Dodge Challenger Tech & Specs

 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
      ManufacturerDodge
      Parent companyChrysler Corporation (1970-74)
      Mitsubishi Motors (1978-1983)
      Chrysler LLC (2008-present)
      Production1970-1974
      1978-1983
      2008-present
      SuccessorDodge Conquest (for 1984)
      Dodge Daytona (for 1984)
      ClassPony car (1970-74, 2008-present)
      LayoutFR layout

Dodge Challenger is the name of three different automobile models marketed by
the Dodge division of Chrysler LLC since the 1970s.

First generation (1970-1974)

      Production1970-1973
      AssemblyHamtramck, Michigan
      Los Angeles, California
      ClassPony car
      Body style(s)2-door convertible
      2-door hardtop coupe
      PlatformE-body
      Engine(s)198 in³ Slant 6
      225 in³ Slant 6 I6
      318 in³ LA V8
      340 in³ LA V8
      360 in³ LA V8
      383 in³ B V8
      426 in³ Hemi V8
      440 in³ RB V8
      Transmission(s)4-speed manual
      3-speed TorqueFlite automatic
      Wheelbase110.0 in (2794 mm)
      Length191.3 in (4859 mm)
      Width76.1 in (1933 mm)
      Height50.9 in (1293 mm)
      RelatedPlymouth Barracuda
      DesignerCarl Cameron

The first Challenger was the division's late entrant to the pony car market
segment in the United States, launched for the 1970 model year. Intended as a
competitor to the Mercury Cougar, it was based on the similar Plymouth
Barracuda's new E-body. The wheelbase, at 110 inches (2,794 mm), was two inches
longer and it had substantially different outer sheetmetal than its Plymouth
cousin, much in the same way that the Cougar was related to the Ford Mustang.
Exterior design was done by Carl Cameron, who also did the exterior for the 1966
Dodge Charger. For the 1970 Challenger grille, Cameron based it off an older
sketch of his 1966 Charger prototype that was to have a turbine engine. The
Charger never got the turbine, but the Challenger got that car's grille.
Although the Challenger was well-received by the public (with 76,935 produced
for the 1970 model year), it was criticized by the press, and the pony car
segment was already declining by the time the Challenger arrived. Sales fell
dramatically after 1970, and Challenger production ceased midway through the
1974 model year. About 165,500 Challengers were sold over this model's lifespan.
Four models were offered: Challenger Six, Challenger V8, T/A Challenger, and
Challenger R/T. Challengers could either be hardtops, coupes, or convertibles
(through 1971 only). The standard engine on the base model was the 225 CID (3.7
L) six-cylinder. Standard engine on the V8 was the 230 horsepower (170 kW) 318
CID (5.2 L) V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor. Optional engines were the 340 CID
(5.6 L) and 383 CID (6.3 L) V8s, all with a standard 3-speed manual
transmission, except for the 290 horsepower (220 kW) 383 in³ engine, which was
available only with the TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The 4-speed manual
was optional on all engines except the 225 in³ I6 and the 383 in³ V8.
The performance model was the R/T (Road/Track), with a 383 in³ Magnum V8, rated
at 335 horsepower (250 kW). Standard transmission was a 3-speed manual. Optional
R/T engines were the 375 horsepower (280 kW) 440 in³ Magnum, the 390 horsepower
(290 kW) 440 CID (7.2 L) Six-Pack and the 425 horsepower (317 kW) 426 CID (7 L)
Hemi. The R/T was available in all three body styles; both standard and R/T
hardtops could be ordered as the more luxurious SE specification, which included
leather seats, a vinyl roof, a smaller 'formal' rear window, and an overhead
interior console that contained three warning lights (door ajar, low fuel and
seatbelts). The Challenger R/T came with a Rallye instrument cluster which
included a 150 mph (240 km/h) speedometer, an 8000 rpm tachometer, and an oil
pressure gauge. The convertible Challenger was available with any engine, as
well as in the R/T and SE trim levels. In 1972, Dodge dropped the R/T badging
and now called it the "Rallye", although it was never badged as such. Other
options, as well as engines and a manual transmission, included steeper rear
axle ratios, a limited-slip differential, and a shaker hood scoop were gone for
1972.
 
