Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline Gets Green Light

Fans of modern-day muscle cars have enjoyed a steady stream of special editions in recent months, and that trend is going to continue with the launch of the 2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline. First shown at the annual spring celebration of the Chrysler Group’s LX performance vehicles—including the Dodge Charger, Challenger and Magnum, as well as the Chrysler 300—the Rallye Redline takes aim at an under-served market niche as one of the few V6 muscle-car models to get a full-fledged excitement upgrade.

Thus, it’s based on the Challenger SXT Plus, which holsters the Chrysler Group’s award-winning Pentastar V6. The 305-hp powerplant is then mated to the automaker’s five-speed Auto Stick transmission to allow for manual gear selection via ergonomically designed die-cast zinc paddle shifters.

But the Rallye Redline then deploys a higher (3.06:1) rear-axle ratio for stronger acceleration as well as a race-tuned suspension for hotter handling. Specifically, the latest iteration of the Challenger features all the goodies from the Super Sport Group as standard equipment, including:

• Monotube shocks that are 42 percent firmer up front and 22 percent stiffer in the back
• Larger front (30 mm) and rear (20 mm) sway bars
• Performance-grade steering calibration that enables 25 percent quicker steering and a 20 percent heavier on-center feel
• Larger and wider 20- x 8-inch Pitch Black wheels wrapped in wider P245/45R20 Firestone Firehawk all-season performance tires

The car benefits from stronger stoppers, too, with single-piston front calipers ditched for two-piston units that put the squeeze on larger, 13.6- x 1.26-inch vented front rotors. The back brakes are beefed up as well, moving to 12.6- x .87-inch vented rotors from the previously smaller and solid set.

Unsurprisingly, the Challenger Rallye Redline gains an upgraded appearance to match its upgraded performance, highlighted by bold Redline Red striping, functional hood scoops, a body-color deck-lid spoiler and striking new wheels. As mentioned above, the big 20-inch wheels are done in Pitch Black, and they’re accented by Redline Red lips and inner drums that deliver a striking custom look.

Four exterior colors are available—Bright Silver Metallic, Tungsten Metallic, Bright White and Pitch Black—while the world-class interior boasts Radar Red leather, heated front performance seats, and standard equipment that ranges from the Chrysler Group’s Uconnect hands-free phone system to a premium sound setup leveraging speakers from Boston Acoustic.

"Infused with Dodge DNA, the new Challenger Rallye Redline adds even more excitement to our iconic muscle car, and to show our appreciation to our most hard-core enthusiasts, we revealed this new model at Spring Fest," said Reid Bigland, president and CEO of the Dodge Brand. "With its unique Redline Red accented exterior details, available Radar Red leather, performance suspension and brakes, and 305-hp V-6 with paddle shifters getting 27 mpg, this new Challenger fuses the nameplate's iconic heritage with modern Dodge styling and performance."

The 2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline is scheduled to reach dealerships in April—no fooling!