Dodge Challenger Model History

An all-new full-sized coupe built on a modified version of the Chargers platform, the Dodge Challenger featured a compelling balance of classic and modern performance. By the time the Dodge Challenger entered to marketplace, a full-blown pony car renaissance occurred along with the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.

The Dodge Challenger was introduced with an SRT-8 trim in 2008 consisting of a limited run of 5,000 vehicles. A 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine producing 425 horsepower powered the Challenger SRT-8 model. Estimated 0 to 60-mile per hour acceleration for the Dodge Challenger SRT-8 was rated at just less than five seconds.

In 2009, Dodge expanded their Challenger line-up through a pair of slightly more modest models. A Dodge Challenger SE with a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine was positioned as a spirited base coupe while an R/T debuted with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 powerplant. With an available six-speed manual transmission, 376 horsepower motivated the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T. Just like the classic Challenger of the late-1960s, the new Dodge Challenger was rear-wheel driven.

Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system and traction control was a modern touch added standard with the 2009 Challenger SE. In 2011, the six-cylinder Dodge Challenger SE received hefty power boost. The addition of the Pentastar V-6 engine allowed the 2011 Challenger SE model to smoke tires with 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. At the top of the performance scale with coupe, 2011 introduced the 470-horsepower Challenger SRT-8 392 with a three-mode active damping system.

The Dodge Challengers SE trim level changed to the SXT for 2013 and a V-6 powered Rallye Redline model added an extra performance edge with the base engined Challenger. For 2015, big news with the Dodge Challenger is the sale of the 707-horsepower SRT Hellcat.