Dodge Challenger
Dodge Challenger – passenger car produced under American brand Dodge (Chrysler) since 1970.
The first generation Dodge Challenger (1970-1974) was based on the floorpan Chrysler E-platform, shared most of the structural elements of the Plymouth Barracuda. The second generation, produced in the years 1978-1983, was the model for Mitsubishi Galant twin lambda. The third incarnation was launched in 2008 as a competitor to the fifth generation Ford Mustang and the new Camaro.
Dodge Challenger has been designed as a rival for the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Chrysler had to offer yet another vehicle based on the floorpan E-body, it was a slightly smaller Plymouth Barracuda. Both the Challenger and Barracuda were available in a number of options, equipment, engine range contains almost all Chrysler engines from that period. Challenger was defined as a bit too late reply Dodge for Ford Mustang and a boom in the pony cars. Barracuda was defined as a competitor of the Mustang, Camaro and Firebird, while Challegner as a contender for the Cougar and other more luxuriously finished muscle cars.
Challenger with its long wheelbase, a larger body and a more luxuriously equipped interior (such as the pony car segment) was introduced in response to the 1967 Mercury Cougar vehicle, both models were addressed to the young and wealthy clients. Wheelbase was more than 5 cm more than Barracudzie, Challegner was characterized by a completely different body. The list of accessories were m.in: the air conditioning or heating rear window.
Responsible for the exterior styling Carl Cameron, he also designed the earlier first generation Dodge Charger. Front grill in the Challenger has just been taken out of the prototype Charger in 1966. Challenger was relatively well received by the audience (83 032 copies sold of the first vintage), however, criticized the automotive press time to market – a segment pony cars was coming to slowly decline. After 1970 sales and production began to fall dramatically short reflection was still in 1973. Finally, the production of the first generation was completed in mid-1974. In total, sold about 188 600 copies of the first generation.
The car was available in four variants hardtop coupé: Challenger Six, Challenger V8, Challenger T/A (1970) and Challenger R/T. Variant R/T was available as a convertible (only in 1970 and 1971). The primary source of power station unit was R6 225 (3.7 L). V8 engine range starts with 318 (5.2 L) with a maximum power of 233hp (172 kW). In addition, the available V8 engines were also 340 (5.6 L) and 383 (6.3 l) locked by default with a 3-speed manual transmission. 383 version with a capacity of 294hp (216 kW) was available but only with automatic Torqueflite. Optionally, for each engine variant offered 4-speed manual (except for R6 225 and 383 V8 with two-barrel carburetor choke).
Version focused on sports performance was the R/T (Road/Track). With basic 383 Magnum V8 engine, it achieves a maximum output of 340hp (249 kW); 304hp (224 kW) for the 1971 vintage. Optionally available are larger units: V8 Magnum 440 (7.2 L) 380hp (280 kW) V8 440 Six-Pack with a capacity of 395hp (290 kW) and 426 Hemi V8 (7.0 L) with a capacity of 431hp (317 kW). Year 1970 R/T can be ordered in a more luxurious variant SE – leather seat covers, vinyl roof, a smaller rear window and center console.
Year 1971 has been slightly refreshed. A new engine – V8 340 (5.6 L). V8 383hp osÅ‚abiono to 304 (224 kW) V8 440 Six Pack osÅ‚abiono 5hp, completely abandoned the 440 Four Pack. In the back waist single lamp shades replaced double. Sales of the new vintage, however, was much lower than in 1970. It was established about 30 000 copies, including the 4630 version of the R/T.
Dodge Challenger T/A (Trans Am) was the approval of the vehicle variant built with a view to participation in the Trans-Am Series. To drive the motor served 340 Six Pack – three dwugardzielowe carburetors mounted on an aluminum intake manifold. Dodge estimated the power of this unit to 294hp (216 kW). On the mask appeared larger air intake, exhaust ducting responsible for efficient exhaust system. Buyer can choose Torqueflite automatic transmission or a 4-speed Hurst and power steering. Standard were disc brakes on the front axle, and a strengthened suspension system.
In 1972, a convertible version of the discontinued installation, removed from the list of optional equipment most of the elements that increase comfort, also resigned from large V8 engines. The choice of engines has been limited to R6 225, 318 V8 and V8 340 – the most powerful variant generated by SAE power of 243hp (179 kW). All engines can be interlocked with a 3-speed manual transmission, 340 also with a 4-speed. Outside the year 1972 distinguished by a new, wider front grill. It was established about 26 000 copies of the vintage 1972.
In 1973, the assembly of units R6 225 to Challenger, leaving only offered two V8. The level of production increased to almost 33 000 copies. A year later V8 340 V8 was replaced by 360 (5.9 l) with a capacity of 248hp (183 kW). Market pony cars drew to decline, however, and so the production of the Challenger was completed at the end of April 1974. It was established about 16 000 copies of the last year.
Challenger name was used again in 1978, Dodge began under it to sell on the U.S. market vehicle Mitsubishi Galant Lambda coupe. In other markets, the model was known under the name Mitsubishi Sapporo/Scorpion. Was virtually identical Plymouth Sapporo, but Dodge had the appearance of referring to sports jams, Plymouth and the luxury. In 1981 he carried out a gentle facelift, market sales continued until 1984.
To drive the gasoline engines used only R4, the offer lacked larger units. The vehicle was equipped with standard in disc brakes on the front axle (also optional on the rear), front bucket seats, tachometer, oil pressure gauge and coolant temperature, power steering, electric heating, windows and other.
December 3, 2007 Chrysler began collecting advance to the third generation of the Challenger, which premiered February 6, 2008 at the Chicago Auto Show. Two-door coupé was based on the floorpan LC – it was a shortened LX design known for its Charger (since 2006), Magnum and Chrysler 300 In constructing the third-generation Dodge Challenger was used many components derived from Mercedes; of the front suspension came from W220, rear of the W210. All copies of vintage 2008 were equipped with the Hemi V8 engine 6.1-liter 431hp (317 kW) and maximum torque of 569 Nm locked with a 5-speed automatic transmission, bore the designation SRT8. In the Canadian market, local dealers Dodge also offered a limited edition to 500 copies version Challenger 500 (only in 2008), it was characterized by richer and more personalized equipment. A total of 7051 Challenger vintage pieces in 2008, of which 6400 went to the U.S. market, 500 in Canada and 100 in Mexico.
The production of a limited edition SRT8 in 2008 was completed in July 2009. In August, started full production Dodge Challenger – for sale hit four variants of the model SE, SRT8, R/T and SXT (Canada only). SRT8 compared to the previous year was virtually unchanged – only added the optional 6-speed manual gearbox, the SE and SXT variants were offered with the 3.5 V6 engine with a power of 253hp (186 kW), R/T with the 5.7 Hemi V8 with an output of 375hp (276 kW) and 5-speed automatic or 380hp (280 kW) and 6-speed manual transmission.
From vintage 2010 discontinued use 4-speed automatic transmission, has been completely supplanted by a 5-speed counterpart. Year 2011 in the basic version is available with the new 3.6 Pentastar V6 engine with a capacity of 309hp (227 kW). SRT Option received a new 6.4 Hemi V8 engine with a capacity of 477hp (350 kW). 5.7 Hemi V8 power increased to 384hp (282 kW).
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