Dodge Challenger

Dodge Challenger
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
Overview
Manufacturer	Dodge
Production	1970-1974 1978-1983 2008-present
Body and chassis
Class	Pony car (1970-74, 2008-present) Sports car (1978-1983)
Layout	FR layout
Chronology
Successor	Dodge Conquest (for 1984) Dodge Daytona (for 1984)

Dodge Challenger is the name of three different automobile models marketed by the Dodge division of Chrysler LLC since the 1970s.

First generation (1970-1974)

First generation
Overview
Production	1970-1973
Assembly	Hamtramck, Michigan Los Angeles, California
Designer	Carl Cameron
Body and chassis
Class	Pony car
Body style	2-door convertible 2-door hardtop coupe
Platform	E-body
Related	Plymouth Barracuda
Powertrain
Engine	198 in³ Slant 6 225 in³ Slant 6 I6 318 in³ LA V8 340 in³ LA V8 360 in³ LA V8 383 in³ B V8 426 in³ Hemi V8 440 in³ RB V8
Transmission	4-speed manual 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in

The first Challenger was the division's late entrant to the pony car market segment in the United States, launched for the 1970 model year. Intended as a competitor to the Mercury Cougar, it was based on the similar Plymouth Barracuda's new E-body. The wheelbase, at 110 inches (2,794 mm), was two inches longer and it had substantially different outer sheetmetal than its Plymouth cousin, much in the same way that the Cougar was related to the Ford Mustang.

Exterior design was done by Carl Cameron, who also did the exterior for the 1966 Dodge Charger. For the 1970 Challenger grille, Cameron based it off an older sketch of his 1966 Charger prototype that was to have a turbine engine. The Charger never got the turbine, but the Challenger got that car's grille. Although the Challenger was well-received by the public (with 80,000 sales in 1970 alone), it was criticized by the press, and the pony car segment was already declining by the time the Challenger arrived. Sales fell dramatically after 1970, and Challenger production ceased midway through the 1974 model year. About 165,500 Challengers were sold over this model's lifespan.

Four models were offered: Challenger Six, Challenger V8, T/A Challenger, and Challenger R/T. Challengers could either be hardtops, coupes, or convertibles (through 1971 only). The standard engine on the base model was the Template:Auto CID six-cylinder. Standard engine on the V8 was the 230 horsepower (170 kW) Template:Auto CID V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor. Optional engines were the Template:Auto CID and Template:Auto CID V8s, all with a standard 3-speed manual transmission, except for the 290 horsepower (220 kW) 383 in³ engine, which was available only with the TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The 4-speed manual was optional on all engines except the 225 in³ I6 and the 383 in³ V8.

The performance model was the R/T (Road/Track), with a 383 in³ Magnum V8, rated at 335 horsepower (250 kW). Standard transmission was a 3-speed manual. Optional R/T engines were the 375 horsepower (280 kW) 440 in³ Magnum, the 390 horsepower (290 kW) Template:Auto CID Six-Pack and the 425 horsepower (317 kW) Template:Auto CID Hemi. The R/T was available in all three body styles; both standard and R/T hardtops could be ordered as the more luxurious SE specification, which included leather seats, a vinyl roof, a smaller 'formal' rear window, and an overhead interior console that contained three warning lights (door ajar, low fuel and seatbelts). The Challenger R/T came with a Rallye instrument cluster which included a 150 mph (240 km/h) speedometer, an 8000 rpm tachometer, and an oil pressure gauge. The convertible Challenger was available with any engine, as well as in the R/T and SE trim levels. In 1972, Dodge dropped the R/T badging and now called it the "Rallye", although it was never badged as such. Other options, as well as engines and a manual transmission, included steeper rear axle ratios, a limited-slip differential, and a shaker hood scoop were gone for 1972.

