The 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T. |
Then I started the engine.
2015 Dodge Challenger R/T. |
Hmm....I like the sound from the engine rumbling through those exhaust pipes back there. Impressive.
Then I put it in drive.
Surprisingly civilized. Not threatening to deprive me of my license simply driving down the street from my house.
Then I turned onto the major boulevard nearest home. Posted for 45, cars routinely come flying by at 55, 60 or more. Turning onto it requires determination and a firm right foot.
So I stepped down on the accelerator.
I haven't stopped smiling since.
The 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T we tested is one step up from but significantly stronger than the Challenger SXT Plus our Publisher and Executive Editor tested in California the same week. A lot of the creature comforts in the SXT Plus Michael drove are absent from the R/T: Heated and ventilated leather front seats, a heated steering wheel and the ability to upgrade to an optional 9-speaker, 506-watt audio system all vanish.
The objective? To keep the cost down so that for only $1,500 more than the $29,995 base price of the SXT Plus, the R/T is able to replace the 3.6-liter, 300 horsepower V6 with a 5.7-liter, 372 horsepower Hemi V8. Zero to 60 falls to 5 seconds from 6. Fuel economy drops as well, from an EPA estimated 19 city/30 highway to 16 city/25 highway. That's not much of a penalty, considering the significant leap in power.
2015 Dodge Challenger R/T interior. |
Our test vehicle had only two options: An eight-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission (which no doubt minimized the fuel economy difference) for $1,400 and SiriusXM Satellite Radio for $195. With $995 destination charges, the as-tested price came to $34,085...which was $90 less than the as-tested price for the SXT Plus Michael reviewed. Rank may have its privileges, but I absolutely got the better deal. The 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T is a serious performance vehicle that anyone who loves driving can enjoy. Despite my prejudices going in, I love it as much as any teenage boy would.