Road Testing the 2011 Dodge Challenger

The new 2011 Dodge Challenger mode starts with a base price of around the $46,000 price mark, and is equipped with an engine that is capable of outputting an outstanding 470 horsepower with 470 pound-foot of torque. The actual torque peak is lower also at 4,200 rpm when compared with the older model, while the engine’s paint still remain the Hemi orange. This new engine that is incorporated within the new Challenger has been said to reach speeds of 0-60 mph in a very quick time of just 4.5 seconds. Although the vehicles tested weren’t exactly using similar equipment; the test one used automatic transmission, while it was compared with a 6 speed manual variation. The new model which utilized automatic transmissions managed to achieve the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds whilst traveling at 114 mph, this enable it to beat the quarter mile ½ a second faster than the older Challenger model. Underneath the new Challenger’s hood adorns plastic panels which are placed over the rocker covers, while the old painted aluminum intake rams are now replaced with plastic ones instead. Mostly the reason for these alterations were down to cost, according to Mr McCarthy. Some engine enhancements that the new Challenger has received are a fuel saving feature which is available exclusively on automatic variations, this feature is called the “cylinder deactivation”. Other alterations include a rerouted intake which has been worked over some computational fluid dynamic software, this is to enable it to become straighter and even more efficient. The integration of a straighter dual exhaust system which ends in quad tips have been stated by Mr McCarthy,”these only just passes the legal noise-level limit” Retaining Manual Transmission Quite amazingly for a country that is in love with automatic transmission, an astonishing 50 percent of all Challengers sold are manuals. With the rear differential internals now crafted as shot peened to strengthen it further. Altered to accept more power are the twin-disc clutch, that is situated in front of the 6 speed Tremec TR-6060 transmission, while the pistol grip shifter throws being shortened also. Other new feature for the 2011 Challenger include much stiffer suspension bushings, increased size anti-roll bars at the front and rear, altered steering ratio from 16.1:1 to a quicker 14.4:1. This model comes with standard summer Goodyear tires, while all season Goodyear tires are optional. The interior has been changed slightly with probably the most noticeable feature is the size reduction the steering wheel has incurred, it’s received about an inch reduction in its diameter over the previous models. The overall improvements and alterations made to this new Challenger model appears to be very effective and actually achieves its goals with these alterations. You can test drive the new Challenger for yourself and you will know just how much of an improvement this vehicle has made over previous generations.