2011-2012 Dodge Challenger cars
The 2011 Dodge Challenger has electric power steering and new engines. Key improvements include better brake feel, retuned shocks and bushings for better cornering and feel, new and improved optional performance tires, and a revised steering wheel with on-wheel controls.
The Pentastar V6 adds 55 hp to the outgoing 3.5 V6, with 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque; yet, it should achieve 27 mpg on the highway [We had predicted 26-28]. The standard Hemi V8 has also been bumped up, to 379 hp and 410 lb-ft (manual); it now gets 17 mpg city, 25 highway (automatic). The 392 Hemi (6.4 liters) is rated at 470 hp with 470 lb-ft. Both V8s shut off four cylinders when not needed (except with manual transmissions).
The Challenger SE's 13 horsepower increase over other Pentastar engines is due to "a more aggressively designed intake air system" which increased airflow from 214 to 220 g/s. The cam is identical.
A Challenger 392 model with white seats with blue stripes was made early on. The regular models are:
- Dodge Challenger SE (SXT) and SE Rallye (SXT Plus): V6 models; Rallye has dual exhaust, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 18 inch wheels, keyless starter, trip computer, six speaker stereo, side airbags, and bright fuel door standard. An Plus package adds leather, Boston Acoustics speakers with 287 watt amp, fog lights, and more. SE may not be available in Canada; SXT might be instead. The SE starts at $25,595, and Rallye package adds $2,000. (Destination included.)
- Dodge Challenger R/T and R/T Classic have the 379 hp Hemi, 20-inch chrome wheels, and optional six-speed manual; the Classic adds retro 20-inch chrome wheels, functional hood scoop, retro side stripes, and HID headlamps. R/T starts at $30,495; Plus package adds $1,500, and Classic adds $3,300.
- Dodge Challenger SRT8 adds the 470 horsepower engine, with 470 lb-ft of torque; again, there is an optional six-speed manual transmission. In the U.S., it starts at $43,380, plus any gas guzzler taxes.
JackRatchett wrote that the styling remains almost identical, except the lower opening was flipped upside down and made taller; the Ram emblem has been removed; the door handles will be the same as those on the Charger; and there will be a wagon-style Dodge Magnum switch to pop the trunk open. Dual exhaust with bright tips, bright fuel filler door, and standard 18-inch aluminum wheels are featured on the 2012 model.
JackRatchett also wrote that the 6.4 SRT8 Challenger will probably have a wrap-around front spoiler incorporating the black flap at the front edge of the wheel well. It was described as having an Abe Lincoln beard and side burns, and one with the hood open appeared to have a blacked out intake manifold. The aluminum manifold will be replaced with a plastic one on the 6.4; which will keep the traditional hydraulic steering pump even as the other Challengers go to electric steering. (Electric steering reduces the number of moving parts, eliminates fluid leaks, and allows for easier integration of start/stop and hybrid systems).
The interior underwent major upgrades, and the usual electronics updates were expected: moving to Garmin navigation, adding whatever safety and A/V options are de rigeur, etc. Mainly, the dashboard should be dramatically upgraded and materials may be improved. For 2012, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, six-way driver seat with four way lumbar adjust, and passenger seat with EZ Entry Function were added to the interior.
A revised suspension geometry in 2011 was incorporated for improved balance, cornering and steering responsiveness. Electro-hydraulic power steering was added to improve ride and handling.
For safety, Electronic Stability Control with brake assist, all-speed traction control, rain brake support, hill start assist, and ready alert braking is included in 2012.
The Challenger R/T Track Pak is expected to continue; it includes a six-speed manual transmission, Hill Start Assist, anti-spin differential (3.73 w/18-inch, 3.92 w/20-inch wheels), and ESP full-off switch.
The Canadian SXT includes the following standard equipment: 3.6L Pentastar V6, 5-speed automatic, 18-inch aluminum wheels, premium cloth seating, Uconnect hands free phone, Electronic Stability Control, dual-zone automatic temperature control, Keyless Enter-N-Go, dual rear exhaust with bright tips and bright fuel filler door, power 6-way driver's seat with power four-way lumbar, power exterior mirrors, leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel with cruise and audio control, six-speaker media center with auxiliary jack, rearview auto-dimming mirror with microphone, active front head restraints, six standard air bags, and four-wheel disc antilock brakes. Satellite radio and sound group are optional on the SXT.
