2012 Dodge Challenger Dallas

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For 2012, changes are primarily packaging.  The 2012 Challenger SXT name replaces SE as the entry-level Challenger. The Challenger SXT 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 produces 305 horsepower and 268 foot-pounds of torque.  The 2012 Challenger R/T rumbles with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The V8 is rated at 372 hp and 400 pound-feet of torque with the 5-speed? automatic, or 375 hp and 410 pound-feet of torque with the now-standard 6-speed manual. The Hemi uses a multiple displacement feature that switches off cylinders to save fuel. The 2012 Challenger SRT8 392 is named after its Hemi V8's cubic-inch displacement (even though it's actually 391) and that of the legendary Hemi 392 engine of the late 1950s. The 2012 Challenger SRT8 392 comes with a 470-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that includes cylinder deactivation technology.  

Driving Impressions of the '12 Dodge Challenger

When cruising, the Challenger is civilized. There is authority in the exhaust note but it doesn't sound like authority grabbed the bullhorn until you get into the gas and are rewarded with a satisfying rumble that becomes more howl as it winds up; manual gearbox cars sound like they use different mufflers and have a deeper tone. The automatic delivers crisp-not-jarring upshifts and gets out of first gear in a hurry unless you are hard on the gas.  With aerodynamics ever-more-frequently dictating shape and wind patterns, it is refreshing to find the new Challenger can comfortably be driven windows down without buffeting the occupants or thundering their ears.

Interior Features of the '12 Dodge Challenger

The rear seat is quite comfortable and roomier than most would expect.  The rear bench seat has three shoulder belts, baby seat anchors, a fold-down armrest with cupholders, coat hooks, two central vents, and two integral headrests.  A manual tilt/telescope steering column allows plenty of adjustment and a view of the instruments. For 2012, the SRT has a new, smaller heated steering wheel with leather wrapping and metal trim that is more appropriate for a car with the Challenger's sporting intentions. It's smaller, sportier and feels better than the last one. The fingertip button arrangement is easy to use. Gauges include fuel on the left tachometer, speedometer  and numbered coolant temperature. All of the gauges are light-faced with dark numbers and at night they have blue-green illumination that matches the various digital displays. Safety features on all Challengers include dual frontal airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, tire-pressure monitor, active front head restraints, stability control and traction control.

Exterior Features of the '12 Dodge Challenger

Unlike most new cars, the maximum width is carried well out to the ends resulting in a broad, menacing car. The very wide, horizontal grille, spoilers and taillamps accentuate thewidth, as does a turret-like roof and window treatment, and the haunches over the rear wheels where the roof fairs into the trunk and the character line kicks up. The proportions all seem just right, from the carrier-deck expanse of flat hood larger than most modern pickups, to the foot-high side glass and dark lower body trim, and into the massive rear roof pillars.  The major lines are only part of the equation, with details just as well executed. The four round lamp units and deeply inset grille of the original are still there, though now the inside lights are turn signals and the outer pair the headlamps. Where signals rode below the bumper on the '70 this one has fog lamps, and careful sculpting has maintained the classic look without destroying aerodynamic efficiency.

Model Lineup

The 2012 Dodge Challenger SXT comes with a 305-hp 3.6-liter V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes cloth upholstery, 6-way power adjustable driver's seat, four-way manually adjustable front passenger seat, air conditioning, power windows and locks, power mirrors, keyless access and starting, 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 6-speaker stereo, auxiliary input jack, trip computer, theft-deterrent system, and P235/55R18 tires on aluminum wheels.

Every Challenger offers three-coat red paint  and an engine block heater. SXT options include a 276-watt Boston Acoustics stereo, XM radio and Uconnect Bluetooth. The SXT Plus package adds nappa leather upholstery, heated front seats, fog and automatic headlamps, and the three aforementioned SXT options. In conjunction with SXT Plus you can also add navigation, electronic convenience group and 368-watt, seven-speaker Boston Acoustics sound with HDD and larger touch-screen display.

Challenger R/T features a 375-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic; EPA 16/25. R/T adds automatic headlights, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated outside mirrors, body-colored rear spoiler, 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, and quicker steering.

Options include the Super Track Pack with P245/45ZR20 Goodyear performance tires, heavy duty brakes, sports suspension, and performance steering; Sound Group II, electronic convenience group, limited-slip differential, chrome-clad 20-inch wheels, and audio upgrades to navigation. An R/T Plus adds nappa leather upholstery, heated front seats, 276-watt Boston Acoustics with XM, security system, HomeLink, and body-color mirrors. From there another package, R/T Classic, adds 20-inch forged alloy wheels, side stripes, functional hood scoops, and HID headlamps.

The 2012 Challenger SRT8 392 has a 470-hp 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 tires on polished aluminum wheels. Standard are leather upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, 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. An SRT also includes a day at the track with the SRT Experience; driver instruction well worth the effort to get there.  Options include the 900-watt 18-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, high-performance staggered-size tires, red leather, moonroof, navigation and premium paints.

Conclusions

The 2012 Dodge Challenger boasts a distinctive look that attracts a lot of attention and positive comments. The V6-powered Challenger SXT comes with a moderate price and an improved engine, while the V8-powered Challenger R/T is a good performance value. The Challenger SRT8 392 is the ultimate performance version. Regardless, the Challenger avoids the compromised rear seat and trunk of most coupes because of its size.  It also has a grweat feeling and composed ride.  For more on the 2012 Dodge Challenger, click here.

Some of the information obtained through this review was from newcartestdrive.com