2012 Dodge Challenger Des Moines

See Our New 2012 Dodge Challenger Des Moines IA

2012 Dodge Challenger Design

    

BODY     EXTERIOR

    

Power door mirrors

    

Spoiler

    

Bumpers: body-color

    

Door mirrors: body-color

LIGHTING, VISIBILITY AND INSTRUMENTATION

    

Front reading lights

    

Low tire pressure warning

    

Front fog lights

    

Trip computer

    

Delay-off headlights

    

Variably intermittent wipers

    

Fully automatic headlights

    

Tachometer

    

Rear window defroster

Handling of the 2012 Dodge Challenger

Stomp on it, and this baby ROARS. you can feel the tork as the pentastar winds up. The R/T features a Hemi V8 producing 372 to 376 horsepower, along with a firmer suspension, bigger brakes and tires, and a choice of a hefty-shifting 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. One could arguably have the most fun with the R/T. There's no need to park it in the winter and no miserable ride just because the roads are bad. The R/T goes quite well, with a 0 to 60 mph time under 6.0 seconds. That power comes on strong, but we found it runs out quickly, as the redline is only 5800 rpm. That means drivers choosing the manual will have to shift before the power runs out during performance maneuvers. Sixth gear doesn't do much on the track or around town. It's strictly a highway gear meant for fuel economy; in sixth, the R/T cruises like a pussy cat, churning out 1800 rpm at 80 mph.

Ride quality in the SRT8 392 is decent. Some of the same hardware (lightweight forged aluminum wheels, aluminum-intensive independent suspension all around, spring and shock calibrations) that improves its performance contributes to the decent ride. The SRT8 is smooth and quiet enough to cover long distances, and it deals well with even marginal roads. On sheet-flat roads it won't enjoy a significant advantage over the Mustang's solid rear axle, but as the surface gets rougher the Challenger's independent rear suspension should cope better even though the car is heavier. The Challenger's mass becomes most apparent under heavy braking on a rippled road, where many lesser-tuned lighter cars have the same issue.

2012 Dodge Challenger Lineup

The Challenger is available in three trims: base, R/T and SRT8. Challenger R/T features a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with a 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic. R/T adds automatic headlights, Sirius satellite radio, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated outside mirrors, body-colored rear spoiler and mirrors, metal fuel filler door, dual chromed rectangular exhaust pipes, fog lamps, Bluetooth wireless cell phone link, and a USB port. Mechanical upgrades to accompany the added power include bigger brakes, firmer suspension, quicker steering, and a hill-holder clutch when equipped with the manual transmission.  Optional equipment includes a multimedia infotainment system with 30-gigabyte hard drive and navigation system, sunroof, and performance tires.

Challenger SRT8 392 has a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 and a choice of 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic. Other mechanical upgrades include Brembo brakes, a performance suspension, a limited-slip differential, and P245/45R20 front and P255/45R20 rear tires on polished aluminum wheels. Standard are leather upholstery, heated front seats, bi-xenon headlamps, trip/data computer with performance pages, and keyless access and starting. The SRT8 rear spoiler is flat black, the front spoiler deeper and ducted for brake cooling, hood scoops are functional, and the fuel filler is polished aluminum

Interior of the 2012 Dodge Challenger

    

    ENTERTAINMENT     FEATURES

    

Steering wheel mounted audio controls

    

CD player

    

Radio data system

    

MP3 decoder

    

Wireless phone connectivity

    

AM/FM radio

    

SEATS AND TRIM

    

Rear seat center armrest

    

Power driver seat

    

Front seats: bucket

    

Front center armrest

    

Split folding rear seat

    

Leather shift knob

    

Rear seats: bench

    

Max seating capacity: 5

Conclusion

The Dodge Challenger brings muscle car performance and styling to everyday driving. The Challenger harkens back to 1970 and the current generation, launched as a 2008 model, amuses and delights us.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com