The 2015 Dodge Challenger offers luxury and power, an unbeatable combination. New Jersey residents who want a muscle car that also offers a comfortable ride should visit their Dodge NJ dealership to test drive this powerful vehicle.
Stylistic Changes in the Challenger
The 2015 Challenger saw visual upgrades from previous models, highlighting the retro design elements of the 1971 classic. Still, the LED-ringed headlamps and smoothened front and rear design of the 2015 makes this vehicle a modern staple.
Under The Hood and On The Road
The new Challenger offers drivers a standard V6 engine that performance enthusiasts will find more than up to the task of day-to-day driving. For motorists who want a little extra punch, the Challenger R/T, R/T Plus and other models offer V8 option with a 5.7L, 6.2L and 6.4L HEMI engine.
The 3.6L Pentastar carries over from previous models with few changes, but has been paired with Chrysler’s eight-speed automatic and T-handle shifter and manual shift control to cut time from 0-60 MPH.
The new Challenger also saw an uptick in fuel economy, getting 19 in the city and 30 on the highway while boasting greater handling and braking performance.
Comfort and Convenience Features
The interior of the 2015 model has seen an upgrade in aesthetics, showing continued inspiration by the ’71 model. The interior is nothing short of astounding. It features a modern, sporty look with 17 available interior options for a retro or luxurious look. With seating for five and dual-zone temperature control, the Challenger is a comfortable, practical muscle car with Best-in-Class cargo volume.
The dashboard features a high-resolution digital display with 0-60 time, a reaction and lap timer, and other vehicle information.
The touchscreen comes with a plethora of available options, such as UConnect voice command capabilities; navigation; rear-park assist; fuel and temperature displays; and up-to-the-minute information on accidents, road closures and traffic flow through SiriusXM Traffic.
For car buyers seeking a vehicle that’s fast, fun, and comfortable, check out the latest Challenger at your local Dodge NJ dealership.
History
The original Challenger was the Silver Challenger, a limited edition vehicle sold from 1958-59. The vehicle was sold as a bargain brand. After 1959, no Challengers were produced until 1969. The first generation Challenger was marketed as an answer to the popular Mustang and Camaro performance vehicles. The sporty ponycar was moderately popular among car buyers, and an iconic version of the Challenger is featured in the 1971 film Vanishing Point. The Challenger came along late in the ponycar trend however, and production of the first generation Challenger ended in 1974.
Mitsubishi revived the Challenger nameplate in 1978 and sold the vehicle through Dodge dealers in the U.S. as a captive import. The new vehicle wasn’t as sporty or as powerful as its predecessor, but it did retain some of the exterior designs of the original challenger and pioneered some technology that made four-cylinder engines more practical. The second generation of the Challenger was also short-lived, running from 1978 to 1983.
The Challenger got a new lease on life in 2006 at the Detroit Motor Show. The vehicle was well received and entered production in 2008. The new Challenger took some of its design cues from the first generation Challenger, resulting in a modern vehicle reminiscent of the classic design.
Since its reintroduction to the market, the new Challenger has been an impressive seller for Dodge. In 2013, the Challenger moved 430,000 units, a sales record for the model. Industry experts predict that Challenger sales should grow by about 42 percent over the next decade.
Trim Levels
For the 2015 model, there are eight trims available:
· Challenger SXT
· Challenger SXT Plus
· Challenger R/T
· Challenger R/T Plus
· Challenger R/T Shaker
· Challenger R/T Plus Shaker
· 6.4-liter Scat Pack
· 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker
Awards & Safety
The Challenger has a history of excellence with the previous model winning Edmunds’ Best Value Retention Award and the Kelley Bluebook Best Resale Value Award. The Challenger has also led the J.D. Power APEAL study’s Midsize Sporty Car segment for 2011, 2012, and 2014.
Dodge added new safety-related features to the Challenger, including rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and cross-path detection, among other features. The Challenger can also come with 911 call technology, automatically summoning rescuers in the event of an accident.
Last Word
The 2015 Challenger offers driving excitement and unparalleled comfort for muscle car enthusiasts. For fans of the first generation Challenger, the new version will have enough features reminiscent of the original to provide a sense of nostalgia, while also offering modern comforts and features sure to appeal to drivers who expect top performance. The new Challenger is also quite affordable compared to other vehicles in its class. For New Jersey residents who want to ride in style in the Garden State, a visit to their local Dodge NJ dealership should be on the agenda.
