2012 Dodge Challenger

The 2012 Dodge Challenger is ranked among the best affordable sports cars, with test drivers saying that this car can compete with others because of its aggressive styling, powerful engine and a spacious interior.

The Challenger comes with a lot of safety, technology, fuel efficient and handling features. Its lineup is offered with a renamed base trim, shift paddles for the 5 speed automatic transmission and a new audio system.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe Base Price: $25,195.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.1 gallons (72l) MPG: 18 city / 27 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 197.7 in. (502.1 cm) Wheel Base: 116 in. (294.6 cm)
Height: 57.1 in. (145 cm) Width: 75.7 in. (192.2 cm)
Curb Weight: 3834 lbs (1739 kg) Ground Clearance: 5.0 in. (12.7 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 16.2 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: V6 VVT DOHC Displacement: 3.6 Liter
Horsepower: 305 HP Max RPM: 6350 RPM
Torque: 268 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds Maximum Speed: NA
Available Trims & Engine
Option:SXT Plus MSRP: $27,195; MPG: 18 city / 27 hwy
Option:Rallye Redline MSRP: $28,945; MPG: 18 city / 27 hwy
Option:R/T 5.7L V8 HEMI® MSRP: $29,995; MPG: 15 city / 24 hwy
Option:R/T Plus 5.7L V8 HEMI® MSRP: $31,995; MPG: 15 city / 24 hwy
Option:R/T Classic 5.7L V8 HEMI® MSRP: $33,995; MPG: 15 city / 24 hwy
Option:SRT® 392 6.4L V8 HEMI® MSRP: $45,125; MPG: 14 city / 23 hwy
Option: SRT® 392 Yellow Jacket 6.4L V8 HEMI® MSRP: $46,620; MPG: 14 city / 23 hwy


Engine & Performance

The Challenger delivers an efficient and powerful engine. The base trim uses a 3.6 liter V6 engine that produces 305 HP, complimented by a 5 speed automatic transmission. The R/T trim is powered by a 372 HP, 5.7 liter V8 powertrain with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The SRT8 has a 6.4 liter HEMI V8, 470 HP, and 470 lb-ft of torque powertrain.

Several performance features and options are included in this coupe that help in improving cornering ability, steering responsiveness and balance. Some of these features include: Electronic stability control, a standard 4-wheel antilock disc brake system and a rear wheel drive with autonomous front and multi-link rear suspension.

With the available paddle shifters, you can grip the wheel while tour fingertips gains easy access to gears. The performance is further enhanced with the active valve exhaust system, with fuel saver technology for improved efficiency.

Exterior

The body is crafted and styled in a way that gives an athletic and muscular appearance. The hood is well sculpted, while the twin exhaust tips are chrome plated. Another catchy feature of the Challenger are the Xenon headlamps, while the rear spoiler and taillights adds elegance to the car.

The wheels are available in 18 inch alloy and 20 inches chrome trims. Other exterior features include: heated mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror and other Mopar upgrades.

Interior

The 2012 Challenger comes with 37.4 inches of rear headroom, and 36.2 inches legroom making your ride comfortable. When driving, you can easily grip your drink or set it down with your eyes staying glued to the road, thanks to the illuminated cup holders.

The U Connect technology in the Challenger is an internal hard disk which allows you to store up to 6,700 songs in your library. In addition, the UConnect Phone offers a sophisticated communication system which features: Bluetooth integration, voice activation and pairing of up to 7 Bluetooth-compatible phones. The Challenger comes with a spacious trunk, which is bigger than most sports cars such as Camaro and Mustang.

Safety & Reliability

The performance of this car is complimented by the safety features included. A strong safety cage body structure, which comes with the customary side guard door beams, guarantees the safety of the driver and passengers in the event of a collision.

Second, there are an array of airbags for the driver, passenger, side head, rear head and side air bags. Other safety features include: rain brake support, traction control, tire pressure monitoring, ready alert braking, and electronic stability control.

The reliability of this car is guaranteed by a 3-year or 36,000 mile warranty and a 5-year or 100,000 mile engine warranty.

Pros

  • Stylish and attractive exterior
  • Large trunk
  • Comfort ride
  • Spacious back seat

Cons

  • Poor rear visibility.
  • Difficult to access backseat.
  • Bland interior styling

The challenger can accommodate five people, besting other competitors such as the Mustang and Camaro in seating capacity. This coupe is fuel efficient, making it an option for anyone who cares about the cost of fuel and enjoys the feel of muscle at the same time.

Competition

As one of the original members of muscle cars, the Challenger’s main competition has not changed, the Chevy Camaro (MSRP $23,280; 17 city / 28 hwy) and the Ford Mustang (MSRP $23,310; 19 city / 29 hwy) continue to give Dodge something to think about.

Overall Rating
70 out of 100

What others say:

“A comfortable touring coupe most of the time, the retro-themed 2012 Dodge Challenger can turn in blistering musclecar performance when it’s got a HEMI.”Car Connection

“Steering feel is very accurate. Though not as agile as a Mustang, Challenger handles well given its sheer size and heft. Body lean in fast turns is well controlled, and the brakes provide sure-footed stopping control.”Consumer Guide

“The large retro-look Challenger is based on the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, and is a modern version of a 1970s muscle car. ”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“If you’re old enough to remember driving or craving to drive the original Challenger, the 2012 Dodge Challenger coupe will bring back a lot of memories. If you’re not old enough to remember the original, now’s your chance to share a little bit of history repeating. ”KBB

“The 2012 Dodge Challenger might look and move like a muscle car, but its ability to double as a grand touring coupe confirms its status as the most livable of the reborn muscle cars.”Edmunds

->