Dodge Challenger R/T Plus
Dodge Challenger

2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Plus

Pros: Classic muscle-car attitude; large size means a relatively spacious trunk and back seat; broad range of special appearance options; amazing acceleration of Hellcat model; broad range of available technology features

Cons: Too large and heavy to feel as agile as it looks; fuel economy in V8 models; low roofline and high door sills cause a closed-in feel

CG Says: The 2015 Dodge Challenger lineup gets freshened exterior styling, a new interior, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a ferocious “Hellcat” ultra-performance model with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that puts out a jaw-dropping 707 horsepower. The Challenger’s updated look draws cues from the classic 1971 Dodge Challenger, most notably the split-grille and split-taillight treatments. The redesigned interior includes a new steering wheel, a new dashboard featuring a customizable 7-inch digital instrument-panel display, and a center stack with a standard 5-inch touchscreen or an available 8.4-inch touchscreen. Newly available are a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross path detection, and (on non-Hellcat models) electric power steering with three driver-selectable modes: Normal, Comfort, and Sport. Other performance updates include revised suspension tuning, a launch-control system, available four-piston Brembo brakes, and an electronic shifter on automatic models. Challenger’s numerous updates for 2015 do a good job of making an aging basic design feel fresh. And, the outrageous Hellcat model gives Dodge some important bragging rights in the ongoing Camaro/Mustang/Challenger muscle-car wars. The Hellcat’s nearly $60K sticker price certainly isn’t cheap, but it’s actually something of a bargain when measured against other ultra-performance cars. There are plenty of sporty coupes that feel more modern and nimble than the Challenger lineup, but few that can match its retro-muscle-car attitude and broad range of performance and appearance options.

The Facts
Class Sporty/Performance Car
Body Style(s) 2-door coupe
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels rear-wheel drive
Manufacturer Dodge
Nation of Manufacture Canada
Base Prices SXT: $26,995
R/T: $31,495
SXT Plus: $29,995
R/T Plus: $34,495
R/T Scat Pack: $38,495
SRT 392: $45,995
SRT Hellcat: $59,995

 

Base Engine
3.6-liter V6
Horsepower
305
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
19
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
30

Optional Engine
5.7-liter V8
Horsepower
375
Std. Transmission
6-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
8-speed automatic
EPA City Range (mpg)
15-16
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
23-25

Optional Engine
6.4-liter V8
Horsepower
485
Std. Transmission
6-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
8-speed automatic
EPA City Range (mpg)
14-15
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
23-25

2015 Dodge Challenger SXT
2015 Dodge Challenger SXT
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
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