The Dodge Challenger has been a Dodge excitement-provider (albeit with a few stoppages) since 1958, when it debuted for two years as a limited-edition member of the Dodge Coronet line -- the Dodge Silver Challenger. Challenger made a lasting impression a decade later when it galloped onto the Pony car scene in 1969 as a sister to the Plymouth Barracuda. Entering the American “Muscle Car” Wars,” Challenger began with the Chrysler “E-body” short-deck, long-hood platform it shared with the Plymouth Barracuda. With powertrain choices that ranged from a 145-hp 225-cubic-inch I-6, to a 426-ci HEMI V-8 that thundered out 425 horses (there was also a larger 440-ci V-8 that produced 390 horsepower), Challenger’s first run ended in 1974.

The next generation lived from 1978 to 1983, when it was shelved until its renaissance in 2008. Back as a retro-luxury-muscle car in 2008, a re-design in 2015 built on the 1970s architecture and power has increased ever since, to promote Challenger as “the most powerful muscle car ever,” and  “The Strongest Muscle in America.” That boast is backed up by Challenger’s available supercharged SRT Super Stock model that explodes out 807 horsepower.

We won’t see the next generation of Challenger until 2023, and the 2021 version sits on the same platform it debuted on in 2008. Its last major facelift was in 2015, yet with iconic looks and power to attract, the 2021 Dodge Challenger is in a dogfight, or Pony race with Mustang for the top-selling muscle car spot this year. With few changes except conveniences in store for 2022, the 2021 beast adds a widebody package available on R/T Scat Pack Shaker and T/A 392; memory feature for driver's seat, steering column, side mirrors, and radio presets available on all trim levels; 20-inch wheels now standard on GT AWD, available on SXT AWD trims; additional SRT branding on SRT trims and Black chrome finish on the grille, spoiler, and fender badges on some SRT trims

In classic muscle car front-wheel, rear-drive configuration, the SRT Super Stock’s revised powertrain rating, combined with its larger, stickier standard Nitto drag radials, help propel the 807-hp model to a 3.25-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a 10.5-second quarter. 

Other model power numbers start at 303hp and there is a power setting for every taste, as long as you like muscle. The 2021 Dodge Challenger offers a full range of engine options, including the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 on SXT, SXT AWD, GT and GT AWD models; the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 on R/T models, the naturally aspirated 392 HEMI V-8 on R/T Scat Pack models; the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 on SRT Hellcat and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI high-output V-8 on SRT Hellcat Redeye and new SRT Super Stock.

Available in 13 exterior and five interior colors, the 2021 Challenger is built at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada. Its unitized steel body construction measures 197.9 inches long, 78.3 inches (widebody) wide and 57.7 inches high, with 5.2 inches of ground clearance on a 116-inch wheelbase. My manual shift model weighed 4308 lbs. (curbweight)

I went with a manual shift 5.7-liter HEMI that was good for 375 hp and 410 lbs-ft of torque set up that is EPA rated at 15mpg/city and 23mpg/highway. My test driving averaged 16.8 mpg, and I did a lot of pedal mashing. My sprint speed was 5.1 seconds during a 13.8-second quarter-mile.

Inside, you get 21st century infotainment and headroom of 39.3 inches in front, 37.1 rear knee clearance of 4.4 inches;  legroom of 42 in front and 33.1 in row two; and shoulder room of 58.5 and 53.9. 

Acceleration is as quick as I can shift and stomp, and the electric steering is mildly into understeer. The indy short- and long-arm front suspension and five-link rear floats a bit for a driver, but is smooth for passengers.

With nine models in the line-up the 2021 Dodge Challenger starts at $29,065 for the 303-hp SXT and ranges on up to $82,465 for the 807-hp SRT Super Stock. Most buyers will go somewhere in the middle and my test R/T model was third up on the list and started at $35,575 with a 5.7-liter HEMI and 6-speed manual shift. In classic Go Mango (orange) paint, classic black R/T side stripes and hood cowl added $395. In the cockpit, Alcantara/Nappa leather seats were standard, along with a UConnect 4C system with 8.4-inch display. An Alpine Audi Group option with subwoofer added $995 and a power sunroof added $1295. The $3095 Plus Package added machined granite 20-inch wheels, 276-watt amp, 6 premium Alpine speakers, HD radio, 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hot Spot, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, power tilt/telescope column and much more.

Adding destination charges of $1595 and discounting a $1500 National Retail Consumer Cash deletion, my 2021 Dodge Challenger was priced at $42,540.

You can see 50 years of Challengers and all things Dodge, Chrysler and Plymouth at the 2022 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds, July 15-17, 2022.

The largest Mopar event in the world, the show features more than 2,800 vehicles from all eras of the Chrysler brand, along with parts, tools, memorabilia, collectibles and more.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

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