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2011 Dodge Challenger West Palm Beach

See Our New 2011 Dodge Challenger West Palm Beach, FL

2011 Dodge Challenger Design

From the side, the SRT8 392's 20-inch wheels frame bright red brake calipers and slotted discs, filling large fender openings that are creased along the edges. Hood scoops carry Hemi badges on V8 cars and are functional in that cool air goes in or warm air vents to the atmosphere, but they do not feed cold air straight into the engine; the ducts in the spoiler direct cooling air to the front brakes and small winglets at the front wheel openings better define airflow. The fixed side rear windows do not allow the full open hardtop of the original with its frameless doors but in a nod to that look Dodge kept the pillars behind the glass so they aren't so obvious. A bright fuel filler cap on R/T and SRT8 392 models finishes off the driver's side. The door handles look retro and stylish, but we found them hard to grab.

Unlike most new cars, the maximum width is carried well out to the ends resulting in a broad, menacing car. The very wide, horizontal grille, spoilers and taillamps accentuate the width, as does a turret-like roof and window treatment, and the haunches over the rear wheels where the roof fairs into the trunk and the character line kicks up. The proportions all seem just right, from the carrier-deck expanse of flat hood larger than most modern pickups, to the foot-high side glass and dark lower body trim, and into the massive rear roof pillars.

Part of the Challenger's appeal comes from its commanding presence. Many of the Challenger's parts, systems and structures are shared with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans. It's a big car, just two inches shorter than the Charger but wider and lower

Handling of the 2011 Dodge Challenger

The grip from the optional Goodyear F1 Supercar tires is substantial and the Challenger is surprisingly balanced in turns. In fact, it's quite easy to steer the SRT8 392 with the rear wheels or make it drift. That speaks well to the job Dodge and SRT did with the suspension geometry. The R/T model, by comparison, acts very much the same way, but its reactions are a bit slower. Power isn't as sudden, steering isn't as sharp, the brakes aren't as strong, and the weight doesn't transfer as quickly. It is possible to upset both versions, but you really have to be working at it or totally inattentive. Driven smoothly you will rarely be reigned in by the electronic stability control. And the stability control can be completely turned off on manual transmission cars if it becomes a nuisance on the race track.

The Challenger is too big and heavy to merit any consideration as a sports car and isn't ideal for tossing around on tight racetracks or mountain roads. However, the 2011 suspension changes, especially to the SRT8, make it a better handler during performance maneuvers, though it was impressively good before given its size and weight. The Challenger is big and nose-heavy, and there is considerable body roll. That body roll is more controlled this year. Instead of flopping side to side then taking a nice set for a corner, the SRT8 now rolls into that set without the play that it had last year. The R/T still has some of that floppiness, but it too is more controlled and will take a predictable set for cornering.

2011 Dodge Challenger Lineup

Challenger SRT8 392 has a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 and a choice of 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic. Other mechanical upgrades include Brembo brakes, a performance suspension, a limited-slip differential, and P245/45R20 front and P255/45R20 rear tires on polished aluminum wheels. Standard are leather upholstery, heated front seats, bi-xenon headlamps, trip/data computer with performance pages, and keyless access and starting. The SRT8 rear spoiler is flat black, the front spoiler deeper and ducted for brake cooling, hood scoops are functional, and the fuel filler is polished aluminum. The SRT8 392 also adds a gas-guzzler tax. Options include the 522-watt 13-speaker Kicker audio system, high-performance staggered-size tires, and Green with Envy paint with wheels with black-painted pockets.

Challenger R/T features a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with a 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic. R/T adds automatic headlights, Sirius satellite radio, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated outside mirrors, body-colored rear spoiler and mirrors, metal fuel filler door, dual chromed rectangular exhaust pipes, fog lamps, Bluetooth wireless cell phone link, and a USB port. Mechanical upgrades to accompany the added power include bigger brakes, firmer suspension, quicker steering, and a hill-holder clutch when equipped with the manual transmission. Options include the Super Track Pack with P245/45ZR20 Goodyear performance tires, heavy duty brakes, sports suspension, and performance steering with variable displacement; and the R/T Classic Package with 276-watt amplifier, 3.92 rear axle ratio, Boston Acoustics speakers, heated front seats, leather upholstery, P245/45R20 tires, functional hood scoop, R/T side stripes, bi-xenon headlights and the Electronics Convenience Group.

Interior of the 2011 Dodge Challenger

Trunk space won't be an issue. At more than 16 cubic feet, it matches the Dodge Charger and Audi's big A5 coupe and clearly betters the Mustang and Camaro. Under the floor you'll find the standard tire-inflator kit (compact spare optional only on SE and R/T), battery and a vinyl-album-sized bin sure to be filled with a nitrous bottle sooner or later by someone. The 60/40 split rear seat folds wide side on the driver's side. The left-side-mounted subwoofer is out of the way and has a metal grille to protect it, a good thing because there are no tie-downs here so the contents will shift. And like an old Challenger, you have to pick up the cargo nearly three feet off the ground and over a foot of bodywork before dropping it into the trunk.

The center console has a mild lateral slope to the driver, with a small bin ahead of the shifter, two illuminated cupholders behind it, and space under the sliding-top center armrest. The glovebox is typical but the door pockets are split with a larger pocket at the front edge and a smaller pocket near the rear edge. The passenger door armrest has a small bin that might hold an MP3 player or pack of smokes, at least until a hard right turn.

Keyless Go on some models is a no-ignition-switch setup that uses a simple pushbutton to start the car. However, unlike every other similar system we've tried, the Challenger does not have a lock/unlock touch surface outside, so you still have to use the key remote to lock or unlock the doors, reducing the convenience aspect. Once inside the car, it's easy to misplace the key because there's no slot for it.

Conclusion

2011 Dodge Challenger offers a distinctive look that attracts much attention and positive feedback. The Challenger SE V6 is offered at a moderate price and an improved engine, while the V8 Challenger R/T is a value of a good performance. The Challenger SRT8 392 is the maximum performance version. In any event, the Challenger avoids the comprimised back seat and trunk of most coupes because of its size. It's too big and heavy to be a true sports coupe, but it carries the bulk rather well when pushed. In Hemi Orange Pearl you will not own the road, but you will feel like you do.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com