One of the most-fun aspects of my job is getting to test cars that turn heads wherever they go and are lots of fun to drive, even though I might not ever have the opportunity to own one of them.
That's the case with the retro-styled Dodge Challenger, the re-incarnation of the iconic muscle car — one of the vehicles of that era that generated excitement wherever they went.
My test vehicle wasn't just a Challenger — it was the track-inspired SRT8 Core (base price $39,485 plus $995 freight) model that comes with the biggest engine available in the car.
Its price is $5,200 lower than the regular SRT8 Challenger, which starts at $44,685, but has more standard comfort and convenience amenities.
“Core” means that it comes with all of the SRT “core” performance features (including the Hemi V-8) —at a starting price less than $40,000, Chrysler says. “SRT” stands for “Street and Racing Technology,” and is a designation the automaker puts on vehicles that have been tweaked by the SRT team to be a cut above their non-SRT versions.
The SRT's engine has valve covers with painted silver ribs and the “392 HEMI” logo on them, something for the crowds to see when you park the Challenger at your favorite weekend car show and leave the hood open.
The tester's Plum Crazy Pearl Coat exterior paint was meant to be noticed. The car was a hoot to drive, even though I encountered no roads that allowed me to give it a true test of its abilities.
It has the looks and power of the old Challengers, but the benefits of modern chassis engineering, great brakes and state-of-the-art safety features. It can brake from 60 mph to a full stop in 117 feet, Chrysler says.
But that retro look is what turns heads, and even people who later buy the V-6 version will be able to enjoy that kind of reaction from others.
G. Chambers Williams III is an automotive columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
