2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392(Limited Edition)

Resurrected in 2008, the Dodge Challenger blesses streets with its balanced fusion of strength, panache and deftness. As a bulky five-seater coupe, it offers three trims: an unappreciated SE; popular and powerful R/T; and an over-the-top, pure blazing speed SRT8.

SE
Powered by an apathetic 3.5-liter, 250-hp V6 leaking out 250 lb-feet of torque, coupled with a five-speed automatic gear box, the $23,000 SE is the wanna-be muscle car of the trio. The feature roster is sufficient but unimpressive. Besides regular amenities, the SE has an eight-way power driver seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seat and a four-speaker CD/MP3/audio jack sound system.

R/T
Labeled as the best buy of the three, the $31,000 R/T is powered by a whopping 5.7-liter, 376-hp V8, capable of 400 lb-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard, while a six-speed manual is optional. The R/T offers sport-tuned suspension and steering, exterior elements like automatic headlamps and foglights, and leather-wrapped interior bric-a-brac.

2011 will bring to the Dodge Challenger.

The Dodge Challenger debuted in 1970 as the twin of the renowned Plymouth Barracuda. It was the epitome of the pony car aesthetic: long hood, short rear deck, blunt-nosed grill and aggressive hood scoops. Owners could choose from an astonishing cornucopia of options, colors, trims, fobs, and nine engines, the most famous of which was the 426-hp Hemi. In its first year, 84,032 Challengers were sold. The second year, due to loss of interest in muscle cars and increased emission regulations, only 29,883 Challengers were produced. In subsequent years, the one-hit wonder faded from memory, and the apathetic 1978-1982 Japanese Dodge Challenger merely nailed the coffin shut.

So it's not as quick as the Ford Mustang; so it's not as sleek as the Chevrolet Camaro. Who cares - it's American muscle, so what's not to love? Here's an ovation to '70s retro, and to the Dodge Challenger.

Dodge Challenger SRT8 Modification

 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Modification

Dodge Challenger SRT8 dazzling modified Dodge Challenger SRT8 dazzling modified The Petty'SGarage build, challenger with the legendary Petty blue paint, powered by a 426ci HemiV8 engine, maximum power of 585hp, the maximum torque of 560lb-ft. Other modifications include hand-body aerodynamic kit, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes.

3 American Performance Cars

Dodge Challenger

Chevrolet Camaro

Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, and Chevrolet Camaro are muscle cars extraordinaire.Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, Chevrolet Camaro, 'Cuda, Dodge Charger, Chevy Chevelle, Corvette, GM

Bear with me as I step back in time to formulate what I believe are three terrific American built performance cars: the Ford Mustang, the Dodge Challenger, and the Chevrolet Camaro. Currently, only the Mustang is in production with the Challenger coming back by 2009. GM hasn’t committed to building the Camaro just yet, but the company is likely to make a decision in favor of the car and its sibling, the Pontiac Firebird, by this summer. So, what is it about American performance cars that set them apart from the rest? In one word: muscle. Read on as I compare and contrast these three vehicles and share with you my feeble attempts to explain the culture behind the cars.

So, you think I forgot the Chevy Corvette and Dodge Viper when talking about performance cars? No, I did not. Both models are performance cars as well as race cars. On the other hand the Mustang, Challenger, and Camaro are mass produced performance cars with muscle. There is a difference in the way a typical race car handles, rides, and performs vs. a muscle car.

Typically, a muscle car was a coupe version of some of the larger cars that were pervasive on U.S. highways in the 1960s and 1970s. The Mustang and Camaro, however, were designed separately [although they both heavily borrowed parts from other models] and these “pony” cars were a category all to themselves. For comparison’s sake, they join the Dodge Challenger, a performance version of Mopar cars of its time. All three were compared by critics of that time and all three will once again be compared in a few years when production has been ramped up.

Ford Mustang
Step back in time with me to April 1964 to an era when America was heavily involved in the space race, Lyndon Johnson was president, and General Motors ruled autodom. Ford, for its part, had been nipping at GM’s heels for years, but the failed Edsels of the late 1950s had cost the company dearly. Still, it was the time of the New York World’s Fair and Ford used the fair and television technology to promote its newest offering, the Mustang. A 2+2 coupe borrowing parts from the Fairlane and Falcon, the 1964 ½ model was the first one sold and is widely credited with being the best introduction of a new vehicle ever. With a V6 engine standard and V8 optional, the all new Mustang quickly broke sales records and has been a hot seller ever since. Indeed, with the introduction of the “retro” look Mustang in 2005, the car once again has spawned interest in the muscle car segment as both DaimlerChrysler and General Motors craft competing models of their own.

Dodge Challenger
After the success of earlier muscle cars including the Dodge Charger and Plymouth ‘Cuda, the Dodge Challenger was launched as a 1970 model. The car borrowed heavily from the ‘Cuda although the sheet metal was somewhat different and the wheelbase was stretched by a couple of inches. Because the muscle car era was in decline at the time of its introduction, the Challenger lasted only five model years before it was cancelled. The concept Challenger currently on display at many auto shows is based on the 1970 design and is the talk of message boards and blogs across the nation. Look for Hemi powered engines as being favored by many owners; the car is likely to share some technology with the current Magnum wagon and Charger sedan.

Chevrolet Camaro
GM was asleep at the wheel when the Mustang came out. It took nearly three years before the company could respond and when it did the Camaro and Pontiac Firebird were the result. Although both cars sold well over the years, neither one could match the Mustang’s sales levels and by the time the last cars were sold in 2002, production dropped to a trickle. Still, the end of the Camaro after 35 years has stirred renewed interest in the name and thanks to the retro Mustang, the entire muscle car category is growing once again. Look for a 2010 Camaro to be the first Camaro since 2002; a ragtop version is also being considered.

So, just who can be expected to purchase a muscle car these days? People just like me: middle aged men who grew up with the original models. In addition, a whole new generation of younger drivers tired of the “me too” look of so many of the compact cars out there. Muscle cars of today are so much different from earlier era cars as they incorporate the look of the originals while harnessing today’s technology. Thus, fuel savings will be decent without sacrificing performance: a true win-win situation.

No, I cannot wait to see a Mustang, Challenger, and Camaro lined up at a traffic light waiting for the light to turn green. A new muscle car era is upon us and for that I am very excited.