The Dodge Challenger is a rear-wheel-drive muscle car that comes in a 2-door coupe body style. Locally, this model has three different variants. There’s the Challenger R/T Scat Pack 6.4 AT, the Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody 6.4 AT, and the Challenger GT.
For prices, the regular R/T Scat Pack is priced at Php 5,490,000, and the widebody variant can be had for Php 5,780,000. The GT trim is then priced at Php 4,490,000.
For engines, the Philippine-spec Challenger has two options. The Scat Pack variants use a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 that can make up to 485 horsepower and 644 Nm of torque. The GT trim meanwhile, uses a 3.6-liter V6 capable of producing up to 303 horsepower and 363 Nm of torque.
Size-wise, the Challenger Scat Pack variants are 5,027mm long, 1,923mm wide, and 1,466mm in height. The GT trim is slightly smaller at 5,
Locally, the Dodge Challenger competes against the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Nissan 370Z, BMW 2 Series Coupe, among others.
Launch
The first generation Dodge Challenger was introduced in 1969 and was meant to compete with the Pontiac Firebird and the Mercury Cougar. The second-generation Dodge Challenger was previewed in 1978 from a rebadged from another coupe, the Mitsubishi Galant Lambda. Its current generation was initially unveiled through photos on the internet and was formally revealed on November 21, 2005. In 2006, the refreshed concept was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show.
Locally, a revamped version of this iconic coupe was unveiled in 2018 complete with exterior and interior upgrades.
50 years of muscle car heritage (US-spec Challenger shown)
Dodge Challenger Exterior
On the outside, the Dodge Challenger for the Philippine market gets automatic HID headlamps, LED taillights, LED daytime running lamps, an active exhaust system, power folding side mirrors, among others. Depending on the trim, this model also rides on a set of 20-inch aluminum wheels.
Dodge Challenger Interior
Inside, the Challenger gets plenty of amenities. Its seats and steering wheel are clad in leather, and it also gets a rear-view auto-dimming mirror, a 60:40 split folding rear seat, a push-to-start button, and a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat.
It also gets an automatic air-conditioning system, and ventilated seats. Its tilt and telescopic column are also power adjustable, and it gets a power trunklid release as well.
Technology & Safety Feature
Aboard the Challenger is an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. The said headunit is also linked to a 19-piece speaker set, and the model in question also gets an ample amount of USB charging ports, as well as a 12-volt center console power outlet.
It also has a comprehensive safety kit which includes a rear parking assist system, a tire pressure monitoring system, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, automatic highbeams, active head restraints, forward collision warning, a rear backup camera, traction control, adaptive speed control, among many others.
Platform & Chassis
The current version of the Dodge Challenger uses the Chrysler LA platform. It shares this with the Chrysler 300, and the Dodge Charger.
For suspensions, it uses a short and long arm type for the front, and a multi-link type for the rear. It also gets disc brakes all around, as well as a manual, foot-operated parking brake.
Engine & Drivetrain
The Dodge Challenger R/T Scatpack regular body and widebody are both powered by a 6.4 V8 SRT HEMI engine mated to a 8-speed TorqueElite automatic transmission. It is guaranteed to produce 485 horsepower with 644 Newton meter of torque
On the other hand, the Dodge Challenger GT utilizes a 3.6-liter mill capable of producing up to 303 horsepower and 363 Nm of torque.