Ever since the Challenger's 2009 reincarnation as a retro-modern muscle car, Dodge has made a series of civilizing upgrades to the interior, improved the handling, and given it the latest version of Chrysler's accomplished touchscreen infotainment system.
Rest assured however, the brazen attitude remains.
The 2015 vintage brought various cosmetic changes, performance-oriented features, and a choice of V6 and V8 engines spread over a bewildering eight different trim lines, culminating in the outrageous 707-hp "Hellcat" version.
The car we tested was a loaded mid-trim R/T Plus with a 375-hp, 5.7-liter "Hemi" V8 and a six-speed manual transmission. It also featured heated seats and steering wheel; navigation; a sport-oriented tire, brake, and suspension package; and active safety gear.
The Challenger's big-bruiser design makes a definite statement at a traffic signal -- especially with the Hemi's baritone exhaust note gurgling at idle. But such menacing form takes a toll on function. The cockpit is a low, dark man-cave with macho furnishings and a lousy view out.
It might feel bulky in routine driving, but the Challenger proves surprisingly capable despite its heft. It snarls and hangs on in corners like a Rottweiler with a rib eye. Braking is exceptional.
Steering requires more wheel winding than expected, but provides decent feedback. The manual shifter has relatively long throws, but it's easy to find the right gear. Though not quick through our avoidance maneuver, it stayed balanced and predictable.
Various track-driving apps let you scale down or shut off driving aids like stability control. This allows an experienced pilot to test the limits -- of car and driver -- on a closed course. The Dodge remains docile on the track, even as its tires are about to lose grip in corners. For a high-performance coupe, the Challenger has an almost civilized demeanor.
In everyday driving, our Challenger was a mixed bag. It feels like you're sitting in a pit surrounded by long, high doors and windows that better resemble gun slits. The ride was very firm, but not too punishing. Acceleration is effortless, but the loud, exhilarating exhaust note can grow tiresome, and the heavy clutch-pedal feedback wearies your left foot.
The driver-focused cockpit proffers old-school analog speedometer and tach dials flanking the instrument cluster. Between them, a versatile full-color information screen shows a host of useful info, including a digital speedometer, trip computer, and audio settings. Our car also displayed track stats including 0-to-60 mph times, braking distances, and lateral-g's.
Although the Challenger offers generous steering-wheel adjustments, the front seats' recline adjustment is manual only. The rear seats will fit kids, but an adult climbing in and out needs a slender body and powers of levitation.
The Challenger's biggest challenge is that it's not the only muscle car with a modicum of civility. Dodge may have modernized its classic, but it's hardly alone in the need-for-speed crowd.
Navigating the trim lines
Befitting an image car like the Challenger, you'll find a wide variety of flavors, letting you pick the price and poison that best suits your tastes and resources. Base SXT models have a 3.6-liter V6 and a decent array of standard features. The SXT Plus adds leather seats, 20-inch wheels, and the desirable Uconnect 8.4 touch-screen system.
R/T models add the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Various trim packages -- like R/T Classic and R/T Plus -- add equipment and cosmetic bits, while the R/T Shaker and R/T Shaker Plus add a shaker hood scoop, harkening back to the good old days.
Things get interesting with the R/T Scat Pack, fitted with the 6.4-liter V8 and 485 hp. The SRT 392 has the same powerplant, but it adds Brembo brakes and an adaptive three-mode suspension to help make full use of the power. Finally, there's the ferocious Hellcat, with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 belting out 707 horsepower. Impressively, all V8 versions of the Challenger are available with either a six-speed manual- or an eight-speed automatic transmission, but all V6 models receive an automatic.