Top 5 Dodge Challengers In History

When it comes to the idea of a muscle car, no other model embodies it more than the Dodge Challenger. After all, muscle cars are characterized by their distinct broad design and powerful engines. Across all its generations, the Dodge Challenger has ticked all those boxes, perhaps better than any other vehicle model.

Throughout the years, Dodge has offered a wide array of trims, engine options, and special editions. However, only a handful of Challengers have set themselves apart in terms of aesthetics, power, and historical significance.

1970 Dodge Challenger R/T – Better Late than Never 

When the Dodge Challenger was first released in 1970, it was late to the muscle car party. The Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, and many others had already cemented their status as ultimate objects of desire. Nevertheless, the Challenger had what it took to compete. With its powertrain options that ranged from the base I-6 that produced 145 horsepower all the way to the HEMI V8 that produced 425 horsepower, it was ready to go up against all the other pony cars of the time.

However, the first Dodge Challenger’s glory was short-lived. Just a few years after it debuted, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations robbed it of its Hemi V8 in 1972. As EPA regulations further tightened, the first-generation Challenger would only be made until 1974. Now, the first-generation Challenger is widely sought after because of its stunning power, classic muscle car appeal, and almost mystical splendor.

• Engine Specs: 426 cu in V-8 Hemi
• Power: 425 hp
• Torque: 410 lb-ft
• 0 to 60 time: 6 seconds
• Quarter-Mile Time: 41.1 seconds
• Top Speed: 134 mph

2008 Dodge Challenger – Reviving the Legend

Dodge released a second-generation Challenger in 1978, but it was hardly a true Challenger in practically every aspect. It was simply a rebadged Mitsubishi Galant Lambda. Aside from its subpar looks, the Challenger also lost its soul. The second-generation’s inline 4-cylinder engines only made a measly 105 horsepower, which is roughly a fourth of the first-generation’s 8-cylinder option. Overall, this iteration retained nothing from its previous generation aside from the Challenger name. Thankfully, Dodge took inspiration from the first-generation Challenger when it decided to revive the nameplate in 2008.

The third-generation was a modern interpretation of the original 1970 Challenger, with its boxy bodywork and four circular headlights. It also had tall rear quarter panels and a sleek “Coke” bottle-like look.

Under the hood, Dodge gave it a proper V8 engine in the form of a 6.1-liter HEMI. At this point, the ’08 Challenger already had what it needed to satisfy the wants of muscle car enthusiasts. However, it was released during a tumultuous time for horsepower fanatics. Gas prices were higher than ever and the US was on the brink of an economic crisis.

At this point, the Challenger had a refreshed chassis, modern features, and comfortable interior. However, these were just things it needed to be competitive in the car market. To make a statement, the Challenger lacked one more thing–a better engine.

The ’08 Challenger’s 6.1-liter HEMI V8 made the same amount of power as the original 1970 Challenger R/T. Thirty-eight years separated the two models, but somehow the power remained the same. Luckily, Dodge would embrace the challenge in the following years.

• Engine Specs: 6.1-liter HEMI V8
• Power: 425 hp at 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 420 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm
• 0 to 60 time: 4.7 seconds
• Quarter-Mile Time: 13.3 seconds
• Top Speed: 173 mph

2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack – Naturally Aspirated Beast

The original Scat Pack campaign was made for Dodge’s entire lineup of sports cars, including the Charger R/T, Coronet R/T, Dart GTS, and later Super Bee. Now, it’s essentially an optional package that adds a bunch of cosmetic and performance upgrades. Back then, it was already common for muscle cars to be customized with custom paint jobs, chrome wheels, and an array of aftermarket engine upgrades. However, the Scat Pack upgrade was meant to elevate these add-ons as more than upgrades, but as a way to enter an exclusive club.

The Scat Pack name is said to be a play on the famous Rat Pack musical group and was intended to build a sense of community and devotion. “Scat” is a verb that means “to flee quickly” or “to move quickly,” which is perfect for a car that can outrun most vehicles on the road. After years of being tucked away, the idea of a Scat Pack returned in 2014.

The 2014 Dodge Challenger allowed customers to add on up to three tiers of Scat Pack upgrades that improved the performance of its 5.7-liter V8. Not just that, the Scat Pack package also included a black concept hood, a black fuel filler door, black hood pins, sequential tail lights, 20-inch aluminum wheels, and an adjustable suspension kit.

