The Dodge Challenger was first introduced as a pony car from 1970 to 1974, using the Chrysler E platform and
sharing the same major components as the Plymouth Barracuda. The Dodge Challenger was built to compete against
the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. Four hardtop models were offered: Challenger Six, Challenger V8, T/A
Challenger, and Challenger R/T. The R/T was equipped with a 383 CID Magnum V8 engine with a standard 3-speed
manual transmission.
The Dodge Challenger was revived in 1978 as a Mitsubishi Galant Lambda coupe. All the power was replaced with a
smaller 2.6L inline-4 engine. At the time, four-cylinder engines of this size had not usually been built due to
inherent vibration, but Mitsubishi pioneered the use of balance shafts to help dampen this effect, and the Challenger
was one of the first vehicles to bring this technology to the American market.
The all-new Dodge Challenger is built on the LX platform with the Dodge Charger, the discontinued Dodge Magnum, and
the Chrysler 300. The Dodge Challenger consists of four different trims: SE, R/T, SRT-8, and SXT in Canada. The
SE and SXT are offered with the 3.5L V6, and the R/T sports a 5.7L Hemi that is coupled with a 5-speed automatic.
The Dodge Challenger SRT-8 is equipped with a 6.1L Hemi V8 that is matched with a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed
manual transmission. It included Brembo brakes, a sport suspension, bi-xenon headlamps, heated leather sport seats,
and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels.