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2012 Dodge Challenger West Palm Beach

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2012 Dodge Challenger Design

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. The Challenger is also about nine inches longer than the Ford Mustang, and seven inches longer than the Chevrolet Camaro. The 2012 Challenger SXT name replaces SE as the entry-level Challenger.

Handling of the 2012 Dodge Challenger

The Challenger SXT 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 produces 305 horsepower and 268 foot-pounds of torque. Added last year, the V6 engine's horsepower and smoothness were a major improvement, as was a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 2012 Challenger R/T rumbles with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The V8 is rated at 372 hp and 400 pound-feet of torque with the 5-speed automatic, or 375 hp and 410 pound-feet of torque with the now-standard 6-speed manual. The 2012 Challenger SRT8 392 is named after its Hemi V8's cubic-inch displacement and that of the legendary Hemi 392 engine of the late 1950s. The 2012 Challenger SRT8 392 comes with a 470-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that includes cylinder deactivation technology. EPA ratings are 14/23 mpg.

Inside the 2012 Dodge Challenger

The interior harkens back to the muscle car era in that many muscle cars were born of generic sedans and had similar interiors.  While a race-inspired interior is one of the SRT division's major criteria, the primary inspiration here is manifested in the front seats and fat-rim, flat-bottom steering wheel. The contrast-stitched, heavily bolstered buckets in the SRT8 392, with their leather outers and velour inserts, do an excellent job of keeping you in place. However, unlike many so-called sport seats, these do not feel overly firm. The rear seat is quite comfortable and roomier than most would expect. The back seat can accommodate two plus someone little in the middle. A manual tilt/telescope steering column allows plenty of adjustment and a view of the instruments. For 2012, the SRT has a new, smaller heated steering wheel with leather wrapping and metal trim that is more appropriate for a car with the Challenger's sporting intentions. It's smaller, sportier and feels better than the last one.

Conclusion

The Classic American muscle car is well represented by the 2012 Dodge Challenger. Much different than the somewhat crude versions of the pony cars from back then, the Challenger includes fuel efficiency, handling, safety features, technology and quality that is expected from a contemporary coupe.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com