The current Dodge Challenger has been around since the 2008 model year, but despite its design hardly changing in all the years it remains as popular as ever. Dodge sold 66,366 examples in 2015 and is on track to rack up a similar figure in 2016. (That’s a good thing as a successor might be some years out still.)
Dodge has been keeping the excitement alive by continuously introducing updates that manage to keep fans coming back for more. For example, for 2015, when the Challenger was entering its eighth model year, the time at which most models are completely redesigned, Dodge gave its muscle car icon a much improved interior and delivered the Hellcat. And for 2016 we got some fun colors.
For 2017, the updates keep coming. The big news is the introduction of the new all-wheel-drive model, the Challenger GT. It’s the first American muscle car with all-wheel drive and it means those in the north can now drive the car all year round. The only downside is that the Challenger GT is available exclusively with a 3.6-liter V-6, thus missing out on the tastier V-8 options.
2017 Dodge Challenger GT
The other headline news for 2017 is the availability of a Challenger T/A model. There are three different versions, each adding retro cues as well as minor performance mods such as a cold-air intake and uprated brakes. The T/A comes exclusively with V-8s, in this case either the 5.7-liter or 6.4-liter Hemis.
All 2017 Challengers are available with the latest version of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ [NYSE:FCAU] Uconnect infotainment system. This version adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. The system keeps the large 8.4-inch touchscreen display and benefits from some performance improvements including faster startup times, enhanced processing power, higher screen resolution and sharper graphics.
The final change to the 2017 Challenger lineup worth mentioning is the active exhaust system made standard on all V-8 models. This features an electronically-controlled valve that opens more as you push your foot harder on the gas.
2017 Dodge Challenger
The powertrain offerings continue to include V-6, V-8 and supercharged V-8 options. The base unit is the 3.6-liter V-6 good for 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque, found in the SXT models. Above this is the 5.7-liter V-8 which delivers 375 hp and 410 lb-ft and is found in R/T models. Further up is the 6.4-liter V-8 good for 485 hp and 475 lb-ft, found in 392 models. And at the top of the range is the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 reserved for the Hellcat. It’s good for a whopping 707 hp and 650 lb-ft. Transmissions include 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic units.
Below is the full 2017 Dodge Challenger lineup:
2017 Dodge Challenger SXT
2017 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus
2017 Dodge Challenger R/T
2017 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker
2017 Dodge Challenger T/A
2017 Dodge Challenger R/T Plus
2017 Dodge Challenger R/T Plus Shaker
2017 Dodge Challenger T/A Plus
2017 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
2017 Dodge Challenger T/A 392
2017 Dodge Challenger 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker
2017 Dodge Challenger SRT 392
2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
For more on the Dodge Challenger, read the in-depth reviews at The Car Connection.
