challenger doesn't receive any significant changes for 2014. There's a new sport-oriented package designed to "democratize performance," but otherwise there's nothing really new here.

New for 2014

Dodge is offering a new performance package on the Challenger this year. Called the Super Sport Group, the package adds a performance-suspension, performance brakes, and a higher final drive ratio for faster acceleration to the Challenger. The package also includes 20-inch chrome wheels, and all-season performance rubber. The Sinister Super Sport pack is a darker take on the Super Sport Group; it features the same go-fast bits, but has black wheels instead. The Challenger SRT8 remains unchanged for 2014, with its entry-level Core package carrying over.

Key Competitors

Sum Up

American muscle, imported from Canada

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Dodge Challenger Photos

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