2019 Dodge Challenger Review: A Powerful Pony Car

Introduction

The Dodge Challenger was introduced to tackle the burgeoning market of pony cars and to compete with some of the most prestigious and powerful players in the automotive industry. Launched in 1969, the Dodge Challenger aimed to establish itself as a premium offering compared to its rivals.

Generations of Dodge Challenger

The first-generation Dodge Challenger ran for four years and was well-received. However, the oil crisis led to a sharp decline in sales, a common fate for many pony cars of that era. The second-generation Challenger, built under Mitsubishi ownership, was a disappointment and lasted only five years. The third iteration, launched in 2008, embraced the muscle car aesthetic and shared its platform with the Chrysler 300C. Today, the 2019 Challenger continues this legacy, competing with the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, BMW 4-Series Coupe, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.

Exterior Design

The 2019 Dodge Challenger’s exterior styling clearly communicates its strong, muscular pony car intentions. Notable features include:

• Wide, hunkered-down stance resembling classic muscle car designs.
• Aggressive front end with a flat hood and bulging air-intake scoop.
• Deep-set honeycomb grille with quad circular headlamps and built-in LED DRLs.
• Large lower air dam and front splitter/wing.

The side profile showcases:

• Massively-flared fenders.
• 20-inch rims with fat rubber.
• Door-mounted wing mirrors and chunky C-pillar.
• Almost-flat roofline.

At the rear, features include:

• A large boot lid with a tip spoiler.
• Fanciful LED taillamps.
• Bulging bumper with dual-exhaust tips.

In terms of dimensions, the 2019 Dodge Challenger measures:

• Length: 5.018 meters
• Width: 2.012 meters
• Height: 1.460 meters
• Wheelbase: 2.951 meters
• Boot capacity: 459 liters

Interior Comfort and Features

The interior styling of the 2019 Dodge Challenger closely resembles that of the Charger sedan, sharing similar themes and complaints. Key aspects include:

• Lack of finesse and attention to detail compared to competitors.
• Good quality materials but not particularly special.
• Better fit and finish than previous generations, with room for improvement.

As a coupe, the rear seats are somewhat impractical, while the front seats offer good space for most drivers. Comfort and ergonomics are satisfactory. Features include:

• Automatic/adaptive headlamps.
• Rain-sensing wipers.
• Brembo brakes.
• Sports exhaust and leather seats.
• Dual-zone climate control and head-up display.
• 8.4-inch infotainment display with navigation and premium audio.

Safety technology includes multiple airbags and several active and passive electronic aids for optimum safety.

Engine Performance

The 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody features a HEMI 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 707 horsepower and 881 Nm of torque. This rear-wheel-drive vehicle, equipped with an 8-speed automatic torque converter gearbox, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 300 km/h, making it one of the fastest ponies available.

Conclusion

The 2019 Dodge Challenger is priced between AED 177,000 and AED 425,000, with insurance premiums ranging from AED 3,983 to AED 9,563.