1974 Dodge Challenger

A 1970-only model was the Dodge Challenger T/A (Trans Am) racing homologation car. In order to race in the Sports Car Club of America's Trans American Sedan Championship, it built a street version of its race car (just like Plymouth with its Plymouth 'Cuda AAR) which it called the Dodge Challenger T/A (Trans Am). Although the race cars ran a destroked version of the 340, street versions took the 340 and added a trio of two-barrel carbs atop an Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold, creating the 340 Six Pack. Dodge rated at the 340 Six Pack at 290 brake horsepower (220 kW), only 15bhp more than the original 340 engine (and mysteriously the same rating as the Camaro Z/28 and Ford Boss 302 Mustang), it actually made about 320 brake horsepower (240 kW). It breathed air through a suitcase sized air scoop molded into the pinned down, hinged matte-black fiberglass hood. Low-restriction dual exhausts ran to the stock muffler location under the trunk, then reversed direction to exit in chrome tipped "megaphone" outlets in front of the rear wheels. Options included a TorqueFlite automatic or pistol-grip Hurst-shifted four-speed transmission, 3.55:1 or 3.90:1 gears, as well as manual or power steering. Front disc brakes were standard. The special Rallye suspension used heavy duty parts and increased the camber of the rear springs. The T/A was among the first production vehicles to use different size tires front and rear: E60x15 fronts, and G60x15 in back. The modified camber elevated the tail enough to clear the rear rubber and its side exhaust outlets, thick side stripes, bold ID graphics, a fiberglass ducktail rear spoiler, as well as a fiberglass front spoiler added to the image. The interior was strictly stock Challenger. Unfortunately, the race Challenger T/A was not competitive and the street version suffered from severe understeer in fast corners. It could turn mid 14s in the quarter mile, which would do any small block muscle car proud. The T/A would only be available for 1970 as Dodge would pull out of Trans Am racing. Only 2,142 T/As were made. A 1971 model using the 340 engine with a 4-barrel carburetor was planned and appeared in period advertising, but was not produced.

The "Western Special" was a version available only to west coast dealers. It came with a rear-exit exhaust system and Western Special identification on the rear decklid. Some examples came with a vacuum-operated trunk release. Another late production version was the low-priced "Deputy", stripped of some of the base car's trim and with fixed rear side glass.

By 1972, all the big-block engines were gone, maximum power was downgraded to 240 horsepower (180 kW) to reflect the more accurate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) net hp calculations. Production of Challengers ceased in mid-1974.

For obvious reasons, the 440 and the 426 Hemi engines were considered the most desirable, and nowadays command sizable premiums over the smaller engines (with the exception of the limited edition Challenger T/A with its 340 six-pack).

Cosmetic variations

Although the body style remained the same throughout the Challenger's five year run, there were two notable changes to the front grille. 1971 models had a more stylized "split" grille, while 1972 introduced the "sad-mouth" design. With this change to the front end, 1972 through 1974 models had little to no variation. The only way to properly distinguish them is that the 1972s had flush mounted bumpers with no bumper guards, (small bumper guards were optional), while both the 1973 and 1974 models had the protruding "5 mph (8.0 km/h)" bumpers (with a rubber type filler behind them) in conjunction with large bumper guards. These changes were made to meet US regulations regarding crash test safety.

The 1970 taillights went all the way across the back of the car, with the backup light in the middle of the rear. In 1971, the backup lights were on the left and right instead of the middle. The taillight array also changed for 1972 onwards, with the Challenger now having four individual rectangular lamps.

Collector's value

Original "numbers matching" high-performance 1970-71 Challengers are now among the most sought-after collector cars. The rarity of specific models with big engines is the result of low buyer interest and sales with the correspondingly low production when new.

The 1970 and 1971 models tend to generate more attention as performance and style options were still available to the public. However, with the popularity of these vehicles increasing, and the number of usable and restorable Challengers falling, many collectors now search for later models to create their own dream machines. Indeed, many "clones" of the more visceral 1970 and 1971 Challengers with high-performance drivetrains have been created by using low-end 6 cylinder and 318 powered non-R/T or T/A cars and installing one of the performance engine combinations (340, 440, or 426 Hemi) and adding the specific badging and hoods to look like the real thing. A clone is not worth nearly as much as an original.

Export markets

Dodge Challengers were mainly produced for the US and Canadian markets. Interestingly, Chrysler officially sold Challengers to Switzerland through AMAG Automobil- und Motoren AG in Schinznach-Bad, near Zurich. Only a very few cars were shipped overseas each year to AMAG. They did the final assembly of the Challengers and converted them to Swiss specs. There are few AMAG cars still in existence. From a collector's point of view, these cars are very desirable. Today, less than five Swiss Challengers are known to exist in North America.

Chrysler exported Dodge Challengers officially to France as well through their Chrysler France Simca operation, since Ford sold the Mustang in France successfully in small numbers. However, only a few Challengers were exported and Chrysler finally gave up the idea of selling them in France. A few French Challengers still exist today.

