2010 Dodge Challenger SE

2010 Dodge Challenger SE, the popular retro offering from Chrysler's automotive division. The car reappeared to much fanfare in 2008, and has since emerged as a survivor even in times of recession.

Our tester came dressed in entry level trim of three available Challengers, the other two being the R/T 5.7 Hemi V8 and the SRT8 6.1 Hemi V8. The cost for the Hemi V8 powered Challengers, however, is way higher as the base priced for the 376 horsepower R/T is $31,585 while the SRT8 Hemi, which develops 425 horses, starts at $43,655.

With this in mind, we welcomed the opportunity to drive the V6 with its standard 5-speed "Auto Stick" automatic and came away pleasantly surprised. Specifically, the 3.5 Liter V6 with single overhead cam technology performs like a V8 from years ago, yet is capable of delivering 17 city and 25 highway EPA fuel mileage numbers. The high output V6 delivers 250 horsepower and an identical torque figure, helping motivate SE in a peppy manner. Another important aspect is weight, with the V6 lighter than the Hemi models by up to 321 pounds.

2010 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak Program Announced

Dodge Challenger Drag Pak program. Based off the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8, this V-8 powered monster is not street-legal and comes with a 6.1 HEMI mated to a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. The designers have been able to bring down the curb weight by around 1000 pounds by eliminations several non-essential production components.

It features unique drag-racing components like a composite lift-off hood with functional scoop, polycarbonate door windows, Dodge Viper-style front seats, manual rack-and-pinion steering, a light-weight cooling module with electric fan, special light-weight front-brake assemblies, a special cable-operated deck-lid release and a special cable-operated throttle linkage and pedal assembly.

“We’re proud of our drag racing heritage at Mopar and we will continue to support our drag-race customers where they compete,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and Chief Executive Officer – Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Dodge Challenger Drag Pak program was a success last year, and we’ll be carrying that momentum into our 2010 build.”

2010 Dodge Challenger Convertible

Future Cars: 2009 and Beyond

What it is: Our rendering of a topless Challenger.

Why it’s important: Gives people mourning the loss of the Prowler a nostalgic alternative to yearn for.

Competition: Reborn Chevrolet Camaro, Plymouth Prowler, a ’70s Challenger, a mullet.

2009 Dodge Charger SRT8

2009 Dodge Charger SRT8

2010 Dodge Challenger Now Available in "Furious Fuchsia"

2010 Dodge Challenger
Dodge's latest (and most vibrant) limited edition Challenger: it's painted in a color Chrysler calls "Furious Fuscia."

That name may be new, but the paint certainly isn't. Once a part of Chrysler's wild "High Impact" color offerings, the hue -- known as "Panther Pink" on Dodge models and "Moulin Rouge" on Plymouths -- was only offered on 1970 models (although some 1971 cars were special ordered with the hue).

Fittingly, production of the Furious Fuscia Challenger will be just as short. Chrysler plans on limiting production of R/T Classic models in the color, although it has yet to establish a firm number for that limit. R/T Classic models will continue to use the 376-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, although cars equipped with the six-speed manual transmission will receive the "Trak Pak" -- which adds a pistol-grip shifter, performance exhaust, and a 3.92:1 limited-slip differential -- as standard equipment.

Challenger SRT8 models painted in the color will be even harder to find at dealers. Chrysler will build only 400 examples, with each car receiving a numbered dash plaque to indicate its exclusivity. All Furious Fuscia SRT8 models receive special satin-finished 20-inch wheels, quad exhaust tips, pearlescent white leather seating surfaces (an option on the R/T Classic), and an orange paint finish for the 6.1-liter V-8's block.

Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition

Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition
the 600-horsepower monster does everything quicker. Try this statistic on for size: 0 to 202 miles-per-hour happens 14 seconds quicker with this 2010 Viper ACR than the 2009 model. Can we get a wolf whistle? The 1:33 Edition also gets a unique two-tone Black Clear Coat/Red Clear Coat exterior color, the inverse of the original ACR, as well as modified end caps on its massive carbon-fiber wing, too. We're going to miss the uncircumsized Dodge Viper (how would you describe it?), but at least it's going out with a big bang.

2010 Dodge Caliber

- SRT4 discontinued
– 1.8-litre four-cylinder discontinued
– Redesigned interior
– Standard active head restraints and iPod connectivity
– SXT adds standard power heated mirrors and chrome body side moulding
– New SXT Sport Plus Group option
- Optional SXT with Security Group package adds available remote starter

For 2010, the Dodge Caliber loses its high-performance SRT4 edition, as well as its base 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine. The SE and SXT receive a redesigned interior, including a restyled and painted upper instrument panel, soft-touch centre console armrest, restyled door pads, longer seat recline handle, improved seat track covers, improved air conditioning performance, and electric temperature controls that replace the previous cables.

All models receive whiplash-reducing active head restraints and an iPod connector packaged in the lower glovebox, while the SXT adds standard power heated mirrors and chrome moulding, and an available Sport Plus Group package.

The Caliber uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with CVT; trim lines are the SE and SXT.

Features on the SE include 15-inch steel wheels, floor mats, electroluminescent gauges, cloth bucket seats, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input and iPod connectivity, floor console with sliding armrest, liftgate-mounted spoiler, illuminated cupholders, rear spoiler, manual locks and windows, manual mirrors, tilt steering column, driver’s side inflatable knee blocker, tire pressure monitoring system, variable intermittent wipers, and rear washer/wiper.