• Engine Specs: 6.4-liter HEMI V8 (2015 Scat Pack)
• Power: 485 hp
• Torque: 475 lb-ft
• 0 to 60 time: 4.2 seconds
• Quarter-Mile Time: 12.6 seconds
• Top Speed: 176 mph

2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat – Supercharging the Legend

In 2015, the Dodge Challenger received a facelift that gave it LED tail lights and LED daytime running lights. Its updated interior was now much more plush and luxurious. Outside, the Challenger got a sharper, more modern look. But its overall body shape, grille design, and even gauge clusters were still distinctly retro-inspired.

It also got rid of its old 5-speed automatic transmission and had in its place an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, allowing it to shift as fast as lightning. The 2015 model also gave the Challenger its most significant upgrade–a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that made a staggering 707 horsepower.

The Challenger Hellcat has much more power than anyone knows what to do with. The wheels are astonishingly easy to spin into a burnout. The engine coupled with the massive supercharger can make a throaty, bewildering whir, making any person wonder how a car can make such an alluring noise. Driving this “evil” beast requires self-control and a gentle touch, as it can oversteer and spiral into a ditch before you realize. This car wasn’t made to race around a twisty track, it was made for the drag strip.

• Engine Specs: 6.2-liter supercharged V8
• Power: 707 hp
• Torque: 650 lb-ft
• 0 to 60 time: 3.6 seconds
• Quarter-Mile Time: 10.85 seconds

2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 – World’s Quickest Production Car

Strictly speaking, the 2023 Dodge Challenger is the only car in production that could fit the muscle car criteria. Rivals like the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang are now considered more like full-fledged sports cars since they’re just as good in corners as in a straight line. The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 isn’t interested in all that. The brand is embracing the nameplate’s identity as the bulky full-size car fixated on absurd horsepower numbers and straight line speed. Only 3,300 SRT Demon 170 units will be made to commemorate the end of the Challenger nameplate.

The Demon 170 features a redesigned version of Dodge’s supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that can produce more than 1,000 horsepower when fueled with an E85 ethanol blend. The Demon 170 can reach 60 mph in 1.66 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in 8.91 seconds. The Demon 170 is so fast that it is prohibited from participating in NHRA races, and it can be purchased with a rear-mounted parachute to help slow it down.

• Engine Specs: Supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8
• Power: 1,025 at 6,500 rpm
• Torque: 945 lb-ft at 4,200 rpm
• 0 to 60 time: 1.66 seconds
• Quarter-Mile Time: 8.91 seconds at 151.17 mph

In the evolving world of enthusiast cars, the Dodge Challenger is a testament to the resilience of the muscle car genre and people’s sheer commitment to the pursuit of raw power. The nameplate has risen, fallen, and soared to great heights across several generations. The original 1970 Challenger R/T, with its iconic Hemi V8, set the nameplate on its power-obsessed track. Now, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 has reached the pinnacle of muscle power and straight-line speed.

Modern Challengers reaffirmed the nameplate’s identity as a true muscle car, boldly defying the trends that have veered its competitors toward the do-it-all sports car realm. As America bids farewell to the Challenger nameplate with the Demon 170, it leaves behind a legacy full of heart.

Why Get a Dodge Challenger?

There are many benefits that come with getting a Dodge Challenger as opposed to any other muscle car in the market, from its iconic look to its powerful engine.

Iconic Look

The Dodge Challenger is an American muscle car through and through, rocking a boxy retro body with a modern twist. On top of that, it also sounds good. Many drivers have remarked that the Challenger’s powerful V8 engine has a satisfying bassy growl.

Spacious and Comfortable Interior

Many drivers laud the Dodge Challenger’s spacious and cozy interior. It’s big enough to accommodate up to five people without giving up legroom and headroom. The seats are also comfortable, enhancing the driving experience.

Immensely Powerful Engine

The Dodge Challenger is capable of delivering tremendous horsepower and torque, especially the models equipped with a powerful V8 engine. The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, in particular, generates over a thousand horsepower at 6,500 rotations per minute.

Good Storage Space

Another big pro that comes with driving the Dodge Challenger is its large storage space. This makes it easier to transport heavy cargo without worrying about running out of space.

Highly Customizable

The Dodge Challenger comes in many trims — many of which feature V8 engines capable of giving drives impressive automotive benchmarks. This makes it easier to customize and personalize a Challenger.