2011-2013 Dodge Challenger cars
The second generation Dodge Challenger looked almost identical to the first-generation (2008-10), but included major powertrain upgrades: electric power steering, a new V6, and a new SRT V8. The 2011-13 Challenger has better brake feel, retuned shocks and bushings, better tire options, and a new steering wheel with audio controls.
The Pentastar V6 added 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 matched the Charger; and there is a switch to pop the trunk open. The 2012s have dual exhaust with bright tips, bright fuel filler door, and standard 18-inch aluminum wheels.
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.
Revised suspension geometry (including new shocks and struts) improved the balance, cornering, and steering responsiveness, while electro-hydraulic power steering cuts weight and adds reliability.
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 SXT Plus includes Nappa (a full-grain, unsplit 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.
2011-2013 Dodge Challenger powertrain
The 2011 Dodge Challenger’s gas 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 | 2011-13 hp | 2011-13 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 |
Dodge Challenger repairs and troubleshooting
2010-2012 Challengers (possibly just 2010-2011) let owners lower the windows remotely, using the key fob. Some owners report that the feature won’t work in freezing weather; the issue appears to be the initial friction, and can be addressed by applying Rain-X to the glass for the bottom inch of the glass (where the door seal and glass meet) once per winter. “ImperialCrown” added, “There is a 'pinch limit' feature for safety. If the glass encounters an object it will stop and reverse 200 mm. The door modules can store fault codes for the dealer if there is a control defect. Excessive friction in the glass linkage, guides, or weatherstrips can trigger the pinch-limit feature when it shouldn't.”
The Challenger drops down the windows around half an inch, automatically, when the doors are opened, to make it easier to open and close the doors. The system can be recalibrated if it fails; put the ignition to Run (with the engine off), shut the door and window, and hold press the Window Down switch. After the window reaches the bottom, keep holding the button for another two to four seconds. Then raise the window all the way up, again hold the button for another two to four seconds after the window closes.
For more details, see our Dodge Challenger specifications page.
Also 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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