1974 Dodge ChallengerA 1970-only model was the Dodge Challenger T/A (Trans Am)
racing homologation car. In order to race in the Sports Car Club of America's
Trans American Sedan Championship, it built a street version of its race car
(just like Plymouth with its Plymouth 'Cuda AAR) which it called the Dodge
Challenger T/A (Trans Am). Although the race cars ran a destroked version of the
340, street versions took the 340 and added a trio of two-barrel carbs atop an
Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold, creating the 340 Six Pack. Dodge rated at
the 340 Six Pack at 290 brake horsepower (220 kW), only 15bhp more than the
original 340 engine (and mysteriously the same rating as the Camaro Z/28 and
Ford Boss 302 Mustang), it actually made about 320 brake horsepower (240 kW). It
breathed air through a suitcase sized air scoop molded into the pinned down,
hinged matte-black fiberglass hood. Low-restriction dual exhausts ran to the
stock muffler location under the trunk, then reversed direction to exit in
chrome tipped "megaphone" outlets in front of the rear wheels. Options included
a TorqueFlite automatic or pistol-grip Hurst-shifted four-speed transmission,
3.55:1 or 3.90:1 gears, as well as manual or power steering. Front disc brakes
were standard. The special Rallye suspension used heavy duty parts and increased
the camber of the rear springs. The T/A was among the first production vehicles
to use different size tires front and rear: E60x15 fronts, and G60x15 in back.
The modified camber elevated the tail enough to clear the rear rubber and its
side exhaust outlets, thick side stripes, bold ID graphics, a fiberglass
ducktail rear spoiler, as well as a fiberglass front spoiler added to the image.
The interior was strictly stock Challenger. Unfortunately, the race Challenger
T/A was not competitive and the street version suffered from severe understeer
in fast corners. It could turn mid 14s in the quarter mile, which would do any
small block muscle car proud. The T/A would only be available for 1970 as Dodge
would pull out of Trans Am racing. Only 2,142 T/As were made. A 1971 model using
the 340 engine with a 4-barrel carburetor was planned and appeared in period
advertising, but was not produced.

The "Western Special" was a version available only to west coast dealers. It
came with a rear-exit exhaust system and Western Special identification on the
rear decklid. Some examples came with a vacuum-operated trunk release. Another
late production version was the low-priced "Deputy", stripped of some of the
base car's trim and with fixed rear side glass.

By 1972, all the big-block engines were gone, maximum power was downgraded to
240 horsepower (180 kW) to reflect the more accurate Society of Automotive
Engineers (SAE) net hp calculations. Production of Challengers ceased in
mid-1974.

For obvious reasons, the 440 and the 426 Hemi engines were considered the most
desirable, and nowadays command sizable premiums over the smaller engines (with
the exception of the limited edition Challenger T/A with its 340 six-pack).

Cosmetic variations

Although the body style remained the same throughout the Challenger's five year
run, there were two notable changes to the front grille. 1971 models had a more
stylized "split" grille, while 1972 introduced the "sad-mouth" design. With this
change to the front end, 1972 through 1974 models had little to no variation.
The only way to properly distinguish them is that the 1972s had flush mounted
bumpers with no bumper guards, (small bumper guards were optional), while both
the 1973 and 1974 models had the protruding "5 mph (8.0 km/h)" bumpers (with a
rubber type filler behind them) in conjunction with large bumper guards. These
changes were made to meet US regulations regarding crash test safety.

The 1970 taillights went all the way across the back of the car, with the backup
light in the middle of the rear. In 1971, the backup lights were on the left and
right instead of the middle. The taillight array also changed for 1972 onwards,
with the Challenger now having four individual rectangular lamps.

Collector's value

Original "numbers matching" high-performance 1970-71 Challengers are now among
the most sought-after collector cars. The rarity of specific models with big
engines is the result of low buyer interest and sales with the correspondingly
low production when new.

The 1970 and 1971 models tend to generate more attention as performance and
style options were still available to the public. However, with the popularity
of these vehicles increasing, and the number of usable and restorable
Challengers falling, many collectors now search for later models to create their
own dream machines. Indeed, many "clones" of the more visceral 1970 and 1971
Challengers with high-performance drivetrains have been created by using low-end
6 cylinder and 318 powered non-R/T or T/A cars and installing one of the
performance engine combinations (340, 440, or 426 Hemi) and adding the specific
badging and hoods to look like the real thing. A clone is not worth nearly as
much as an original.

Export markets

Dodge Challengers were mainly produced for the US and Canadian markets.
Interestingly, Chrysler officially sold Challengers to Switzerland through AMAG
Automobil- und Motoren AG in Schinznach-Bad, near Zurich. Only a very few cars
were shipped overseas each year to AMAG. They did the final assembly of the
Challengers and converted them to Swiss specs. There are few AMAG cars still in
existence. From a collector's point of view, these cars are very desirable.
Today, less than five Swiss Challengers are known to exist in North America.[1]
Chrysler exported Dodge Challengers officially to France as well through their
Chrysler France Simca operation, since Ford sold the Mustang in France
successfully in small numbers. However, only a few Challengers were exported and
Chrysler finally gave up the idea of selling them in France. A few French
Challengers still exist today.

