2011 Dodge Challenger

The V6-powered 2011 Dodge Challenger is no longer something to be embarrassed about, as an all-new, more powerful and more efficient base V6 engine debuts. The SRT8 model gains a more powerful V8 engine as well. All Challengers benefit from extensive changes made to the suspension, steering and brakes, resulting in a more rewarding car to drive. There is also more standard equipment for 2011, along with reshaped seats and a more comfortable steering wheel.

Now, for 2011, the Challenger sees a host of changes that remedy many of the previous faults while firmly keeping its lovable muscle car experience intact.

Meanwhile, Dodge has added "392" to the top-dog SRT8 model’s name to match its 392-cubic-inch (6.4-liter) V8 now rumbling under the car’s hood. Having said that, you can’t ignore the Challenger’s competitors.

The 2011 Dodge Challenger is a five-seat coupe available in three trim levels that each correspond to a different engine: SE, R/T and SRT8 392. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, remote ignition (requires the automatic transmission), full power accessories, cruise control, automatic climate control, rear A/C outlets, a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, an eight-way power driver seat with manual lumbar adjustment, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, a trip computer and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack.

The Rallye package includes those features plus automatic headlamps, foglamps, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a six-speaker Boston Acoustics sound system. The Super Sport Group adds 20-inch chrome-clad wheels and performance-tuned suspension, brakes and steering.

The Challenger R/T gets a V8 engine, automatic headlamps, foglamps, heated mirrors, the SE’s Connectivity Group and all of the SE’s Super Sport Group equipment minus the wheels. The R/T Plus package adds 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats and the Boston Acoustics system. The Super Track Pak (not a typo) includes higher-performance steering, brakes, shocks, tires and stability control programming.

The Electronic Convenience Group adds power fold-away mirrors and expanded trip computer information. The Challenger SRT8 392 gets all the R/T’s basic equipment, but adds xenon headlamps, unique 20-inch wheels, sport seats, an upgraded trip computer with real-time performance data, hydraulic power steering (versus electrohydraulic), upgraded brakes and suspension, and a one-day driver training course at the Richard Petty Racing School. The Track Pak adds a six-speed manual transmission. The SRT Option Group II adds a 13-speaker Kicker surround-sound system with a subwoofer. The regular Challenger’s Sound Group II and both navigation systems are also available.

The SRT8 392 Inaugural Edition gets special blue or white paint, full body stripes and other special exterior trim, two-tone white-and-blue leather upholstery and interior trim, and special "392" seat embossment.

The 2011 Dodge Challenger SE is powered by a new 3.6-liter V6 that produces 305 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard. The Challenger’s EPA fuel economy estimates were not available at the time of this writing.

The Challenger R/T gets a 5.7-liter V8 good for 372 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque when connected to the standard five-speed automatic. The Challenger SRT8 392 gets a 6.4-liter V8 that produces 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard and a six-speed manual is available with the Track Pak.

Every 2011 Dodge Challenger comes standard with antilock disc brakes (size and power differs based on trim and certain option packages), stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. The Challenger has not been rated using the government’s new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures.

Unlike the Dodge Challenger’s distinctive-looking exterior, the interior is quite bland. Rearward visibility, because of the car’s chunky rear roof pillars, is also poor.

At 16.2 cubic feet, the Challenger’s trunk is positively enormous for this segment and is bigger than those of many midsize sedans.