Since its introduction in 2008, the Dodge Challenger has represented one of the most raw expressions of muscle car performance available in an auto industry that has been steadily moving toward more sophisticated and environmentally sensitive ways of getting places quickly.
A decade in, Dodge shows no signs of changing things differently, as evidence by the introduction of the SRT Demon, which the brand says is the most powerful V8-powered production car ever, the world's first purpose-built drag car and boasts the fastest quarter-mile race time of any car ever produced. It accomplishes those feats with a supercharged 6.2L V8 that makes a wild 840 hp and 770 lb-ft of torque (on 100 octane fuel) and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Also new for 2018 is the SRT Hellcat Widebody, which clothes the former performance leader of the Challenger line in a body sporting wider fenders to house larger and wider 20-inch wheels.
There are new colour and wheel options available in various trims, a new handling package for 5.7L models that includes four-piston brakes and performance suspension and Nappa/Alcantara seating for SXT Plus and R/T models with the super track pack.
Technology updates include a Uconnect 4 infotainment system that brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a new standard backup camera cross the line and an available 8.4-inch infotainment system with navigation.
While the Challenger's most significant updates revolve around straight-line performance, the line still starts out with a 3.6L V6 that makes 305 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque. Move through the range and you'll find the opportunity to power up to naturally-aspirated Hemi V8s including a 5.7L (372 hp/400 lb-ft) and a 6.4L (485 hp/475 lb-ft), and 6.2L supercharged motors good for 707 hp/650 lb-ft in the Hellcat and 840 hp/770 lb-ft in the Demon. Six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions are the order of the day depending on your engine of choice.
Trims start with the SXT, powered by the 3.6L engine and eight-speed transmission and including features like a seven-inch customizable gauge cluster display, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power 10-way driver's seat, 18-inch wheels, heated side mirrors, LED taillights, passive keyless entry and a backup camera. SXT Plus adds 20-inch wheels, ambient interior lighting, fog lights, upgraded stereo, rear park assist, performance brakes and power-adjustable steering column.
GT trim includes AWD (the only model to power all four wheels) and 19-inch wheels.
R/T trim brings the 5.7L engine, upgraded rear axle, active exhaust, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic detection, HID headlights, performance steering wheel and remote engine start (with the automatic transmission). R/T T/A models get 20-inch wheels, Dodge Performance Pages, cold air intake, Nappa/Alcantara seats, trim-specific hood, paddle shifters and sport suspension. R/T Shaker trim gets the super track pack and trim-specific graphics and interior and exterior trim.
R/T 392 models get the 6.4L engine and Brembo brakes but give up niceties like the Nappa seats and HID headlights, though many of the Shaker's upscale features are available as options. T/A 392 gets more aggressive brakes, heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated Nappa seats, power steering column and trim-specific hood.
Fuel consumption estimates range from 12.4/7.8 L/100 km (city/highway) with the 3.6L engine to 16.7/10.4 in cars with the 6.4L engine and manual transmission.
