(Photos: FCA North America) Let’s not be meek here: the Dodge Challenger is getting long in the tooth, the LX platform that the Challenger’s LC/LA platform is based upon on is even older, and portions of that platform dates back to late 1990s Mercedes-Benz platforms. Bringing out a new model that isn’t an even more bombastic leap over the completely and utterly psychotic Hellcat is almost a risk at this point, as is bringing out a Challenger that isn’t V8 power. But here it is: the Dodge Challenger GT. We saw a prototype preview at the 2015 SEMA show, and while we liked what we saw, we rightfully questioned whether or not FCA would even bring it to the public, and if it did, would it be as solid a car as the prototype promised?
The all-wheel-drive system has been under the LX sedans since the Chrysler 300C came out in 2005, and it has been in V8-powered cars. There is also an all-wheel-drive system that was developed for the Hellcat-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee “Trackhawk”. But when we learned that the production GT was only going to come out with the 305-horsepower Pentastar V6, we must admit that there was a tinge of disappointment. We weren’t expecting to see the 392 Hemi or a Hellcat, but not having the 5.7L Hemi V8 available is surprising. It’s not that the V6 is a slouch…300 horsepower is still a solid number regardless of the horsepower war, but will it be enough or does the all-wheel-drive system make up for it? The automatic is paddle-shifted, and the Performance Pages features are available as well.
“Dodge is shifting the muscle car paradigm with the new 2017 Dodge Challenger GT – the world’s first and only all-wheel-drive American muscle coupe,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “The Challenger has always been the most wide-ranging and functional muscle coupe, and now, with the new 305-horsepower all-wheel-drive Challenger GT, we are stretching the functional and geographic boundaries even further.”
Starting prices for the Dodge Challenger GT will come in at $33,395 (pre-destination charge) and will become available in the first quarter of 2017.
How much does this pig weigh? The Challenger is already the heaviest car in it’s class by far…
Perfect new commuter for my wife!!! And doesn’t look like a blob!!
So close, yet so far. 6 speed and a hemi and we may have a winner for the winter.
You don’t need a 6 speed and tons of horsepower for the winter, that is the dumbest thing I have heard in a while.
I have the 300 with AWD and it was purchased for the winters for traction.
high horsepower and manual is a dry road conditions vehicle, you must be one of those people that get all jacked up after a car show and start driving their car like a maniac.
Listen you motherfucker, you have apparently never heard of a Subaru STI, Mitsubishi Evo, or rally cars in general. I live in a place with snow six months a year and dirt roads. Horsepower, three pedals and all wheel drive bring a capable driver to levels of happiness you will obviously never understand.
I never attend car shows, I race at the drag strip then play in the winter. Enjoy your geriatric jalopy of 300, and take your dumbass comments and shove them up your ass.
I have to agree with Hwyman’s statement that you do not NEED a ton of HP for a winter driver. That does not mean it is not fun though. I live up in Alaska so we have like 3 days of nice dry roads. 😛 I think it is totally fine to have a winter hot rod IF you are capable of driving it. There are too many instances up here where there is a huge fender-bender because some dumb kid was trying to show off. There is a time and place for everything. I have a collection of vehicles that vary from a ’73 Satellite, AWD AMC Eagle wagon, and 4×4 ’72 IH Travelall (and 4 others). They all can get around if you use enough care. The AMC Eagle is probably the funnest to drive though. Does not have a tone of power like the others so it feels more planted BUT you can have sideways fun whenever the time is right……
Motherfucker??
Little touchy are we? I guess I could respond in kind, but I refrain from being an internet tough guy.
I was thinking the same thing, 6 Speed and a Hemi would make it a blast to drive!
Put a turbo on that thing and no one will care if it has a V8 or not. A boosted V6 should make plenty of steam.
Any auto maker that still is willing to make “muscle” car is reason to be happy. Most cars look like upside down bathtubs or “green” cars.
Everyone that likes stock racing was hoping for the car to go on diet, but they didn’t call me for my advise.
It only took them 12 years to do what HSV did with the Coupe 4 Monaro.