The SXT Plus includes Nappa leather-faced seats, fog lamps and automatic headlamps, heated front seats, six Boston Acoustic speakers, Sirius satellite radio, and a sun visor with illuminated vanity mirrors. The Super Sport Group and power sunroof are available as options on the SXT Plus.
| 2012 | Dodge Challenger SXT | Lexus GS350 | Mercedes E350 |
|---|---|---|---|
| hp/torque | 305 / 268 | 306 / 277 | 302 / 273 |
| EPA mpg | 18/27 | 19/28 | 20/30 |
| Length | 197.7 | 190.7 | 191.7 |
| Weight | 3,720 | 3,795 | 3,825 |
| Price | $25,820 | $48,000+ (est) | $51,365 |
| Lexus, Mercedes via Automotive News. Prices include shipping. | |||
For 2012, The R/T includes 20-inch chrome clad wheel aluminum wheels, power heated exterior mirrors, performance steering and suspension, rear body color spoiler, and mini carbon accents. The R/T Classic adds 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, HID headlamps, dual R/T side stripes, functional hood scoop, and Challenger script badge. Dual Red R/T side stripes and Dual White R/T side stripes are available on the R/T Classic.
The 2012 SRT8 includes Nappa leather-faced seats with suede perforated inserts, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, two-mode active damping suspension, media center 430 with 6.5-inch touch screen, antispin rear differential, bright pedals, heated steering wheel, dual black center stripes, severe duty engine cooling and engine oil cooler, park-sense rear park assist, universal garage door opener, temperature and compass gauge, security alarm, and 392 badging. Dual Silver center stripes and Dual Grey center stripes are optional on the SRT8.
Antispin rear differential, electronics convenience group, HID headlamps, media center 730N with enhanced navigation, Mopar Exterior Appearance Group, power sunroof, Sound Group II, and Super Track Pak are available as options on the R/T, R/T Classic, and the SRT8. The Mopar Interior Appearance Group is available as an option on all models.
2011 Dodge Challenger powertrain
The 2011 Dodge Challenger SE’s mileage and power rose with the Pentastar V6 engines and the new 6.4 liter V8 with cylinder deactivation. The Challenger SRT8 was the first car to get the new 392 cubic inch engine.
| Dodge cars | 2011 hp | 2011 torque | 2011 mpg | 2011 CA l/100 km | 2010 hp | 2010 lb-ft | 2010 mpg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRT-8 man/auto |
470 @ 6,000 | 470 @ 4,200 | 14/23 M 14/22 A | 11.7 / 7.3 | 425 @ 6200 | 420 @ 4800 | 14/22 M 13/19 A |
| R/T manual | 375 @ 5,800 | 404 @ 4,200 | 15/24 | 13.8 / 8.2 | 376 @ 5,800 | 404 @ 4,200 | 15/24 |
| R/T auto | 370 @5,800 | 398 @4,200 | 16/25 | 13.5 / 8.0 | 372 @5,800 | 398 @4,200 | 16/23 |
| Challenger SE | 305 @ 6,350 | 268 @ 4,800 | 18/27 | 11.7 / 7.3 | 250 @ 6,400 | 250 @ 3,800 | 18/25 |
For more details, see our Dodge Challenger specifications page.
Special Dodge Challengers
See
- Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Inaugural Edition and the 2011 Moparized Challenger.
- 2008-2011 Dodge Challenger specifications and measurements.
- Furious Fuchsia cars, Hurst Challenger, Challenger R/T Classic, SEMA V-10 Dodge Challenger
- Super Stock Dodge Challenger Drag Pack and Challenger 1320
- Mr. Norm’s Super Challenger and Super ’Cuda
- Moparized Dodge Challenger
- Dodge Challenger police cars and Challengers of Authority: Wayne County’s Challenger
- SMS 570 and SMS 570X (street legal cars with supercharged Hemi engines)
- NASCAR Challenger
- ... and reviews:
Dodge Challenger SE review • Dodge Challenger SRT8 review
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