2010 Dodge Challenger Review
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The 2010 Dodge Challenger is a big, American two-door coupe; it has room for five passengers and is based on the underpinnings of the Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans. Competition includes the Ford Mustang and upcoming Chevrolet Camaro. The 2010 Dodge Challenger should see no major changes. The retro-styled Challenger is rear-wheel drive and seats five. Entry-level SE and mid-line R/T trim levels should continue alongside the flagship SRT8. SE should continue to have a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. R/T will likely continue to have a 372-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 matched to a 5-speed automatic. A 6-speed manual should also remain available with the 5.7 V8. The first modern Challenger was rolled out for 2008 with a limited run of high-performance SRT8 models. In 2009 Chrysler added two more trim levels: SE and R/T.
Driving the Challenger
SE moves well from a stop, though it quickly runs out of steam as engine speed rises. Its 4-speed automatic is smooth but reluctant to downshift for more power. R/T with the manual transmission is quite potent, though it doesn't feel quite as fast as its 376-hp rating would suggest. The manual has positive, mechanical shift action and a smooth clutch. Enormous thrust is available from any speed at any time on the SRT8. Dodge claims Challenger SRT8 will do 0-60 mph in around 5 seconds. Challenger may not be an ideal choice for those looking to save on gas, at least in V8 form. However, it gets better mileage than the Ford Mustang. The lower-priced SE and R/T versions are the best models in this lineup. Accurate steering is marred by excessive power assist. Though not as agile as a Mustang, Challenger handles well given its sheer size and heft. Body lean in fast turns is well controlled, and the brakes provide sure-footed stopping control. Challenger's ride is surprisingly supple, especially given this car's performance mission. Bump absorption is quite good across the lineup, with the SE being the most composed. SRT8 has more side-to-side motions than the SE or R/T. 
2010 Power
The Challenger carries the 6.1-liter Hemi V8 — a bored-out version of the standard 5.7-liter motor. Both run the same 10.3:1 compression ratio. Both gulp 91-octane gasoline. Both make the same 425 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 420 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. Premium-grade gas is recommended for the manual-transmission R/T and required for the SRT8. The automatic-transmission version of the R/T should continue to feature Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation. The SRT8 should continue to have a 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi V8 mated to either a 5-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual. The manual should remain an extra-cost option that includes a hill-holder clutch that holds the brake for three seconds to aid the driver when launching the vehicle on an incline.
Challenger Design
Challenger SRT8 that the company introduced at February's Chicago auto show is very similar to the Charger SRT8. However, unlike the Charger sedan, the Challenger was actually designed after the 1970 model, and it is without a doubt a Challenger any way you look at it. The 2010 Challenger has a broad grille in the front and rear-end treatments. Since the Challenger is based on the Charger, the Challenger does have similar dimension to the Charger: it 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.
2010 Challenger Cabin
The Challenger is just as retro on the inside as it is on the outside. This incudes its gauge cluster, black headliner and a slanted shifter console. In manual versions, the shifter features a unique "pistol-grip" design. The front-seat are prominently bolstered and generally comfortable. The SRT8 has exclusive leather sport seats with accent stitching and embroidered SRT8 logos. The cabin of the 2010 Challenger has a volume of 93.9 cubic feet, with 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space in the truck (the same as in the Charger). Compared to the Mustang, the Challenger has more.
Summary
The 2010 Challenger is dream come true for many muscle car enthusiasts. It has modern safety features, such as ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Other features on the 2010 Challenger include a keyless engine start, Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suite, and a navigation system. Read the history of the Dodge Challenger for a look back.
