New for 2015
The Challenger gets a thorough update for 2015, with mechanical updates including electric power steering and a new eight-speed automatic transmission, and a revamped interior. The 707-horsepower SRT Hellcat also joins the lineup this year.
What's Old is New Again
Updating a legendary car is never easy, and that’s exactly what Dodge had to do with the 2015 Challenger. However, you don’t survive in the car business for 100 years without knowing what you’re doing.
Dodge kept the classic style and soul-stirring performance, but gave the Challenger a tech update to keep up with the times. Think of it as a 21st century muscle car.
Powertrains and Performance
With the 2015 Dodge Challenger, the only question is: How much power do you want? Each available engine will leave you feeling like it’s 1971, while returning fuel economy that’s more in tune with 2014.
The base Challenger SXT and SXT models come with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which produces 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque, and is offered exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission. That combination is good for a 0 to 60 mph time in the “six-second range,” according to Dodge, and an EPA-rated fuel economy of 23 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 30 mpg highway).*
However, for many car fans it just wouldn’t be a Challenger without a HEMI V8. The 5.7-liter version in the Challenger R/T produces 374 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, knocking roughly one second off this muscle car’s 0 to 60 mph time.
With the six-speed manual transmission, the 5.7-liter HEMI will also return 18 mpg combined (15 mpg city, 23 mpg highway), or 19 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway) with the eight-speed automatic.*
If that’s not good enough, there’s also an available 6.4-liter HEMI in the sporty R/T Scat Pack and SRT 392 models. This version produces 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, and is also available with six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions.
Dodge pegs this HEMI’s 0 to 60 mph performance in the four-second range, while the EPA pegs its fuel consumption at 17 mpg combined (14 mpg city, 23 mpg highway) with the manual, and 18 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 25 mpg combined) with the automatic.*
There’s one more option, though.
The 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat boasts a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 that produces an unheard of 707 hp and 650 pound-feet of torque, making it more powerful than many supercars, including any production Lamborghini. How’s that for American muscle?
Dodge hasn’t released a 0 to 60 mph time for the Hellcat yet, but expect it to rival the world’s supercars in that department too. It will also achieve 22 mpg highway with the eight-speed automatic transmission and 21 mpg with the six-speed manual, not that it really matters.*
Features and Trims
The 2015 Dodge Challenger is available exclusively as a four-seat coupe and, in addition to engines and transmissions, there are plenty of technology and convenience features to choose from.
Starting at $26,995,** the Challenger SXT comes standard with 18-inch aluminum wheels, six-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and both seven-inch TFT gauge cluster and five-inch center-stack display screens. The SXT Plus adds heated and ventilated leather seats, Bluetooth, and other features.
The Challenger R/T and R/T Plus include the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 and a few accompanying performance options on top of the features offered with the SXT models. On top of that the R/T Scat Pack and SRT 392 models add the 6.4-liter engine and their own unique style and performance upgrades.
Finally, the SRT Hellcat gets several unique features of its own, including “Slingshot” alloy wheels, a Viper-inspired hood, and revamped interior with heavily-bolstered bucket seats.
Exterior/Interior
Like the 2014 model it replaces, the 2015 Dodge Challenger is a throwback to the golden age of the American muscle car. For this updated model, designers did even more to tie it back to the classic 1971 Challenger.
The chiseled exterior looks even more retro thanks to a 71’-inspired split grille and power-bulge hoods, while LED “halo” driving lights and taillights provide a modern touch.
The interior features plenty of retro styling cues of its own, but it’s also gotten a tech infusion. There’s a new electronic shifter for the automatic transmission, and standard seven-inch reconfigurable TFT display nestled between the gauges. With the available Performance Pages app, drivers can also customize settings and record data to brag about later.
Combining classic early ‘70s styling with the latest tech, the 2015 Dodge Challenger really is the best of both worlds.
Safety
There’s nothing 1970s about the Challenger’s safety features, though. In addition to anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control, the Challenger comes standard with front, side-curtain, driver-knee, and driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side airbags. Additional features including Forward Collision Warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection are also available.
Bottom Line
The 2015 Dodge Challenger is a classic muscle car that’s been reimagined for the 21st century. It’s got all of the style and performance of its predecessors, along with all of the technology and efficiency today’s customers expect.
Of course, if you really want to pay homage to this iconic model, stop by DAS Demo and test drive one for yourself—you won’t be disappointed.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification.
Image: Dodge (Vehicle shown with optional equipment)