Production

Engines

Engine choices included the following:
  C-225 in³ (3.7 L) Slant 6 I6:
(145 bhp)1970-1972
  G-318 in³ (5.2 L) LA V8:
(230 bhp) 1970-1974
  H-340 in³ (5.6 L) LA V8:
(275 bhp) 1970-1973
  J-340 in³ (5.6 L) LA V8 Six-Pack
(290 bhp) 1970 *T/A
  J-360 in³ (5.9 L) LA V8:
(245 bhp) 1974
  L-383 in³ (6.3 L) B V8:
(290 bhp and 330  bhp) 1970-1971
  N-383 in³ (6.3 L) B V8:
(335 bhp) 1970-1971
  U-440 in³ (7.2 L) RB V8:
Available in Magnum 4-barrel carbureted form (375 bhp) 1970-1971
  V-440 in³ (7.2 L) RB V8 Six-Pack
(3 × 2-barrel carburetors and 390 bhp/490 ft·lbf (660 N·m) 1970-1971
  R-426 in³ (7.0 L) Hemi V8:
(425 bhp) (317 kW)/ 490 ft·lbf (660 N·m), costing an extra US$1,228, and very
few sold. 1970-1971

Performance 1/4 mile

  340: 14.8 @ 96 mph (154 km/h)
  340 T/A: 14.4 @ 97 mph (156 km/h)
  383: 15.1 @ 96 mph (154 km/h)
  440 Magnum R/T: 13.8 @ 102 mph (164 km/h)
  440 Six-Pack: 13.4 @ 107 mph (172 km/h)
  426 Hemi: 13.0 @ 108 mph (174 km/h)

Serial numbers

ex. JS27R0B100001
  J - Car line, Dodge Challenger
  S - Price class (H-High, S-Special)
  27 - Body type (23-Hardtop, 27-Convertible, 29-Sports hardtop)
  R - Engine code (see engines above)
  0 - Last digit of model year
  B - Assembly plant code (B-Hamtramck E-Los Angeles)
  100001 - Consecutive sequence number

Production numbers

  1970 = 76,935 *includes 2,539 T/As
    Hardtop I6: 9,929
    Hardtop V8:. 39,350*
    Sports hardtop I6: 350
    Sports hardtop V8: 5,873
    Convertible I6: 378
    Convertible V8: 2,543
    Hardtop R/T: 13,796
    Special Edition hardtop R/T: 3,753
    Convertible R/T: 963

  1971 = 26,299
    Hardtop I6: 1,672
    Hardtop V8: 18,956
    Convertible I6: 83
    Convertible V8: 1,774
    Hardtop V8 R/T: 3,814

  1972 = 22,919
    Hardtop I6: 842
    Hardtop V8: 15,175
    Hardtop V8 Rallye: 8,123

  1973 = 27,930
    Note: All models were V8-powered hardtops

  1974 = 11,354
    Note: All models were V8-powered hardtops

Colors

  1970

Light Gold Metallic-FY4, Plum Crazy (purple)-FC7, Sublime (green)-FJ5,
Go-Mango(orange)-EK2, Hemi Orange-EV2, Banana (yellow)-FY1, Light Blue
Metalic-EB3, Bright Blue Metallic-EB5, Dark Blue Metallic-EB7, Rallye Red-FE5,
Light Green Metallic-FF4, Dark Green Metallic-EF8, Dark Burnt Orange-FK5,
Beige-BL1, Dark Tan Metallic-FT6, White-EW1, Black-TX9, Cream-DY3, Panther
Pink-FM3

  1971

Light Gunmetal Metallic-GA4, Light Blue Metallic-GB2, Bright Blue Metallic-GB5,
Dark Blue Metallic-GB7, Dark Green Metallic-GF7, Light Green Metallic-GF3, Gold
Metallic-GY8, Dark Gold Metallic-GY9, Dark Bronze Metallic-GK6, Tan
Metallic-GT5, Bright Red-FE5, Bright White-GW3, Black-TX9, Butterscotch-EL5,
Citron Yella-GY3, Hemi Orange-EV2, Green Go-FJ6, Plum Crazy-FC7, Top Banana-FY1

  1972

Light Blue-HB1, Bright Blue Metallic-HB5, Bright Red-FE5, Light Green
Metallic-GF3, Dark Green Metalic-GF7, Eggshell White-GW1, Black-TX9, Light
Gold-GY5, Gold Metallic-GY8, Dark Gold Metallic-GY9, Dark Tan Metallic-GT8,
Light Gunmetal Metallic-GA4, Medium Tan Metallic-GA4, Super Blue-GB3, Hemi
Orange-EV2, Top Banana-FY1