Production

Engines

Engine choices included the following:

• C-225 in³ (3.7 L) Slant 6 I6:

(145 bhp)1970-1972

• G-318 in³ (5.2 L) LA V8:

(230 bhp) 1970-1974

• H-340 in³ (5.6 L) LA V8:

(275 bhp) 1970-1973

• J-340 in³ (5.6 L) LA V8 Six-Pack

(290 bhp) 1970 *T/A

• J-360 in³ (5.9 L) LA V8:

(245 bhp) 1974

• L-383 in³ (6.3 L) B V8:

(290 bhp and 330  bhp) 1970-1971

• N-383 in³ (6.3 L) B V8:

(335 bhp) 1970-1971

• U-440 in³ (7.2 L) RB V8:

Available in Magnum 4-barrel carbureted form (375 bhp) 1970-1971

• V-440 in³ (7.2 L) RB V8 Six-Pack

(3 × 2-barrel carburetors and 390 bhp/490 ft⋅lbf (660 N⋅m) 1970-1971

• R-426 in³ (7.0 L) Hemi V8:

(425 bhp) (317 kW)/ 490 ft⋅lbf (660 N⋅m), costing an extra US$1,228, and very few sold. 1970-1971

Performance 1/4 mile

• 340: 14.8 @ 96 mph (154 km/h)
• 340 T/A: 14.4 @ 97 mph (156 km/h)
• 383: 15.1 @ 96 mph (154 km/h)
• 440 Magnum R/T: 13.8 @ 102 mph (164 km/h)
• 440 Six-Pack: 13.4 @ 107 mph (172 km/h)
• 426 Hemi: 13.0 @ 108 mph (174 km/h)

Serial numbers

ex. JS27R0B100001

• J - Car line, Dodge Challenger
• S - Price class (H-High, S-Special)
• 27 - Body type (23-Hardtop, 27-Convertible, 29-Sports hardtop)
• R - Engine code (see engines above)
• 0 - Last digit of model year
• B - Assembly plant code (B-Hamtramck E-Los Angeles)
• 100001 - Consecutive sequence number

Production numbers

• 1970 = 76,935 *includes 2,399 T/As
  • Hardtop I6: 9,929
  • Hardtop V8:. 39,350*
  • Sports hardtop I6: 350
  • Sports hardtop V8: 5,873
  • Convertible I6: 378
  • Convertible V8: 2,543
  • Hardtop R/T: 13,796
  • Special Edition hardtop R/T: 3,753
  • Convertible R/T: 963

• 1971 = 26,299
  • Hardtop I6: 1,672
  • Hardtop V8: 18,956
  • Convertible I6: 83
  • Convertible V8: 1,774
  • Hardtop V8 R/T: 3,814

• 1972 = 22,919
  • Hardtop I6: 842
  • Hardtop V8: 15,175
  • Hardtop V8 Rallye: 6,902

• 1973 = 27,930
  • Note: All models were V8-powered hardtops

• 1974 = 11,354
  • Note: All models were V8-powered hardtops

Colors

• 1970

Light Gold Metallic-FY4, Plum Crazy (purple)-FC7, Sublime (green)-FJ5, Go-Mango(orange)-EK2, Hemi Orange-EV2, Banana (yellow)-FY1, Light Blue Metalic-EB3, Bright Blue Metallic-EB5, Dark Blue Metallic-EB7, Rallye Red-FE5, Light Green Metallic-FF4, Dark Green Metallic-EF8, Dark Burnt Orange-FK5, Beige-BL1, Dark Tan Metallic-FT6, White-EW1, Black-TX9, Cream-DY3, Panther Pink-FM3

• 1971

Light Gunmetal Metallic-GA4, Light Blue Metallic-GB2, Bright Blue Metallic-GB5, Dark Blue Metallic-GB7, Dark Green Metallic-GF7, Light Green Metallic-GF3, Gold Metallic-GY8, Dark Gold Metallic-GY9, Dark Bronze Metallic-GK6, Tan Metallic-GT5, Bright Red-FE5, Bright White-GW3, Black-TX9, Butterscotch-EL5, Citron Yella-GY3, Hemi Orange-EV2, Green Go-FJ6, Plum Crazy-FC7, Top Banana-FY1

• 1972

Light Blue-HB1, Bright Blue Metallic-HB5, Bright Red-FE5, Light Green Metallic-GF3, Dark Green Metalic-GF7, Eggshell White-GW1, Black-TX9, Light Gold-GY5, Gold Metallic-GY8, Dark Gold Metallic-GY9, Dark Tan Metallic-GT8, Light Gunmetal Metallic-GA4, Medium Tan Metallic-GA4, Super Blue-GB3, Hemi Orange-EV2, Top Banana-FY1

