2015 Dodge Challenger Quick Spin Review

While the otherworldly power of the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat has (justifiably) garnered the lion’s share of attention focused upon the 2015 Dodge Challenger models, there are a number of other new developments for the Challenger for the 2015 model year. Dodge is offering an eight-speed automatic transmission with its pony car now, the Challenger also rides on a revised platform, and there are subtle styling differences. Revisions to the 6.4-liter engine harvest 485 horsepower, there are new electronic safety features, and the big 8.4-inch touchscreen monitor found in other Chrysler models finally finds a home in the Challenger. All in all, while the car looks a lot like it always did, there are a host of changes afoot, making this the best Challenger ever.

2015 Dodge Challenger Styling

If ever any contemporary car was made for #ThrowbackThursdays, Dodge’s Challenger is a prime candidate. The lines of the pony car closely mirror those of its 1970’s forebear in both form and size. A classic example of the long nose/short rear deck school of automotive styling, the Challenger appears much smaller in photographs than it does in real life. While the changes for the 2015 model year are subtle, they are also plentiful. New for 2015 are a split grille surround, projector headlights with LED halo surrounds, projector fog lamps, split LED taillamps, and an amazing stock of nine different wheel options—one of which is finished in hyper black and measuring an awe-inspiring 20x9 inches

2015 Dodge Challenger Performance

For the 2015 model year, Dodge is offering no less than four engine choices for the Challenger. The base powerplant is a 3.6-liter V6 good for 305 horsepower and 268 ft-lbs of torque. The V6 uses a cold air induction system and a true dual exhaust system running from the headers to the exhaust tips. Challenger’s 5.7-liter V8 makes 375 horsepower and 410 ft-lbs of torque with the six-speed automatic. If you go with the eight-speed, you’ll get 372 horsepower and 400 ft-lbs from the 5.7. Challenger’s 6.4-liter V8 makes 485 horsepower and 475 ft-lbs of torque. And then there’s the one everybody’s talking about this year; the 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat engine delivering 650 ft-lbs of torque.

2015 Dodge Challenger Safety

A broad array of the latest electronic safety features are offered for the 2015 Dodge Challenger; these include forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, automatic high-beam headlamps, blind spot monitoring, rear cross path detection, and a rear parking sensor array. Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front side airbags, and a pair of side curtain airbags. NHTSA has yet to rank the 2015 Challenger, but the 2014 model scored five stars overall, as the model did well in both frontal impact and side impact testing. There was a notation made about a driver’s door coming unlatched during testing, but it didn’t diminish the Challenger’s score. The IIHS has yet to test any Challenger.

2015 Dodge Challenger Pricing and Features

For 2015, Dodge Challenger pricing starts at $26,995 for Challenger SXT, which features the 3.6-liter V6 and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The next rung up is the 5.7-liter V8 powered Dodge Challenger R/T models, with pricing starting at $31,495. Challenger Scat Pack and Scat Pack Shaker start at $38,495 with the 6.4-liter V8. Meanwhile, the king of the hill Challenger SRT Hellcat starts at $59,995. Standard comfort and convenience features across the board include keyless entry and ignition, cruise control, automatic climate control, tit and telescoping leather wrapped steering wheels, and alloy road wheels.