2011 Dodge Challenger Base 2dr Coupe Base 5-Speed Automatic (W5A580)

The 2011 Challenger SE boasts substantially more power than last year's model yet significantly better fuel economy at the same time thanks to an all-new 3.6-liter V6 engine.The new Pentastar V6 produces 305 horsepower, 55 more than the engine it replaces, and 268 foot-pounds of torque.It comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift capability, an improvement over last year's 4-speed automatic.Fuel economy has improved and the 2011 Challenger SE now gets an EPA-rated 18/27 mpg City/Highway.

The 2011 Challenger R/T benefits from a new cold-air induction system for its 5.7-liter Hemi V8.The V8 is rated at 372 hp and 400 pound-feet of torque with the 5-speed automatic, or 376 hp and 410 pound-feet of torque with the optional 6-speed manual.The Hemi uses a multiple displacement feature that switches off cylinders to save fuel, but EPA ratings are 16/25 mpg with the automatic and 15/24 mpg with the manual.We think the Challenger R/T is the sweet spot in the lineup.It can be used as a daily driver with a more compliant suspension than that of the SRT8 yet it's sportier and more fun than the SE.Challenger R/T competes with the Mustang GT and Camaro SS.

2011 Challenger SE and R/T models benefit from new suspension geometry and tuning, electro-hydraulic power steering, a new front air dam, larger wheels, revised gauges, a new steering wheel, improved seats, new Rallye and Super Sport packages, and more standard equipment.

The 2011 Challenger SRT8 392, as the SRT8 is now called, is named after its Hemi V8 in reference to its 392 cubic-inch displacement and that of the legendary Hemi engine of the late 1950s.The 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 comes with a new 470-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that includes cylinder deactivation technology.The 6.4-liter engine replaces last year's 6.1-liter and power increases from 425 to 470 hp and torque is up from 420 to 470 pound-feet.EPA ratings are 14/23 mpg with the 6-speed manual and 14/22 mpg with the 5-speed automatic.The 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 also gets revised front end styling, new gauge graphics, quicker steering, and revised suspension tuning.The SRT8 comes with big Brembo brakes, the firmest suspension and a limited-slip rear differential.We found the SRT8 392 fast and stable.It's ready to go to the track yet we think it's compliant and controlled just enough that it won't beat you up during daily chores or weekend cruises.

The Challenger is an enjoyable muscle car.Driving it brings a smile to our face and it seems to light up others as well, in spite of any gasoline crises.Everyone seems to like the Challenger.We've driven all the models and like all of them.They all have their own merits but there are distinctions.

The cabin is mundane.Like muscle cars of the past, the Challenger is based on a sedan and the interior borrows heavily from existing materials.A new steering wheel is an improvement and the new 392 sport seats hold you in place in corners and are designed to accommodate large drivers.Climbing into the back seat is a struggle and legroom is tight but there's plenty of headroom, so it's fine for children and teens.

Option packages include the Super Sport Group ($1,500) with P245/45R20 tires on chromed alloy wheels, 3.06 rear axle ratio, performance disc brakes, performance steering and performance suspension; Electronics Convenience Group ($695) with body color exterior mirrors, power fold-away heated mirrors, remote engine starting, alarm, outside temperature display and compass, tire-pressure monitor display and a universal garage door opener; the Mopar Interior Appearance Group ($945) with Mopar-branded bright door sill guards, bright pedals, car cover, floor mats with logo and T-grip shifter; and a Rallye Group ($2,000) with fog lamps, leather upholstery, heated front seats, Sirius satellite radio with one-year subscription, Boston Acoustics sound system with 276-watt amplifier, automatic headlamps, Bluetooth streaming audio, USB port, auto-dimming rearview mirror and Uconnect phone hands-free cell phone link.Also offered are Sirius satellite radio ($195), Uconnect phone ($395), sunroof ($950), Media Center 430N ($790) with Sirius satellite radio, Garmin navigation system, Sirius travel link, 6.5-inch touchscreen, and 30-gigabyte hard drive; and Sound Group II ($1,565) with 368-watt amplifier; seven Boston Acoustics speakers with subwoofer, 6.5-inch touchscreen, and 30-gigabyte hard drive.

