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Dodge Challenger is the name of three different automobile models marketed by the Dodge division of the Chrysler Corporation since the 1970s.
First generation (1970-1974) | image = | name = First model | body_style = 2-door convertible 2-door coupe | production = 1970-1974 | class = Pony car | platform = FR E-body | engine = 225 in³ Slant 6 I6 318 in³ LA V8 340 in³ LA V8 360 in³ LA V8 383 in³ B V8 426 in³ Hemi V8 440 in³ RB V8 | transmission = 4-speed manual 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic | related = Plymouth Barracuda | similar = Ford Mustang Chevrolet Camaro | designer = Carl Cameron }} The first Challenger was the division's late entrant to the pony car market segment in the United States, launched for the 1970 model year. It was strongly based on the similar Plymouth Barracuda's new E-body but with two inches (51 mm) of extra wheelbase and somewhat different outer sheetmetal. Exterior design was done by Carl "CAM'" Cameron, whom also did the exterior for the 1966 Dodge Charger. For the 1970 Challenger grille, CAM' based it off of an older sketch of his of a 1966 Charger prototype that was designed to have a turbine engine. The Charger never got the turbine, but the Challenger got that car's grille. Although the Challenger was well-received by the public (with 80,000 sales in 1970 alone), it was criticized by the press, and the pony car segment was already declining by the time the Challenger arrived. Challenger production ceased after the 1974 model year, only having lasted five years; performance dropped off dramatically after the 1971 models. About 165,500 Challengers were sold over this model's lifespan. Engines Engine choices included the following: Performance 14.8 @ 96mph 14.4 @ 97mph 15.1 @ 93mph 13.9 @ 101mph 13.8 @ 104mph 13.6 @ 105mph For obvious reasons, the 440 and the 426 Hemi engines were considered the most desirable, and nowadays command sizeable premiums over the smaller engines. Challengers could either be hardtop coupes or convertibles (through 1971 only). The performance model was the R/T (Road/Track), available in both body styles; both standard and R/T hardtops could be ordered as the more luxurious SE specification, which included leather seats, a vinyl roof and a smaller 'formal' rear window. The convertible Challnger was only available as an R/T in 1970. In 1972, Dodge dropped the R/T badging and now called it the "Rallye". Other options, as well as engines and a manual transmission, included steeper rear axle ratios, a limited-slip differential, and a shaker hood scoop were gone for 1972. A 1970-only model was the Dodge Challenger T/A (Trans Am) racing homologation car, which used a specially tuned Six-Pack version of the 340 in³ (5.6 L) engine, topped with a giant hood scoop on a fiberglass hood. 'Megaphone' exhaust outlets were fitted in front of the rear wheels. These cars came standard with front and rear sway bars to enhance handling. Unusually, different-sized wheels were fitted front and back, with very fat rubber on the rear. The T/A also came with a rear ducktail spoiler and front ground effect spoilers as standard equipment. By 1972, all big-block engines were gone, maximum power was down to 240 hp, and production ceased in mid-1974. Although the body style remained the same throughout the 5 year run, there were two notable changes to the front grille. 1971 models had a more stylized "split" grille, and the final manipulation coming in 1972, with the incorporation of the "sad-mouth" design. With this change to the front end, 1972 through 1974 models had little to no variation. The only way to properly distinguish said models is by the front and rear "bumperettes" which exponentially increased in size during each consecutive year. These changes were made to meet US regulations regarding crash test safety. The 1970 taillights went all the way across the back of the car, with the backup light in the middle of the rear. In 1971, the backup lights were on the left and right instead of the middle. The taillight array also changed for 1972 onwards, with the Challenger now having four individual lamps similar to the mid-size Mercurys of the time. Collectors value As the Chrysler E-body line reaches legendary proportions, so too do the prices to buy them. 1970 and 1971 models tend to generate more attention from potential (and usually deep pocketed) buyers, as the performance and style options had not yet been toned down. However, with the popularity of these vehicles on the increase, coupled with the number of useable and restorable Challengers being on the decrease, many collectors have begun looking towards the later models to create their own customizable dream machines. Indeed, many "clones" of the more visceral 1970 and 1971 Challengers have been created by using 1972 through 1974 donors; The front and rear grilles/bumpers on these vehicles are easily interchangeable. However, the tail panel is not so easy to change, since the 1970 and 1971 tail panels are quite different from the 1972 to 1974 models. Today they are considered one of the most sought-after muscle cars of all time. The rarity of specific models and combinations today is primarily the result of low buyer interest and production at the time. Second generation (1978-1983) See Mitsubishi Galant Lambda for more information The Challenger name was revived in 1978 for a version of the early Mitsubishi Galant Lambda coupe, known overseas as the Mitsubishi Sapporo and sold through Dodge dealers as a captive import, identical except in color and minor trim to the Plymouth Sapporo. Although mechanically identical, the Dodge version emphasized sportiness, with bright colors and tape stripes, and the Plymouth on luxury with more subdued trim. Both cars were sold until 1983, until being replaced by the Conquest and Daytona. The car retained the frameless hardtop styling of the old Challenger, but had only a four-cylinder engine and was a long way in performance from its namesake. Nevertheless, it acquired a reputation as a reasonably brisk performer of its type, not least because of its available 2.6 L engine, exceptionally large for a four-cylinder. Four-cylinder engines of this size had not usually been built due to inherent vibration, but Mitsubishi pioneered the use of balance shafts to help damp this out, and the Challenger was one of the first vehicles to bring this technology to the American market; it has since been licensed to many other manufacturers. Third generation (2008-announced) A new "retro" Dodge Challenger concept car was shown at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. The concept uses a shortened LX platform, has the 6.1 L Hemi V8 coupled to a manual transmission, and borrows many styling cues from the original 1970 model. On July 1, 2006, prior to the Pepsi 400 at the Daytona International Speedway, Dodge announced that this concept would, in fact, be made for the 2008 model year.* It will be built on the Chrysler LC platform, which is the shortend version of the Chrysler LX platform in 2008, similar to the concepts platform. The rear-wheel drive performance coupe will be a direct competitor to the hugely-successful Ford Mustang, as well as to the potential future Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac GTO muscle cars. The Challenger will be made in limited numbers on the same line as the Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, and Dodge Magnum, as the same flexible manufacturing system that allows the Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee to be built on the same line, as well as the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patroit, one after the other (instead of in batches). The SRT-8 Challenger will feature the 6.1 L Hemi V8 as standard equipment. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be offered. There will be no other model for 2008, others may be added in 2009. Film appearances 1970 Challenger R/T - IMDB 1973 Dodge Challenger (fictitious R/T w/bumblebee stripe, both unavailable since 1970) - IMDB 1970 Challenger R/T convertible - IMDB 1970 Challenger R/T - IMDB 1970 Challenger R/T - IMDB 1970 Challenger R/T - IMDB 1970 Challenger - IMDB TV appearances Music videos 1970 Challenger R/T 1970 Challenger R/T Video game appearances 2008 Challenger and 1971 Challenger See also | |||||||||||||||||||
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