Dodge launches even hotter Charger and Challenger

Dodge has this week launched several heritage-inspired versions of its Charger and Challenger models in the US, the models recalling those built for the Sports Car Club of America's (SCCA) Trans Am racing series in 1970.

Three Challenger and two Charger variants debuted, the former comprising T/A, T/A Plus and T/A 392 iterations, the latter formed by NASCAR-inspired Daytona and Daytona 392 styles.

For Challenger T/A (from USD$37,390) – with two lurid paint schemes – the styling evokes that of the 2399 Trans Am (T/A) models built with the race track in mind. More equipment joins the obvious styling cues, which include Air Catcher headlights with LED T/A logos, NACA ducted bonnet – designed to feed a modified SRT Hellcat intake with Mopar conical filter, bi-modal performance exhaust and wider 20-inch forged aluminium wheels.

Chassis upgrades include lowered suspension and Bilstein dampers, performance brake pads, three-mode stability control program and Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres. A Tremec six-speed manual transmission comes as standard, while a TorqueFlite eight-speed auto with paddle shifters is available optionally.

Styling sees a new satin black bonnet, fascia, roof, fuel filler lid and boot lid paired to T/A bodyside stripe; new wheel centre caps feature Dodge racing stripes, and the Challenger legend is emblazoned on the grille. The hood is also offered with factory-installed locking pins.

Inside, the model features aluminium bezels and gloss black trim garnishes, premium black performance seats with very 1970s Houndstooth cloth inlays, a performance steering wheel, Tic-Toc Tach gauge cluster and velour floor mats.

The Challenger T/A Plus (from USD$40,140) extends those features listed for the Challenger T/A with heated and ventilated Nappa leather upholstery, 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Dodge Performance Pages track apps, power adjustable steering column, and high-end six-speaker 276-watt audio package.

Finally, the Challenger T/A 392 (from USD$43,995) ups the ante with a high output 361kW/643Nm 6.4-litre HEMI V8, Dodge claiming a "mid four-second" 0-60mph time and "low 12-second" quarter-mile pass. The model adds Brembo brakes, unique suspension geometry, Low Gloss Black 20-inch forged aluminium wheels, Pirelli rubber, 392 fender decals and a 180mph speedometer.

For four-door Charger, the 1969 NASCAR season-inspired Daytona (from USD$39,890) builds on the Charger R/T pack with improved engine performance, largely from a Mopar cold-air intake and bi-modal exhaust system. Super Track Pak suspension, three-mode stability control and Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres are also added, while a higher ratio (2.62:1) differential and revised transmission control unit improve acceleration and top speed (up 15mph to 150).

The Charger Daytona combines SRT and R/T Scat Pack styling cues, revised front and rear fascias, side sills and Satin Black spoiler completing the looks. A hood graphic with HEMI lettering and NACA duct complement the aggressive styling of the go-faster Charger, while boot lid and rear-quarter panel graphics recall the heritage model's appearance.

Like the Challenger T/A, the Charger Daytona also scores wider 20-inch forged aluminium wheels in Hyper Black II and striped centre caps. Outside, a Daytona grille badge, HID projector headlights and park assist sensors are added, while inside, LED cabin illumination and heated and ventilated Nappa leather memory seats with Alcantara plowthroughs and gold stitching complete the look.

Again adding the 6.4-litre (392ci) HEMI V8 to the mix, the Dodge Charger Daytona 392 (from USD$44,995) adds even better acceleration performance via a 3.09:1 final drive ratio (with LSD), reducing acceleration figures to the "mid four-second range". Quarter mile times of "low 12 seconds" are also claimed.

The model adopts Brembo brakes, wider 20-inch forged aluminium wheels in Low Glass Black and Pirelli hoops, as well as 392 fender decals, a 180mph speedometer and bi-modal exhaust.

Unfortunately, none of these high-performance cars will make it to Australia.