The AWD Dodge Challenger Is Now A Thing, But Where's The V8?

An all-wheel drive 'Dodge Challenger GT' has finally happened, but the powertrain choice isn't inspiring
The AWD Dodge Challenger Is Now A Thing, But Where's The V8?

A few weeks ago, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made a bit of a boo boo by accidentally confirming the existence of an all-wheel drive Challenger. Now, the car has been revealed in full.

The bad bit? As anticipated, there’s no bit shouty V8 options. The newly christened Challenger GT comes only with a 3.6-litre V6, putting out a modest (well, in muscle car terms) 301bhp and 268lb ft of torque. Only comes as an automatic, too.

The AWD Dodge Challenger Is Now A Thing, But Where's The V8?

The GT gets the same all-wheel drive system as the AWD Charger (also only available as a V6 auto), meaning it’s rear-wheel drive most of the time, with the front driven wheels re-engaging when required.

It’ll set you back $34,490, and will do 18mpg city and 27mpg highway - with those curiously smaller American gallons, obviously.

While it’s just a V6 for now, who knows - if it does well perhaps FCA will be moved to make some V8 versions. Imagine a Hellcat with a slightly less ferocious appetite for rear tyres…

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Comments

Anonymous

Wait, let me get this straight. Dodge make a Challenger HEAVIER than it already was but give it less power? An excellent example of US intelligence in car design…

12/07/2016 - 14:05 |
2 | 10
Cody's Car Conundrum

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

BMW 6 Series XDrive. Enough said.

12/07/2016 - 18:03 |
4 | 0
mheffe

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

US intelligence in car design? Ever hear of Tesla?

12/07/2016 - 19:05 |
2 | 0
Speed_Boy86

WTF IS DODGE DOING, THE DEFINITION OF AMERICAN MUSCLE IS, REAR WHEEL DRIVE WITH TOO MUCH POWER, I find it really funny that a year ago they make the most powerful production muscle car ever, and now this a v6 awd muscle car someone should smack the engineers at dodge in the face for this

12/07/2016 - 15:07 |
0 | 4

It’s not like you can’t get it with a V8 anymore. It’s not that serious…

12/07/2016 - 17:54 |
6 | 2
Anonymous

they discontinued V8 AWD in that platform starting in the 2015 model year when the 8-speed automatic was introduced

12/07/2016 - 15:17 |
2 | 4
Darude Her Right In The Sandstorm™

Too bad an AWD Dart isn’t happening

12/07/2016 - 15:25 |
10 | 2

Agreed!

12/07/2016 - 17:53 |
4 | 2
Szulek

So, basically it is a old, 1990sh Merc taxi awd with 3.6 v6? #ModernMuricanCar

12/07/2016 - 15:49 |
0 | 8
Quinn Kirlew

Bleghh. Challengers were always meant to be big, powerful, uncontrollable beasts. Making it AWD cuts out a big piece of its character.

12/07/2016 - 16:12 |
2 | 6
Rubnr34

Perfect… More weight

12/07/2016 - 16:23 |
2 | 2
Anonymous

you know what? turns out i’m wrong. i just read that. maybe they’re still using the old 5-speed automatic transmission. as far as i know the 8-speed, for whatever reason, isn’t able to handle AWD

12/07/2016 - 16:45 |
2 | 4
Anonymous

Someone will put a hellcat engine in it

12/07/2016 - 17:46 |
4 | 2
Cody's Car Conundrum

I don’t really know why everyone is complaining about it not having a V8. I’ve ridden in a 300 with the same V6 and it was more than peppy enough. Besides, just upgrade it to make it faster.

12/07/2016 - 17:56 |
4 | 2