2016 Dodge Challenger RT. 5.7 V8
Discussion
Just picked this up yesterday (So sorry for the bad pics, but I just couldn't wait!)
It really is a beast, even though its essentially the bottom of the range V8. Lower down the range was the V6 which was never an option, as you'd expect.
I kinda see this as the equivalent of getting a C2 manual 911 with no options... the pure simplicity of a large engine in a simple package without paying extra for the pointless bells and whistles.
I'm paying $275 a month on a 2 year lease (So no mods), as I simply couldn't turn down that deal, especially as a Brit living in the US, i'd never get anything like this at this price back home. Spec'ing it up would have driven it up to $500 so I left as is and just shook the guys hand.
Its now got 80 miles on it having picked it up with 34 yesterday. I've not pushed it that hard yet, I'm not sure if I have to run this engine in at all I'm still researching that. The mild pushing I've done has resulted in a lot of noise and (relatively) a lot of power and torque. It runs at around 380BHP which is not earth shattering these days, but still more than enough of an upgrade for me.
Top spec is the Hellcat as most of you know, with 707BHP, no doubt a completely different animal to this, and a very different price point as well!
Pics:
I'll keep this updated with nicer pics when I get chance!
It really is a beast, even though its essentially the bottom of the range V8. Lower down the range was the V6 which was never an option, as you'd expect.
I kinda see this as the equivalent of getting a C2 manual 911 with no options... the pure simplicity of a large engine in a simple package without paying extra for the pointless bells and whistles.
I'm paying $275 a month on a 2 year lease (So no mods), as I simply couldn't turn down that deal, especially as a Brit living in the US, i'd never get anything like this at this price back home. Spec'ing it up would have driven it up to $500 so I left as is and just shook the guys hand.
Its now got 80 miles on it having picked it up with 34 yesterday. I've not pushed it that hard yet, I'm not sure if I have to run this engine in at all I'm still researching that. The mild pushing I've done has resulted in a lot of noise and (relatively) a lot of power and torque. It runs at around 380BHP which is not earth shattering these days, but still more than enough of an upgrade for me.
Top spec is the Hellcat as most of you know, with 707BHP, no doubt a completely different animal to this, and a very different price point as well!
Pics:
I'll keep this updated with nicer pics when I get chance!
TacoExcellence said:
What sort of fuel economy does that get?
I like it, but I'm always put off with these sorts of sports cars because the interiors are so bland and identical to the regular models. I don't know, I'd just like it to feel a little bit special inside.
Too early to be sure, but I'm expecting mid / late teens at best overall. Manufacturer claims mid late 20's on the highway and 19 around town... I suspect not that realistic.I like it, but I'm always put off with these sorts of sports cars because the interiors are so bland and identical to the regular models. I don't know, I'd just like it to feel a little bit special inside.
I know what you mean regards the interior, although I think being like the regular models and still pretty cheap is kind of the point of them. Remember this is a $30k car which is very little money these days, a well spec'd Civic or Fiesta for the same money in Europe maybe?
Having said that, the interior is good quality considering it is American, and has been dramatically improved in this face lift compared to the pre facelift model:
I find the new one very driver focused which I like, similar to E46 and Supra interiors where everything pointed to the driver.
Edited by ReaperCushions on Monday 16th May 23:37
Great choice of car OP. I had a go in the original modern R/T a few years back and loved it. So much so I bought a Monaro when I got back to the UK (the closest I could get to a modern RHD muscle car on a budget!). The interior in yours is certainly a step up from the the pre-facelift cars though - the old stereo display reminded me of a 90s VCR!
Spumfry said:
Nice - and £7 a month less than I'm paying for my SEAT Leon...I think I need to work out how I can get a green card.
If you have a less common skill or if you're in contact with a US company that may be interested in sponsoring your work visa... please take the opportunity to come over. There is no more creative and no more potent team than an Anglo-American collaboration.
Buff Mchugelarge said:
I like. A lot 
These always make me stop and have a look when I see one here in the UK.
I think the Camaro outsold the Challenger here though, I certainly see more out and about?