  1973

Black-TX9, Dark Silver Metallic-JA5, Eggshell White-EW1, Parchment-HL4, Light
Gold-JY3, Dark Gold Metallic-JY9, Gold Metallic-JY6, Bronze Metallic-GK6, Pale
Green-JF1, Dark Green Metallic-JF8, Light Blue-HB1, Super Blue-TB3, Bright Blue
Metallic-GB5, Bright Red-FE5, Top Banana-FY1, Light Green Metallic-GF3

  1974

Yellow Blaze-KY5, Golden Fawn-KY4, Parchment-HL4, Bright Red-FE5, Deep Sherwood
Metallic (Green)-KG8, Eggshell White-EW1, Black-TX9, Light Blue-HB1
[edit] Second generation (1978-1983)

      Second generation

      Production1978-1983
      AssemblyOkazaki, Aichi, Japan
      Body style(s)2-door coupe
      Engine(s)1.6 L 4G32 I4
      2.6 L 4G54 I4
      Transmission(s)5-speed manual
      3-speed automatic
      Wheelbase2530 mm (99.6 in)
      Length4525 mm (178.1 in)
      Width1675 mm (65.9 in)
      Height1345 mm (53 in)–1355 mm (53.3 in)
      RelatedMitsubishi Galant Lambda
      Plymouth Sapporo

  See Mitsubishi Galant Lambda for more information

The Challenger name was revived in 1978 for a version of the early Mitsubishi
Galant Lambda coupe, known overseas as the Mitsubishi Sapporo and sold through
Dodge dealers as a captive import, identical except in color and minor trim to
the Plymouth Sapporo. Although mechanically identical, the Dodge version
emphasized sportiness, with bright colors and tape stripes, and the Plymouth on
luxury with more subdued trim. Both cars were sold until 1983 , until being
replaced by the Conquest and Daytona.

The car retained the frameless hardtop styling of the old Challenger, but had
only a four-cylinder engine and was a long way in performance from its namesake.
Nevertheless, it acquired a reputation as a reasonably brisk performer of its
type, not least because of its available 2.6 L engine, exceptionally large for a
four-cylinder. 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 damp this out, and the Challenger was one of the first vehicles to bring
this technology to the American market; it has since been licensed to many other
manufacturers.

Third generation (2008-present)

      Third generation

      Production2008-present
      AssemblyBrampton, Ontario, Canada
      ClassPony car
      Body style(s)2-door coupe
      PlatformChrysler LC platform
      Engine(s)6.1L HEMI V8
      5.7L HEMI V8 (2009 & later)
      3.5L V6 (2009 & later)
      Transmission(s)4-speed Automatic
      5-speed Automatic
      6-speed Manual(2009 & later)
      Wheelbase116.0 in (2946 mm)
      Length197.7 in (5022 mm)
      Width75.7 in (1923 mm)
      Height57.0 in (1448 mm)
      RelatedChrysler 300
      Dodge Charger
      Dodge Magnum

 

2008

 

On December 3, 2007, Chrysler started taking deposits for the third-generation
Dodge Challenger, which debuted on February 6, 2008 simultaneously at the
Chicago Auto Show[1] and Philadelphia Auto Show. Listing at US$40,095, the new
version is a 2-door coupe which shares common design elements with the first
generation Challenger. It is equipped with the SRT-8 6.1L Hemi and a 5-speed
AutoStick automatic transmission, and outperforms the legendary 1970 Hemi
Challenger. The entire 2008 run of 6,400 cars were pre-sold, and production
commenced on April 21, 2008.

 

Chrysler has auctioned off two 2008 SRT-8 for charity. 2008 Challenger SRT-8 #1
has been auctioned off for $400,000.00 to benefit the notMYkid non-profit org,
and a 'B5' Blue Challenger SRT-8 #43 with a winning bid of $228,143.43 with the
proceeds going to Victory Junction Gang.[2]

2009

 

Chrysler debuted the 2009 line at the 2008 New York Auto Show, and 2009 brings a
full lineup of cars to choose from, including:

 

SRT-8

 

The '09 SRT-8 is virtually identical to it's '08 counterpart, with the main
difference being the choice of either a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual
transmission.

 

R/T

 

The mid-level Challenger is powered by a 5.7L HEMI V8 and coupled to either a
5-speed auto or 6-speed manual transmission. With the 6-speed manual, the
Multi-Displacement System option is deleted.

 

SE

 

The base model Challenger is powered by a 3.5L V6 and a 4-speed automatic
transmission. Several different exterior colors, and either cloth or leather
interiors are available.