2011 Dodge Challenger - Review

Lyndon Conrad Bell

Contributing Writer

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2011

OVERALL RATING 9
out of 10

In the 21st century version of the Ponycar wars, Dodge’s Challenger has heretofore been consigned to also-ran status behind Chevrolet’s reinvigorated Camaro and Ford’s evergreen Mustang. In comparison test after comparison test, the Challenger has consistently pulled up the rear, while the Detroit Three’s other two hot coupes swapped paint, vying for the lead.

With the introduction of the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, things have changed.

Flossing a bored and stroked version of the 6.1-liter HEMI found in previous SRT8 Challengers, this now 6.4-liter V8 also features a new active intake manifold and a high-lift camshaft. The result of all this deeper breathing is 470 horsepower and 470 ft-lbs of torque, besting Camaro by 34 horsepower and 50 ft-lbs, and Mustang by 30 horsepower and 90 ft-lbs, to become the hottest normally aspirated engine in its class. Yes, we’re aware of the supercharged Mustang GT 500, which is why we said normally aspirated.

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