As far as I'm aware they didn't ever formally release them in the UK like the Camaro (or indeed the Mustang) so any you see will be imports. From the reviews I watched prior to purchase, this was in the 40k - 50k GBP range, which frankly is ridiculously expensive compared to the $30k they are here (20k GBP). I know if I had 40k GBP to spend, it wouldn't be on one of these! Although it is a lot of fun.These always make me stop and have a look when I see one here in the UK.
I think the Camaro outsold the Challenger here though, I certainly see more out and about?
That's a lovely car. You do have an MDS system on that car that shuts down four of the cylinders under gentle throttle use - so the manufacturers figures are quite achievable, I think you'll find. I have the 392 Scat Pack version of this car, with the same system and if you drive it gently it's not quite as horrendous as it would otherwise be.
I nearly bought a black one, it's such a flattering color for this car, but where I live, black cars get so hot, it's easy to burn yourself on them.
Once it's loosened-up a bit, one thing you'll really appreciate is that new 8sp ZF transmission. It is a truly wonderful auto-box.
Even on a lease, there are a couple of things that you can add, that will liven it up (and that you can subsequently remove before handing it back). My first recommend would be a DiabloSport Predator or Trinity SCT tuner. This engine responds very, very well to this upgrade. Secondly, you will notice an improvement by removing the OEM airbox and adding a Hellcat "Air Catcher" item (available from Speedlogix). This item intakes air through the drivers side inner 'headlight' (not a headlight in fact - just a DRL/turn-signal) as opposed to sucking in hot under-hood air. The middle of the light assembly is a plastic plug, that is easily removed from behind. I also installed an intake screen to prevent ingestion of road debris, small animals etc.
Enjoy it! And remember Mopar or no car.
I nearly bought a black one, it's such a flattering color for this car, but where I live, black cars get so hot, it's easy to burn yourself on them.
Once it's loosened-up a bit, one thing you'll really appreciate is that new 8sp ZF transmission. It is a truly wonderful auto-box.
Even on a lease, there are a couple of things that you can add, that will liven it up (and that you can subsequently remove before handing it back). My first recommend would be a DiabloSport Predator or Trinity SCT tuner. This engine responds very, very well to this upgrade. Secondly, you will notice an improvement by removing the OEM airbox and adding a Hellcat "Air Catcher" item (available from Speedlogix). This item intakes air through the drivers side inner 'headlight' (not a headlight in fact - just a DRL/turn-signal) as opposed to sucking in hot under-hood air. The middle of the light assembly is a plastic plug, that is easily removed from behind. I also installed an intake screen to prevent ingestion of road debris, small animals etc.
Enjoy it! And remember Mopar or no car.
Thanks for the comments guys. Getting more miles under the belt today to and from work, funnily enough I took the long way home 
Also spent some time cycling through the options on the digital dash display thing in the middle between the clocks.
Turns out it has a 0-60 timing mode! This was shot as I discovered it, needless to say I have gone to a 'closed, private road' to try out the feature
.
Couple of tries got me quite some improvement on the time in the picture
Also spent some time cycling through the options on the digital dash display thing in the middle between the clocks.
Turns out it has a 0-60 timing mode! This was shot as I discovered it, needless to say I have gone to a 'closed, private road' to try out the feature
.Couple of tries got me quite some improvement on the time in the picture
Stunning looking car OP 
- if only they were available with RHD (and that I could afford one)!
I hope you have many wafty miles with it!
A decade ago I worked for an American company and the default company car in the USA was a Chrysler 300C (albeit with the V6) whereas in the UK the permitted budget would get you a 2.0 diesel Golf if you could live with 3 doors, although if you wanted 5 doors it was the old 1.9 diesel!
Needless to say I opted out of the company car and took the cash allowance, but didn't stretch my budget to a 300C!
- if only they were available with RHD (and that I could afford one)!I hope you have many wafty miles with it!
A decade ago I worked for an American company and the default company car in the USA was a Chrysler 300C (albeit with the V6) whereas in the UK the permitted budget would get you a 2.0 diesel Golf if you could live with 3 doors, although if you wanted 5 doors it was the old 1.9 diesel!
Needless to say I opted out of the company car and took the cash allowance, but didn't stretch my budget to a 300C!
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