Challenger R/T ($29,670) features a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with a 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic ($995).R/T adds automatic headlights, Sirius satellite radio, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated outside mirrors, body-colored rear spoiler and mirrors, 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, quicker steering, and a hill-holder clutch when equipped with the manual transmission.Options include the Super Track Pack ($495) with P245/45ZR20 Goodyear performance tires, heavy duty brakes, sports suspension, and performance steering with variable displacement; and the R/T Classic Package ($3,300) with 276-watt amplifier, 3.92 rear axle ratio, Boston Acoustics speakers, heated front seats, leather upholstery, P245/45R20 tires, functional hood scoop, R/T side stripes, bi-xenon headlights and the Electronics Convenience Group.

Challenger SRT8 392 ($42,555) has a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 and a choice of 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic ($995).Other mechanical upgrades include Brembo brakes, a performance suspension, a limited-slip differential, and P245/45R20 front and P255/45R20 rear tires on polished aluminum wheels.Standard are leather upholstery, heated front seats, 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.The SRT8 392 also adds a gas-guzzler tax that runs $1030 with the manual transmission and $1339 with the automatic.Options include the 522-watt 13-speaker Kicker audio system ($695), high-performance staggered-size tires ($100), and Green with Envy paint with wheels with black-painted pockets ($1,495).

The first 1492 of the 2011 SRT8 392 models off the line get the Inaugural Edition Package ($1,995), which includes a body-color front grille surround; quad chrome exhaust tips; special embroidery on the front seatbacks; exclusive Bright White Clear Coat or Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat white or blue paint with full body stripes; unique wheels with black-painted pockets; accents on the door panels, steering wheel, seats, center console and center stack; and a serialized plaque.(All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices and do not include destination charge.)

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.

Part of the Challenger's appeal comes from its commanding presence.Many of the Challenger's parts, systems and structures are shared with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans.It's a big car, just two inches shorter than the Charger but wider and lower.The Challenger is also about nine inches longer than the Ford Mustang, and seven inches longer than the Chevrolet Camaro.

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 the width, 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 headlamps 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.

From the side, the SRT8 392's 20-inch wheels frame bright red brake calipers and slotted discs, filling large fender openings that are creased along the edges.Hood scoops carry Hemi badges on V8 cars and are functional in that cool air goes in or warm air vents to the atmosphere, but they do not feed cold air straight into the engine; the ducts in the spoiler direct cooling air to the front brakes and small winglets at the front wheel openings better define airflow.The fixed side rear windows do not allow the full open hardtop of the original with its frameless doors but in a nod to that look Dodge kept the pillars behind the glass so they aren't so obvious.A bright fuel filler cap on R/T and SRT8 392 models finishes off the driver's side.The door handles look retro and stylish, but we found them hard to grab.

Out back, there is a full-width panel of red lights with a pair of backup lights wedged in the middle, along with chrome DODGE lettering in a font right out of the 1970s.While only the outer pairs of bulbs light for brake and turn functions, the entire width is used for taillights.On the SRT8 392 the trunk spoiler is a flat black low-profile piece like that on the original T/A, and of course V8 cars have dual chrome rectangular exhaust outlets in the lower bumper.These are also available on the SE model with the Rallye package.

Paintwork on the cars we saw was very good, as it must be, given the vast surfaces lacking any ornamentation or style lines.The paint feels smooth to the touch and looks great.But, at least in V8 form, the Challenger is a muscle car that many insist requires stripes, so plenty of wallpaper is optional.

To preserve the ensconced feeling, the headliner is a dark material.In fact almost everything is dark.In the SRT8 392 we tested the monotony was broken with chrome highlights on the door handles, control knobs and gauge bezels, light-faced instruments, semi-glossy carbon-fiber-look center panel trim, and a big chrome band around the shifter that bounced sun glare all over.Everything else inside, seats, carpet, trim, was dark.

While a race-inspired interior is one of the SRT division's major criteria, the primary inspiration here is manifested in the front seats.The contrast-stitched, heavily bolstered buckets in the SRT8 392, with their leather outers and velour inserts, do an excellent job of keeping you in place.However, unlike many so-called sport seats, these do not feel overly firm, though the driver lumbar can tune out some squish in the backrest.Nor are they confining.Big bodies are more prone to be comfortable here than in a BMW or Infiniti sport seat.Front-seat headrests are adjustable for height only and the seatbelt loop goes with it to avoid belt chafing.

The rear seat is quite comfortable and roomier than most would expect.The back seat can accommodate two plus someone little in the middle.Back-seat riders get only moderate legroom, however, caused by the very thick front-seat backrests.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.The seat folds down to expand the trunk, but the front seat must not be set back too far to be able to flip the seatback down.On the minus side, the only lighting in the back seat area are in the front seat backrests.The side panels are mostly plastic, the windows are fixed, and getting in is a nuisance; the passenger seat has a lift lever that tilts the backrest and slides the seat forward but it doesn't automatically return to its previous position.It may be large, but it is a two-door coupe.

