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The return of the iconic Dodge Challenger brings what muscle car fanatics crave: ground shaking performance, unmistakable design cues reminiscent of the original Challenger, world-class ride and handling characteristics and benchmark braking. On top of that it features a wide variety of modern amenities and technology designed to delight a new generation of driving enthusiasts.
Addressing the media, Colin Cordery, General Manager, Trading Enterprises - Chrysler, Jeep & Dodge and Al-Futtaim Automall, said: "The Dodge Challenger SRT8 is a vehicle that has truly captured the imagination of drivers in the UAE, across the region and around the world ever since it was first announced back in 2007. The great news for our customers is that the wait for the Challenger is finally over, and we at Trading Enterprises are delighted to be adding this stunning modern interpretation of the classic American muscle car to the highly popular Dodge range."
Developed by Chrysler's in-house performance engineering organisation, the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 was engineered with a focus on the five pillars of every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.
"The Dodge Challenger SRT8 builds on the enthusiasm that started with the reintroduction of this famous nameplate in 2008, thanks to a host of new features designed to delight pure driving enthusiasts," Cordery added. "While staying true to the original Challenger formula, Dodge and SRT have added new colours and a new look for the hood stripes. The result is a Dodge muscle car, which entices people to turn around to have a second look. And that 6.1-litre HEMI engine under the hood is powerful, evoking the ethos of the great American muscle car. We are confident that motoring enthusiasts in the United Arab Emirates will enjoy the super driving characteristics of the Challenger."
Each two-door, rear-wheel-drive coupe will be produced with a numbered dash plaque, carbon fibre-like hood stripes and will be powered by SRT's 6.1-litre HEMI V8 engine that boasts 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 2010 Dodge Challenger remains true to both its historical and modern concept car roots. A modern muscle car steeped in history featuring cutting-edge technology along with the latest safety features. The quality, technology, fit and finish and performance complete the modern muscle coupe.
"The launch of the Dodge Challenger is just the beginning of a new chapter that will see us continuing to bring exciting, innovative and technologically advanced new products to the market in the years to come," said Jack Rodencal, Managing Director, Chrysler Group Middle East.
"It's over 35 years since the Dodge Challenger nameplate graced the world's highways, but it's back......and how! Developed in line with Dodge's credo of bold, powerful and capable, this new automotive icon delivers ground shaking performance and unmistakable design cues reminiscent of the original Challenger," added Rodencal. "On top of that, it's packed with features and technology that is guaranteed to delight a whole new generation of driving enthusiasts."
The Challenger is a two-door coupe with genuine five-passenger capability featuring Chrysler's proven rear-wheel-drive platform and complements the four-door Dodge Charger as well as the Chrysler 300C. Developed with Dodge's credo of "bold, powerful and capable," the Challenger delivers a modern two-door muscle car.
While there is no doubt that it makes an extraordinary value for money offering, such are the incredible new credentials carried by the high performance Challenger coupe that it can rub shoulders with the world's best muscle cars and surprise many with its amalgam of luxury, power, handling and ride.
The 2010 Challenger's long, raised performance hood with scoops and full-width recessed grille with round dual headlamps make a bold, assertive statement. The bold A-line, or character line, that runs from stem to stern gives the all-new 2010 Dodge Challenger an instantly recognizable muscle-car profile. The side profile is dominated by the striking 20-inch forged aluminium alloy wheel design, which deliberately exposes the awesome new Brembo brake package, as well as emphasising the vehicle's rear drivetrain.
The interior, too, is with a totally integrated appearance that creates a strongly upmarket sporting character. Colour combinations and quality trim materials have been carefully selected to reinforce the message and there's a unique Challenger sporting seat design. Sporting highlights include race-inspired leather seats with added bolstering and an exclusive red accent stripe, exclusive stitched accents on the seats and steering wheel, four-bomb gauges with tachometer and 180-mph speedometer in the centre, and an SRT-exclusive Reconfigurable Display (RCD) with Performance Pages that provide drivers instant feedback on zero to 60 mph time, 60 to zero mph braking, g-forces and 1/4-mile time.
The trapezoidal theme of the door and gauge cluster, dark headliner and slanted shifter console are inspired by the original Dodge Challenger.
While styling makes a breathtaking first impression, it's also backed up with extensive engineering program and injection of technology that's just as outstanding. The Challenger is based on the successful Dodge Charger sedan platform. Sporting a 116-inch wheelbase, the Challenger Coupe is four inches shorter than the Charger sedan. With a low ride height, a brake-lock differential, SRT-tailored spring rates and shock rates, sway bars and a uniquely tuned Electronic Stability Program (ESP), the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers world-class ride and handling characteristics across a dynamic range.
The Challenger's proven 6.1 litre HEMI V8 produces an exhilarating 425hp @ 6200 rpm and 420 lb.ft (569 Nm) of torque @ 4800rpm. This normally aspirated HEMI V8 engine is the highest naturally aspirated specific-output V8 engine ever offered by Chrysler. Its 69.8 horsepower-per-litre rating exceeds even that of the legendary 1966 "Street HEMI."
Challenger SRT8's transmission is an electronically controlled five-speed automatic, with a lock up torque converter and AutoStick. The auto has been specifically calibrated to deliver smooth but firm up-shifts and includes a 'Tiptronic' function. As a true driver's car, it holds selected gears without up-shifting, even when the engine is taken to the rev limiter.
With such enormous power and torque being generated, it is equally important to have the right kind of retardation to bring this beauty down from speed. And the Challenger delivers the goods right on the dot! Red-painted, vented Brembo disc brakes are found on all four wheels. The front wheels employ enormous 360mm rotors while 350mm rotors grace the rear wheels. Extremely rigid four piston calipers that reduce flexing and improve pedal feel and performance are standard all-around. With a 60-0 mph stopping distance of approximately 110 feet, the all-new Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers customers benchmark braking.
The latest 4-wheel ABS system with Traction Control as well as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Brake Assist comes as standard. The ESC has been developed, calibrated and tested to exacting requirements to deliver improved overall safety levels without detracting from the driving experience.
Safety & Security
The Challenger is loaded with more than two dozen safety and security features including standard supplemental side-curtain air bags and advanced multi-stage front driver and passenger air bags. A tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system is also standard. Chrysler's UConnect Hands Free Communication System uses Bluetooth technology to provide voice-controlled wireless communication for a safer driving experience.
A two-fold safety approach is employed: passive safety features including pretentioning and load-limiting seatbelt retractors and supplemental side air bags, combined with active accident-avoidance safety features including responsive steering, handling and braking.
Posted by Husam Odiabat
