The 2011 Challenger is a 2-door, 5-passenger sports coupe, or sports car, available in 3 trims, ranging from the SE to the SRT8.
Upon introduction, the SE is equipped with a standard 3.6-liter, V6, 305-horsepower, flexible fuel engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The SRT8 is equipped with a standard 6.4-liter, V8, 470-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard.
The 2011 Challenger is a carryover from 2010.
Previously, Leftlane caught wind of a NADA report that detailed some pricing and basic information on a few aspects of the 2011 Challenger’s powertrain lineup, but the report lacked some crucial data for the most hardcore fans. Now, thanks to a leaked brochure obtained by Ontario Street Car, we now know how much power will be packed into the all-new HEMI.
What’s under the hood
According to a brochure, the base model 2011 Dodge Challenger SE will come with Chrysler’s new high-feature 3.6-liter V6 engine, packing 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque (compared to 290 horsepower under the hood of the sing the same engine). The Challenger’s current five-speed automatic will remain, fuel economy will be rated at 19 city, 26 highway miles per gallon.
Reflecting its new engine, the Challenger’s base price will inflate from its current $23,695 to $25,305 – an increase of $1,610.
The mid-level Challenger R/T will remain relatively unchanged, but is still in line for a higher MSRP. The 2011 Challenger R/T will see a price increase from $31,610 to $32,770.
We’ve known that the Challenger SRT8 model would swap out its 6.1-liter V8 for a new 6.4-liter unit for the 2011 model year, but until now we could only speculate in regards to power figures. Although not as high as many rumors indicating it could produce as much as 500 horsepower, the 6.4-liter HEMI will be rated at 475 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
Unlike the other Challenger models, the SRT8 is listed as having a price decrease for 2011, dropping from its current price of $43,680 to $43,100.
The mid-level Challenger R/T’s 5.7-liter HEMI sees a small power bump to 379 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, but only when paired with a manual transmission. An earlier report suggested that it could see a small highway fuel economy increase as well – likely Jeep Grand Cherokee due to some light gear ratio and aerodynamics tweaking.
Interior clean-up
The 2011 Challenger will lose its four-spoke steering wheel and will gain the new three-spoke unit already seen in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The wheel provides cruise control, Bluetooth and trip computer controls on the front, while it brings back Chrysler’s signature rear-mounted audio controls – a feature not seen on the 2010 Challenger.
Otherwise, it looks like the Challenger will gain an automatic mode for its climate control system and revised gauges. Also new will be active head restraints and standard side curtain and seat mounted airbags.
Overall, however, the Challenger doesn’t look like it will gain the interior makeover anticipated by many.
Styling tweaks
Outside, the only obvious change to the Challenger seen in our spy photos is that its lower grille has been flipped upside down and it gains a much more pronounced front spoiler – at least on the SRT8 model.
A closer inspection reveals new exterior door handles. It’s also hard to say for sure, but it looks like Chrysler’s popular Inferno Red Crystal will be available on the SRT8 for 2011 – that metallic shade isn’t currently available on SRT8s. That said, it isn’t unusual for a pre-production car to wear incorrect badges or to be painted in an incorrect shade.