A manual tilt/telescope steering column allows plenty of adjustment and a view of the instruments.For 2011, Dodge has introduced a new, smaller steering wheel 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.

Lights and the trunk release are to the left on the dash, and the multi-function stalk on the left shows evidence of Dodge's old relationship with Mercedes.It has auto-blink signals (one touch gives 3 blinks, a feature that requires some getting used to), flash-to-pass high beams, and washer/wiper controls that require you to take your hand off the wheel to activate them.Cruise control is on a smaller stalk to lower right.

Gauges include fuel on the left (which descends progressively more quickly as the tank is consumed), tachometer, speedometer (140, 160, 180 mph on SE, R/T, SRT8 392 respectively) 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.

A message center in the tachometer on SRT8 392 models displays 128 functions, ranging from radio station to performance data.You can do your own 0-60 mph, eighth-mile, quarter-mile, braking distance and lateral acceleration tests.It does fuel economy, too, but we found ourselves happier by not looking at that.

Keyless Go on some models is a no-ignition-switch setup that uses a simple pushbutton to start the car.However, unlike every other similar system we've tried, the Challenger does not have a lock/unlock touch surface outside, so you still have to use the key remote to lock or unlock the doors, reducing the convenience aspect.Once inside the car, it's easy to misplace the key because there's no slot for it.

The new Garmin navigation system costs less, but the available integrated navigation system comes with real-time traffic.Both come with a 30-gigabyte hard drive to hold thousands of music files.Although the 522-watt Kicker audio upgrade, with the trunk-mounted subwoofer fed by its exclusive 200-watt amp, clearly outdoes any 1970 quadraphonic 8-track, Led Zeppelin didn't sound this good live in 1970.Standard three-ring single-zone climate control is lower on the panel, with switches for stability control, hazard lights, seat heaters and such along the bottom.All of the controls except for the door lock and window switches are illuminated.

The center console has a mild lateral slope to the driver, with a small bin ahead of the shifter, two illuminated cupholders behind it, and space under the sliding-top center armrest.The glovebox is typical but the door pockets are split with a larger pocket at the front edge and a smaller pocket near the rear edge.The passenger door armrest has a small bin that might hold an MP3 player or pack of smokes, at least until a hard right turn.

Although the A-pillars are wide, the driver sits far enough away from the windshield to avoid forward blind spots.With the seat positioned low to the glass line, you can see most of the hood.The view to the rear is fairly good, too, because the side glass goes well back and the rear window allows a full view in the mirror view.However, the wide rear pillars block your view when backing out of parking spots; a rearview camera would be helpful and add a measure of safety.We'd prefer wider rearview mirrors to show more traffic behind and to the sides.Also don't pull too far forward at intersections with overhead traffic signals or the roofline may get in your way.When it comes to visibility, the Mustang has it over the Challenger and especially the Camaro.

Trunk space won't be an issue.At more than 16 cubic feet, it matches the Dodge Charger and Audi's big A5 coupe and clearly betters the Mustang and Camaro.Under the floor you'll find the standard tire-inflator kit (compact spare optional only on SE and R/T), battery and a vinyl-album-sized bin sure to be filled with a nitrous bottle sooner or later by someone.The 60/40 split rear seat folds wide side on the driver's side.The left-side-mounted subwoofer is out of the way and has a metal grille to protect it, a good thing because there are no tie-downs here so the contents will shift.And like an old Challenger, you have to pick up the cargo nearly three feet off the ground and over a foot of bodywork before dropping it into the trunk.

The Challenger SE drives a lot like the Charger because the Challenger is based on the Charger with four inches taken out between the front and rear wheels.The new 3.6-liter V6 is an improvement over the 3.5 in both power and fuel economy.It has enough oomph to keep up with brisk traffic, and pass without too much fuss.Given the Challenger's extra 400 pounds, it probably won't keep up with a V6 Mustang.

The 2011 Challenger SE comes with a 5-speed automatic instead of last year's 4-speed.That's one of the reasons the new engine gets two mpg better highway fuel economy.The 5-speed automatic transmission works well with the V6, providing decent passing punch quickly.

