Classic Dodge Challenger R / T
These days I’ve been testing a Dodge Challenger R / T, one of the new sports seeking to rejuvenate the image of U.S. brands using old designs. In the Chilean market and are the three most important examples of this trend: the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and the car takes me this time. These are models built around the V8 engines tuned to emit a sound deep, visceral and exciting.
Of the three, the Challenger is more attached to the aesthetic tradition of muscle cars of the ’70s and, because of that, who appears as the simplest of the group. He was also the one that had less attention in Chile, but that many people can remember the order of the Dukes of Hazzard (in fact the TV series was a Dodge Charger).
Anyway, a car design is very classic and perhaps that is restrictive. He is too tied to the aesthetic criteria seventies, so that seduce only those who feel love for retro American cars.
Inside, a board with the basic tools, audio equipment austere, a basic air conditioning system (not a conditioner) and a trip computer communities, forced to think anew about the very focused on this engine is car. The center console trimmed with carbon fiber is the most striking element of the carrier, but is encased in a plastic panel of low sophistication.
The major technological innovation is rather marginal Challenger: using a button on the key can remotely start the engine to make it to the right temperature to go out with the air conditioning or heating and running.
The steering wheel, large diameter chrome-ray also has ancestral air. The controls for the audio features are the only discordant elements, although they are welcome.
The front seats, upholstered with leather, are quite good, especially for good lumbar support, but lack space rear legroom and can be claustrophobic due to the small glass surface of the car.
Machinery
The Challenger R / T has a V8 5.7-liter HEMI (and eye, this is the engine “small block” because the SRT8 versions have a 6.1-liter), with an output of 372 horses and torque of 400 Nm. It is a traditional engine technology that uses Chrysler hemispherical combustion chambers, which for all practical purposes, lets burn the fuel / air mixture more effectively.
In addition, this engine has a device called MDS, which shuts off four cylinders under certain conditions to conserve fuel.
The automatic transmission 5-speed sequential operations, the Chrysler group called Autostick.
Depending on the brand, accelerates from 0 to 100 km / hr in 5.5 seconds, which is not because I know I have not measured, but I have experienced the feeling of acceleration that delivers. It is not these accelerations wild displacement of other similar coupes, but a gradual and constant self undoubtedly lead to high levels of speed in a short time, but is perceived as less intense than expected. It is as if there is more commitment to the comfort with sportiness.
This will be confirmed by the suspension, which is unexpectedly soft and, on occasion, a slight buoyancy effect.
It is possible to disconnect the system of electronic stability control (ESP), in which case the rear-wheel drive makes things very fun, but there is a tendency of the car to understeer (it tends to go straight) on tight turns, the weight distribution I think.
In short, I think the Dodge Challenger R / T has a behavior closer to that of a big sedan’s than a sport. Although his power is significant and prompt response to this particular version is not enough caffeine to live in the Parnassus of American sports. We will have to test the Challenger SRT8, but that’s another story.
