2010 Dodge Challenger

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Introductions

The Challenger is based on Chrysler's LX platform, which is also used for the 300 and Charger sedans. Its wheelbase is 4 inches shorter than the Charger's, though with a 2-ton curb weight, the newer model is frighteningly similar to its forebear in terms of sheer bulk. Of course, the 2009 Challenger has features that previous Mopar designers could hardly have dreamed about, such as stability control, side curtain airbags and an available hard-drive-based navigation system that can also store music and video files. The new Challenger also differs by being fairly athletic and able to go around corners without scraping the Goodyear lettering off the tires.

Last year, Dodge offered just one model, the top-level SRT8. For 2010, Dodge expands the Challenger family with a couple of less intimidating alternatives that make this retro-styled sport coupe more accessible to the masses. Starting things off is the new base Challenger, fitted with a V6 engine and four-speed automatic, a pairing as ill-suited as Charlize Theron and Gilbert Gottfried. You'll get 250 hp and a 25-mpg highway rating from this powertrain, but considering that you're stuck with four speeds, it's hardly set up for optimal efficiency. Sitting between the base car and the SRT8 is the best pick of the bunch: the new R/T, with its 370-hp V8. This year also brings back another Mopar icon, a pistol-grip-shifted manual gearbox. Available on the V8 cars, this tranny features six speeds.

2010 Dodge Challenger Full Review

The 2010 Dodge Challenger is a carryover from 2009 and will not get any major changes.  Competition includes the Ford Mustang and upcoming Chevrolet Camaro.

Exterior Design and Features

The Challenger was designed after the 1970 model, and is without a doubt a Challenger no matter how you look at it. However, the current Challenger avoids coming across as a retro car or a new car; it's the sort of middle ground that may better stand the test of time.  It has a broad grille and rear-end treatments.  The Challenger is 197.7 inches long and 75.7 inches wide, longer and wider than the Mustang's 187.6-inch length and 73.9-inch width. It includes standard body-colored handles, front and rear bumpers, and mirrors,  stainless-steel performance dual exhaust with rectangular tips (R/T, SRT8), and black hood racing stripes (SRT8).  The Challenger rides on 17-inch aluminum wheels for the SE, and 20 inch aluminum or chrome-clad wheels (standard on SRT8, optional on R/T).   Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights are standard on the SRT8, and optional on R/T.

Interior Design and Features

The Challenger's theme of retro design is continued in the cabin with its gauge cluster, black headliner and a slanted shifter console. Interior volume comes in at 93.9 cubic feet, with 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk.  Major gauges are deeply recessed into the dashboard and are dimly backlit, making them hard to read at times. Although the pillars are on the wide side, you sit far enough away from the windshield to avoid forward blind spots. With the seat positioned low to the glass line, you can see most of the hood. The view to the rear is fairly good, too, because the side glass goes well back and the rear window's as big as the mirror view. The Chrysler-standard control layout places most systems within easy reach. The navigation system absorbs most audio functions, but mostly with good results. Challenger's rear-seat accommodations are quite good for a sporty car. Smaller adults may tolerate short trips, while kids will fit fine. Entry and exit are expectedly awkward.  In manual versions, the shifter features a unique "pistol-grip" design. Front-seat occupants sit in prominently bolstered seats. The SRT8 has exclusive leather sport seats with accent stitching and embroidered SRT8 logos.

First Drive 2010 Challenger

Accurate steering is marred by excessive power assist. Though not as agile as a Mustang, Challenger handles well given its sheer size and heft. When cruising, the Challenger is civilized. There is authority in the exhaust note but it doesn't sound like authority grabbed the bullhorn until you get into the gas and are rewarded with a satisfying rumble that becomes more howl as it winds up; manual gearbox cars use different mufflers and have a deeper tone.  The automatic delivers crisp-not-jarring upshifts and gets out of first gear in a hurry unless you are hard on the gas.  Body lean in fast turns is well controlled, and the brakes provide sure-footed stopping control. The SE is surprisingly refined; its engine produces a slightly throaty growl under hard acceleration. R/T and SRT8 models produce sound levels in keeping with their high-performance character. Engine, exhaust, and road noise are omnipresent in those models, even in relaxed highway cruising. Challenger's ride is surprisingly supple, especially given this car's performance mission. SRT8 has more side-to-side motions than the SE or R/T.

Engine Styling

The Challenger offers a V-6 and manual transmission option and a V-8 5.7-liter Hemi with variable valve timing and an expanded multi-displacement system that allows the car to operate on four cylinders when less power is needed. Unlike its archrival, the Mustang, the Challenger has an independent rear suspension. In testing, a manual-transmission R/T averaged 16.5 mpg with slightly more city driving than highway use. Test automatic-transmission SRT8s averaged 15.8-16.8 mpg. Chrysler recommends mid-grade 89-octane gas for the SE and automatic-transmission R/T. Premium-grade gas is recommended for the manual-transmission R/T and required for the SRT8.

Available Safety Design

Available safety features should include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Keyless engine start should remain available, along with Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suite, which can include a wireless cell phone link, 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music and picture files, and a navigation system.

2010 First Look Conclusions

The Challenger leapfrogs the Mustang in most respects, but that isn't very hard: Ford's pony car is in its fifth year on the market, which is AARP age in automotive terms. There is an upgraded Mustang in the works for 2010, and Dodge can bet GM's Camaro will come out fighting.

The Challenger will likely be the slowest of the group, but that may not matter much. All three cars will sell initially on power and looks, but barring a vast increase in gas mileage, and I'm not holding my breath, their viability depends less on performance and more on everyday livability. The Challenger comes out ahead here, and that could give Dodge a much-needed winner. For more information on the 2010 Challenger head over to Dodge.com for complete specs, videos, and more photos.