2015 dodge challenger

Paying homage to the past while still being fully up to date is a pretty tough feat, yet the 2015 Dodge Challenger manages to do just that. This retro-styled muscle car sports updated styling this year. That seeming oxymoron means it has swapped out its previous 1970-style grille and taillights for 1971-inspired units that, to our eyes, work even better. Yet underneath those classic lines the Challenger is completely modern with its keyless ignition, infotainment system and eight-speed automatic transmission, the latter allowing a big coupe with a near-500-hp V8 to earn a 25 mpg highway rating.

This year also brings a much-improved interior with higher-quality materials, and that new infotainment system is the same highly regarded 8.4-inch touchscreen interface used in most other Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products. The Challenger’s base V6 engine carries over, but there’s a new Challenger R/T “Scat Pack” edition, which provides the same 485-hp V8 as the SRT 392 but at a lower price point. Rumbling in with the biggest stick of all is the new SRT Hellcat, which sends a pavement-rippling 707 hp and 650 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via a supercharged 6.2-liter V8.

Put one of these boffo V8 engines under the hood of just about any car and you’d be guaranteed to have something that’s a blast to drive. But what really impresses us is the Challenger’s measure of practicality. Unlike its admittedly smaller Chevy and Ford rivals, the Challenger offers an adult-friendly backseat, a large trunk and a quiet, comfortable ride that all make this boulevard bruiser a fine daily driver and road tripper. True, the 2015 Dodge Challenger isn’t quite as athletic when you’re driving enthusiastically around tight turns. The Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang boast sharper handling (particularly in their respective track-oriented Z/28 and GT350 guises) and simply aren’t as bulky. But they also have tight backseats and firmer rides.

All three of these cars are very impressive. But it’s the Challenger that best represents the modern take on a classic American muscle car. It’s got the ability to do John Force-worthy burnouts, the most identifiable heritage-based style, composed ride and handling and that big interior space that’s ideally suited for cruising this big country of ours. And, if that’s still not enough for you, there’s the Hellcat, which allows you to brag to your friends that you’ve got more ponies under the hood than a Lamborghini Aventador. If you’re shopping for a 2015 performance coupe, the Challenger is a must-see.