Dodge resurrects famous Challenger versions
Features TREMEC TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission
USA Today / Aaron Bragman / August 18, 2016 (Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC)
Fiat Chrysler’s Dodge brand is resurrecting two storied names from its racing history for 2017 — the Challenger T/A and Charger Daytona.
Both offer heritage-inspired styling and a slight performance boost. Both new trim models are only available on V-8-equipped vehicles and feature some parts off the SRT Hellcat in terms of both styling and performance enhancements, albeit at a price considerably below that of an SRT Hellcat.
The Hellcat, with its 707-horsepower engine, remains the ultimate Challenger.
The T/A model builds off the V-8-powered R/T model, which comes with a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine making 375 horsepower and routed through a standard TREMEC TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission (an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic is optional). Outside, the T/A is distinguished by a satin-black hood with integrated functional NACA air-inlet ducts, feeding a modified SRT Hellcat airbox with a conical high-flow filter. That satin-black paint continues on the front bumper, roof, fuel-filler door, grille script, deck lid spoiler and bodyside tape stripes with T/A logos. It also wears the Hellcat’s air-catcher headlights, illuminated with T/A logos.
Inside, aluminum bezels and gloss-black trim set off the retro Houndstooth seat fabric, while white 1971-era-inspired gauges are set behind the more contoured Dodge performance steering wheel. The footwells have custom embroidered floor mats featuring the Dodge logo.
Performance modifications include new 2.75-inch active performance exhaust with electronic control and 20-inch by 9-inch black wheels that are one inch wider than stock.
The T/A package also includes the Super Track Pak as standard equipment, bringing a lowered suspension, high-performance Bilstein shock absorbers, performance brake pads, a sport-tuned stability control system with three settings, and high-performance Goodyear Eagle F1 tires.
For those looking for more power, the Challenger T/A 392 swaps out the 5.7-liter Hemi for the 485-hp 6.4-liter V-8. This enables the Challenger T/A 392 to hit 60 miles per hour in the mid-four-second range.
