2015 Dodge Challenger 5.7L V8 6AT RWD (380 HP)

Vehicle Overview

After introducing the third generation of the Challenger in 2008, Dodge constantly updated it for the next model years, but the first real facelift was for the 2015 model year.

When Dodge made the third generation of the Challenger, it tried to re-create the first generation of this car, and it nailed it. It was big, with a dominating attitude, and powerful. Even the lowest-powered version still gave customers over 300 ponies under the hood. But the competition was fierce against the eternal competitors, the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro. To keep its advantages, the 2015 Challenger came with several exterior, interior, and powertrain updates. Dodge unveiled it at the 2014 New York Auto Show.

The car had new headlights that sported halo-style LED daytime running lights. Besides the halogen bulbs, Dodge also offered the option of projector-beam (HID) for the outer headlamps for improved road illumination. Furthermore, to emphasize the mean aspect of the car, the automaker added black surroundings for these. Between them, the grille sported two horizontal rectangular trims, resembling the original Challenger from 1970. Depending on the version, the car sported hood vents and air intakes.

From its profile, the Challenger revealed a long hood followed by a short, raked windshield. Its short roof ended in a typical sedan-style rear window and a long deck in the back. The profile also revealed the coke-bottle styling for the rear fenders that resembled the muscle-car era of the ‘60s. Dodge offered the Challenger in eight trim levels: SXT, SXT Plus, R/T, R/T Plus, R/T Shaker, R/T Plus Shaker, 6.4-liter Scat Pack, and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker. Several other versions were added in the following model-year updates. Finally, at the back, the wide taillights flanked the Dodge lettering placed on the rear fascia, while below the bumper, the car sported side-mounted exhausts with different designs according to the engine version.

Inside, the most significant upgrade was for the Uconnect infotainment system. The touchscreen display between the vents atop the center stack controlled more than just the navigation and the stereo. It also allowed access to various technical settings, such as those for the launch-control system. In front of the driver, Dodge installed a seven-inch TFT display placed between the large analog speedometer and tachometer. The center console housed two cup holders and the gear selector for the automatic transmission. Since the car was built for performance, the front bucket seats featured high bolstered areas. At the same time, in the back, the automaker installed a bench seat where two adults could sit comfortably. Last but not least, the trunk was large enough for long trips.

Under the hood, Dodge installed a choice of V6 and V8 engines ranging between 305 hp (309 PS) and 485 hp (491 PS) for regular models. In addition, the Challenger was available with the supercharged 707 hp (717 PS) 6.4-liter V8. Another significant improvement was for the transmission, where the 2015 Challenger received a new, eight-speed, ZF8HP gearbox that sent the power to the wheels.