• 1973

Black-TX9, Dark Silver Metallic-JA5, Eggshell White-EW1, Parchment-HL4, Light Gold-JY3, Dark Gold Metallic-JY9, Gold Metallic-JY6, Bronze Metallic-GK6, Pale Green-JF1, Dark Green Metallic-JF8, Light Blue-HB1, Super Blue-TB3, Bright Blue Metallic-GB5, Bright Red-FE5, Top Banana-FY1, Light Green Metallic-GF3

• 1974

Yellow Blaze-KY5, Golden Fawn-KY4, Parchment-HL4, Bright Red-FE5, Deep Sherwood Metallic (Green)-KG8, Eggshell White-EW1, Black-TX9, Light Blue-HB1

Second generation (1978-1983)

Second generation
1978 Mitsubishi Sapporo
Overview
Production	1978-1983
Assembly	Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe
Related	Mitsubishi Galant Lambda Plymouth Sapporo
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L 4G32 I4 2.6 L 4G54 I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2530 mm (99.6 in)
Length	4525 mm (178.1 in)
Width	1675 mm (65.9 in)
Height	1345 mm (53 in)–1355 mm (53.3 in)

See Mitsubishi Galant Lambda for more information

The Challenger name was revived in 1978 for a version of the early Mitsubishi Galant Lambda coupe, known overseas as the Mitsubishi Sapporo and sold through Dodge dealers as a captive import, identical except in color and minor trim to the Plymouth Sapporo. Although mechanically identical, the Dodge version emphasized sportiness, with bright colors and tape stripes, and the Plymouth on luxury with more subdued trim. Both cars were sold until 1983 , until being replaced by the Conquest and Daytona.

The car retained the frameless hardtop styling of the old Challenger, but had only a four-cylinder engine and was a long way in performance from its namesake. Nevertheless, it acquired a reputation as a reasonably brisk performer of its type, not least because of its available 2.6 L engine, exceptionally large for a four-cylinder. Four-cylinder engines of this size had not usually been built due to inherent vibration, but Mitsubishi pioneered the use of balance shafts to help damp this out, and the Challenger was one of the first vehicles to bring this technology to the American market; it has since been licensed to many other manufacturers.

Third generation (2008-present)

Third generation
Overview
Production	2008-present
Assembly	Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Body and chassis
Class	Pony car
Body style	2-door coupe
Platform	Chrysler LC platform
Related	Chrysler 300 Dodge Charger Dodge Magnum
Powertrain
Engine	6.1L HEMI V8 5.7L HEMI V8 (2009 & later) 3.5L V6 (2009 & later)
Transmission	5-speed Automatic 6-speed Manual(2009 & later)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in

2008
On December 3, 2007, Chrysler started taking deposits for the third-generation Dodge Challenger, which debuted on February 6, 2008 at the Chicago Auto Show.[1] Listing at US$40,095, the new version is a 2-door coupe which shares common design elements with the first generation Challenger. It is equipped with the SRT-8 6.1L Hemi and a 5-speed AutoStick automatic transmission, and is expected to easily outperform the 1970 Hemi Challenger. 6400 cars will be assembled during the 2008 run with production set to start on April 14, 2008.

Chrysler has auctioned off two 2008 SRT-8 for charity. 2008 Challenger SRT-8 #1 has been auctioned off for $400,000.00 to benefit the notMYkid non-profit org, and a 'B5' Blue Challenger SRT-8 #43 with a winning bid of $228,143.43 with the proceeds going to Victory Junction Gang.[2]

2009
Chrysler debuted the 2009 line at the 2008 New York Auto Show, and 2009 brings a full lineup of cars to choose from, including:

• SRT-8

The '09 SRT-8 is virtually identical to it's '08 counterpart, with the main difference being the choice of either a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. It will be coming with a 6.1 Performance V8.

• R/T

The mid-level Challenger is powered by a 5.7L HEMI V8 and coupled to either a 5-speed auto or 6-speed manual transmission. With the 6-speed manual, the Multi-Displacement System option is deleted.

• SE

The base model Challenger is powered by a 3.5L V6 and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Several different exterior colors, and either cloth or leather interiors are available.

Media appearances

The first generation Challenger models have been shown or used in a number of media, including:

• FILM
  

Vanishing Point, Death Proof, and Ben 10: Race Against Time

• GAMES
  

Forza Motorsport, Project Gotham Racing 4, Gran Turismo 2 and Need for Speed: ProStreet Need for Speed Carbon

References

• MyMopar: Challenger production numbers

See also

• Dodge Charger
• Plymouth Barracuda - Chrysler's other pony car
• Ford Mustang, Mercury Cougar, Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, AMC Javelin - the competition
• List of Dodge automobiles
• Dodge Challenger Concept

External links

• Official site

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