The next step up is the Challenger R/T.The R/T features a Hemi V8 producing 372 to 376 horsepower, along with a firmer suspension, bigger brakes and tires, and a choice of a hefty-shifting 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic.One could arguably have the most fun with the R/T.There's no need to park it in the winter and no miserable ride just because the roads are bad.The R/T goes quite well, with a 0 to 60 mph time under 6.0 seconds.That power comes on strong, but we found it runs out quickly, as the redline is only 5800 rpm.That means drivers choosing the manual will have to shift before the power runs out during performance maneuvers.Sixth gear doesn't do much on the track or around town.It's strictly a highway gear meant for fuel economy; in sixth, the R/T cruises like a pussy cat, churning out 1800 rpm at 80 mph.The $13,000 saved versus an SRT8 392 would buy brake/suspension/tire upgrades to your preference and specification, or a serious engine upgrade.

The SRT8 392 gets the most changes for 2011, all for the better.Larger and torquier than the outgoing 6.1-liter V8, the 6.4 makes the SRT8 392 a straight-line burner.Zero to 60 mph is in the high four-second range and the car can cover the quarter-mile in the high 12s.The extra torque really makes the SRT8 392 leap forward when pushed, in a way that couldn't be felt last year.

It's easy to make an SRT8 392 go fast, you just stand on the gas and point it where you want it to go.Traction control does a very good job of turning controlled wheelspin into thrust and is easier than launching most high-performance manual transmission cars; there's a solid feel to quick upshifts.It does not make manual downshifts as fast.At the other end of the straightaway, the SRT8's big brakes do a commendable job of slowing the pace, just a bit off some benchmark lighter coupes.There is a lot of travel in the brake pedal so initial bite might not be what you expect but keep pushing and you'll stop quickly.

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 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.It will downshift once, or again, if you give it the boot.

The Challenger is too big and heavy to merit any consideration as a sports car and isn't ideal for tossing around on tight racetracks or mountain roads.However, the 2011 suspension changes, especially to the SRT8, make it a better handler during performance maneuvers, though it was impressively good before given its size and weight.The Challenger is big and nose-heavy, and there is considerable body roll.That body roll is more controlled this year.Instead of flopping side to side then taking a nice set for a corner, the SRT8 now rolls into that set without the play that it had last year.The R/T still has some of that floppiness, but it too is more controlled and will take a predictable set for cornering.

The grip from the optional Goodyear F1 Supercar tires is substantial and the Challenger is surprisingly balanced in turns.In fact, it's quite easy to steer the SRT8 392 with the rear wheels or make it drift.That speaks well to the job Dodge and SRT did with the suspension geometry.The R/T model, by comparison, acts very much the same way, but its reactions are a bit slower.Power isn't as sudden, steering isn't as sharp, the brakes aren't as strong, and the weight doesn't transfer as quickly.It is possible to upset both versions, but you really have to be working at it or totally inattentive.Driven smoothly you will rarely be reigned in by the electronic stability control.And the stability control can be completely turned off on manual transmission cars if it becomes a nuisance on the race track.

Ride quality in the SRT8 392 is decent.Some of the same hardware (lightweight forged aluminum wheels, aluminum-intensive independent suspension all around, spring and shock calibrations) that improves its performance contributes to the decent ride.The SRT8 is smooth and quiet enough to cover long distances, and it deals well with even marginal roads.On sheet-flat roads it won't enjoy a significant advantage over the Mustang's solid rear axle, but as the surface gets rougher the Challenger's independent rear suspension should cope better even though the car is heavier.The Challenger's mass becomes most apparent under heavy braking on a rippled road, where many lesser-tuned lighter cars have the same issue.

Even in the SRT8 392, the steering feel, while better for 2011, isn't as precise as the Mustang's steering.The steering is quick enough, with less than three turns lock-to-lock, but it feels more like the steering of a big sedan than a sporty coupe.Maneuverability at low speeds is par for a big car.

The SRT8 392's bi-xenon headlights allow it to be safely driven at freeway speeds or along rural highways in no-moon darkness.And with a bit of German in the bloodlines, the fog lights can be used without the headlights, at least where it's legal to light up the road instead of the fog.

With aerodynamics ever-more-frequently dictating shape and wind patterns, it was refreshing to find the new Challenger can comfortably be driven windows down without buffeting the occupants or thundering their ears.Admit it, at least part of the reason you buy one will be to be seen.

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent G.R.Whale filed this report from Los Angeles, with correspondent Kirk Bell reporting from New Jersey.Mitch McCullough contributed to this review.