Dodge Challenger
The 2023 Dodge Challenger is offered in 6 main trim levels: SXT, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Redeye. Most trims have several sub-trims that represent different luxury and performance upgrades. Like the pony cars of old, the Challenger offers something for everyone, with offerings ranging from sporty and economical to full-blown muscle car and, in the case of the Hellcat, something completely insane.
SXT and GT models come with a 305-horsepower 3.6L V6 engine, which is capable of an EPA-estimated 27 mpg on the highway. The Challenger R/T draws its power from a 5.7L Hemi V8, which makes 375 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. The R/T Scat Pack features a Hemi V8 with 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, while still returning up to 24 mpg on the highway. The Challenger SRT Hellcat boasts a 6.2L supercharged Hemi V8. This over-the-top powerplant is tuned to make an astounding 717 horsepower and 650 lb-feet of torque. At the top of the Challenger's powertrain lineup, the SRT Hellcat Redeye features a version of the same 6.2L supercharged Hemi V8 tuned to a ludicrous 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque. The Challenger R/T, R/T Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat models all come with a TREMEC 6-speed manual transmission, while the TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission is standard on the SXT, GT and Hellcat Redeye.
The Challenger SXT trim features 18-inch wheels, 6-way power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual-zone temperature control, Keyless entry and start, sport-tuned suspension, 6-speaker audio system and a 7.0-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Challenger SXT models have the same retro muscle-car silhouette as the others, but they're a little bit more sensible, with a low base price and reasonable fuel economy on the highway, while still providing satisfying acceleration for most everyday driving. An-all wheel drive SXT is also available, adding 19-inch wheels and upgraded brakes.
The GT trim adds to the features with a performance hood, splitter, steering and suspension. Additional standard features include 20-inch wheels, performance cloth seats, ParkSense rear parking assist, remote start, fog lamps, leather performance steering wheel and upgraded brakes.
The V8 models, however, have a different attitude, with a rumbling exhaust sound, tremendous torque just off idle, and a true muscle-car feel. The R/T trim is the entry into the V8 and features 20-inch wheels, electronically controlled active exhaust, upgraded brakes and limited-slip rear differential. The R/T Scat Pack uses a more powerful V8 and adds four-piston Brembo brakes, heated seats, heated steering wheel, 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio system and configurable driving modes. Also, the included Line Lock and Launch Control system enhances the acceleration off the line.
Ultimate power is found in the SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Redeye, with a more powerful and higher performance powertrain. The SRT Hellcat features adaptive competition suspension, 6-piston Brembo brakes, 20-inch lightweight wheels, dual snorkel hood, high-performance engine cooling systems, unique hellcat exterior styling and SRT drive modes for on-road and track specific performance. The SRT Hellcat Redeye offers the most power at 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, as it is built to perform on the track, it features SRT Power Chiller and After-Run Chiller cooling, 41-spline heavy-duty half-shafts and a functional dual snorkel hood with cold air intake. Both the Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye are available in the standard body and widebody variants.
For 2023, the track-ready Challenger Super Stock gives car-enthusiasts even more options to choose from. The Challenger not only gets the same powerful Hellcat Engine but it comes standard with a Nitto drag radials widebody kit, revised powertrain calibration, track-tuned suspension, lightweight Brembo brake Calipers and numerous other racing features found on the Demon.
Seating rests rather low in the Challenger, and the car's tall shoulders lend a protective feeling. The redesigned front seats have plenty of space for the largest folks, and although technically the Challenger is a 5-person coupe, its back seat can be quite tight, and entry and exit from the back seats can be a challenge. The trunk, however, is huge and easily accessed; Dodge says it's as big as that of the Charger sedan.
Additional offered packages include a Performance Handling Group, Performance Plus Package, Cold Weather Group, Widebody Package, Driver Convenience Group, Laguna Leather Package, Alcantara Appearance Package and Technology Group. The "Shaker" Package, available for several of the trim levels, offers the iconic shaker hood from the earlier generation Mopar muscle cars.