2011 Dodge Challenger

The 2011 Challenger is a little taller and more chiseled that its inspiration, the 1970 Challenger, but it's iconic in its own right—combining macho touches from Dodge's other new cars as well as Ram trucks. A clear, crisp shoulder-line crease runs alongside, adding just a touch of interest to an uncluttered side, and the thin, horizontally oriented front grill and rear fascia give it a retro, aggressive look. From the side, the Challenger matches up nicely with the old car in profile in most respects—except for the huge wheels of the new model, of course. And even at the top of the range, the high-performance SRT8 adds some modernity in the way of carbon-fiber-look trim and xenon headlamps, but its deeper front air dams and functional brake ducts give the design even more street cred.

What's not available, appearance-wise, as a factory option inside or out is bound to be available as a dealer-installed Mopar accessory. Various striping packages, wheels, a Ram air hood, and suspension kits serve to give you whatever customized muscle-car look you want.

Altogether, there are three main models: V-6 Challenger SE, V-8 Challenger R/T, and the especially high-performance V-8 Challenger SRT8. Challenger R/T models remain powered by a 372-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, with a choice of a five-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual, while SRT8 models get an even bigger 6.4-liter (badged 392 cubic inches) for 2011, producing an exotic-like 470 hp and 470 pound-feet of torque. V-6 models come only with the automatic, though it includes AutoStick manual control.

Although we haven't yet driven the Challenger V-6, it remains the option for those who don't put the priority on performance but want this muscle-coupe's street style at a more affordable price. The rest who value performance will want to go with one of the HEMI V-8-powered models, the R/T or SRT8. Hemi-powered R/T models feel strong and quick, with plenty of torque off the line and plenty left for high-speed passes. But it's the top SRT8 that's hot and blustery, with an old high-powered muscle-car feel and the right sounds to go with it. In any of these versions, you can't go wrong with the automatic transmission, which deals well with the torquey engines, but manual is a great pick for anyone who wants to do the shifting; it's surprisingly light and precise.

The supportive front seats in the 2011 Challenger are great for road trips and somehow supportive and well bolstered yet soft; they're among the best seats in any Dodge vehicle, and the Alcantara-and-leather performance seats that are offered on the top-of-the-line SRT8 breath well and keep the driver in place. The cabin is a step wider than that of the Mustang, so there's an airy, spacious feel.

But it's a different story for rear passengers; there are three seatbelt positions in back, and Chrysler claims best-in-class headroom, though if there are tall people up front, there's little or no space for knees or feet in back, and the very thick pillar lends to claustrophobia as well as a lack of visibility. Entry and exit are contortionist-level awkward as well and feel like concessions to styling.

Electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, front side airbags, and side curtain bags all remain standard across the model line. And at the top of the line, the Challenger SRT8 gets a few additional performance-safety features, including Hill Start Assist, which helps you launch the car smoothly on uphill starts, as well as upgraded Brembo brakes.

As we've noticed with several tests and drivers, outward visibility leaves lots to be desired in the 2011 Dodge Challenger. The high flanks and narrow windows already limit your frame of vision, but the thick rear pillar makes lane changes especially risky. This is a car in which a blind-spot system would be much appreciated. 

For 2011, Dodge has reconfigured the Challenger's feature list and bolstered standard equipment across the lineup. The SE now includes automatic climate control, cruise control, a trip computer, keyless entry and Keyless Go, a power driver seat, a 60/40-split rear seat, and a six-speaker CD sound system. R/T models, in addition to the Hemi V-8 engine, of course, get performance disc brakes with vented rotors, a performance steering system, fog lamps, upgraded instruments, and special badging.

On top of its even bigger V-8 and serious performance hardware, the SRT8 gets heated mirrors, heated front seats, leather upholstery, xenon headlamps, a universal garage-door opener, a Uconnect hands-free Bluetooth interface, and a high-end sound system with 30-gigabyte hard drive, touch-screen controls, Sirius satellite radio, and Boston Acoustics speakers. Also on offer is a Garmin touch-screen navigation system that's not only simpler to use but functionally a step ahead many other original-equipment systems. Uconnect Web is also on offer, turning the Challenger into a wireless hot spot, and the available Sirius Travel Link suite brings real-time weather, fuel prices, sports, and movie information. G

If you want the V-8, the Challenger is a guzzler whether you take it in R/T or SRT8 form—despite the so-called FuelSaver cylinder deactivation technology you get in automatic-transmission models. The R/T gets 15 or 16 mpg city and 24 or 25 highway, while the SRT8 gets just 14 mpg in the city.