CLICK ABOVE TO WATCH FULL VIDEO REVIEW - DODGE CHALLENGER GT - V6
SST AUTOMOTIVE REVIEW BY: RICK WALKER
This car is not what you think it is. Yes, it is a Dodge Challenger. No it is not like other pony cars. This one is different. This one is the Dodge Challenger GT, with all-wheel-drive.
Yes...that's right all wheel drive...for all weather traction action.
If you want the all wheel drive option in a Dodge Challenger GT you will have to settle for the 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar engine. Dodge is not offering a V8 version of this all wheel drive beast, at least not yet. Not to worry though. The V6 engine pumps out 305-horsepower.
The engine is mated to an eight-speed ZF transmission. It has paddle shifters. The power flows smoothly, and the car pulls hard throughout the power band. It's rated at 305, but it feels like it has more.
This car is big. It's also heavier than the Mustang and Camaro. Technically, on paper it's slower, but it's still an awesome car, and with all-wheel-drive Camaro's, and Mustangs don't stand a chance. Ford and GM don't offer all wheel drive options on their pony cars.
Of course most people automatically think of winter driving when they look at the all-wheel-drive option, but all wheel drive is about more than traction in snow. It enhances handling in all weather conditions. On the downside it makes it almost impossible to do burnouts. The car grips like there is no tomorrow.
Our test car was equipped with performance pages. It's an electronics performance system that is integrated into the infotainment system. It lets you adjust engine and transmission settings for performance, through the computer without voiding the warranty. It even has electronic launch control and a built in dyno that lets you see how much power you're generating. Heading to track? The system also monitors and records your 1/4 mile times. It's a slick package that's backed up by an 18-speaker Harman Kardon audio system that packs as much or maybe even more punch as the engine under the hood. The audio system is not just loud....it's clean.
Of course you get a back up camera, and bluetooth too.
There isn't much the Dodge Challenger All Wheel Drive doesn't have. GPS..got it. Soft supple nappa-leather seats....got it. 19-inch alloy wheels with all season tires...check. Proximity key with push-button start, heated steering wheel, rear park assist, 8.4-inch Uconnect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and power tilt/telescoping steering wheel....yup it's all there. All The $895 Technology Group and you'll get adaptive cruise, auto high-beams, front collision warning, and rain-sensing wipers. Add the $995 Driver Convenience Group and get, blind-spot and rear cross traffic detection, HID headlights, remote start, and body-coloured multi-function mirrors. Add $770 for updated Uconnect with navigation. Oh yeah...and don't forget the Dodge Performance Pages with launch control, We mentioned it before but it's really cool so it's worth mentioning again.
The ride is firm, but soft enough to live with every day, and it is a car that will provide more comfort during long trips than a Camaro or Mustang.
Don't let the V6 fool you. It's a serious motor, and when you put your foot in it, it lets out a deep growl. The gearing brings it all to life. It does have adequate power which is probably why the V6 engine is the most popular choice among Dodge Challenger buyers.
This is a gorgeous car, and it truly different. There is simply no other pony car from any company like it. It's tight, with no rattles anywhere. It is surprisingly refined. Some will buy it with winter traction in mind, but the all-wheel-drive feature offers more than that. See we told you so... This is a Dodge Challenger....but at first glance who would expect it would be a GT version with a V6 ...all wheel drive...and a performance pages package with launch control. It surprised us. It impressed us...and that's why the Dodge Challenger GT All Wheel Drive is SST Approved.
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