V6 Pony Wars Heat Up With New Pentastar Challenger
Published: October 21st, 2010
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The Challenge is on to stay competitive with a V6, which have become the V8s or yore. Anything less than 300 hp just won’t do, and the new 2011 Challenger does, just barely, with 305. The new Pentastar V6 has found its way into Dodge’s porky pony, and Chrysler is mighty proud of it. ( See full press release here). Its lighter, cheaper to build, more efficient and powerful; what’s not to like? It still leaves the Challenger at the back of the pack.
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The Challenger's dilemma is that it looks like a '70's Challenger but it is sized like the old Charger and some will probably say that the Charger should have been the Challenger due to its two door configuration. All of these types of cars (except maybe the Genesis), and most models in general today, weigh too much thanks to the Fed's intrusive "I'll save you from yourself" mentality. The Challenger is even more so in size due to its LX platform sharing (Chevrolet seems to have found a better way to tailor the Zeta platform to more than one model/size car). But there in may be one saving factor for the Challenger. Since it is aimed more at the "north of 45" crowd, it is easier to get in and out of and roomier once you are there. Agreed that 0-60 times don't matter as much, especially with the SE's target market. You can always buy either the R/T or SRT if hot-rodding is your goal.
To say I am a huge Challenger fan would be an understatement. I LOVE them. My dad has a Black SRT8 w/ 6-Spd. This line of cars had it all; best looking vehicle out there IMO, Interior was acceptable (seats are incredible!), good choice of V8s, and enough charisma overall to take over a late night show. However, seeing a base Challenger on the road brought tears to my eyes. Awful looking rims that are miniscule on those big doors and hips. Uninspiring engine noise and awful performance. But now, the long awaited Pentastar V6 has made its way into the new vehicles. What a great day. Now is the time to get a V6 Challenger :)
My wife and I are having a running argument, she loves the Camaro, I love the Challenger. I'm more of a GM fan but I've owned several Mustangs and Mopars too, so I get the whole heritage thing. Plus, I'm in the target demographic for age, not income (thank you Great Recession) any more. I want to love the Mustang, but this generation leaves me cold for some reason; maybe if the next revision recalls the Fox bodied ones, I could get on board. The Camaro rings a lot of my bells, but not all, the Challenger looks the most like what it is supposed to look like, IMO. I would agree with the poster who said the Challenger is the easiest to get in and out of. A guy I know has a SRT Challenger (what fun!), and it seems like the ergonomics are good, although they should be on a vehicle that large. It's not like you're trying to squeeze yourself into a Fiat X-1/9... If the V6 Challenger is as interesting as the V6 Mustang has been reported to be, that could be a good alternative.
The challenger is the only one to seat 5 If you believe VW this is important http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/01/whats-wrong-with-this-picture-fours-company-edition/