2012 Dodge Challenger Preview
 

2012 Dodge Challenger Preview

Release Date: Late 2011


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MOPAR fans are going to be extremely pleased with the current plans for the 2012 Dodge Challenger, but that may or may not change as the new FIAT-infused management sees fit. Current plans include minor tweaks to the sheet metal, a emblem-less nose, and brand new engines for entry-level and high-end models. All models are expected to hit the streets in late 2011, though the SRT8 refresh might be delayed a little longer as its proposed motor may be scrapped and replaced by a Pentastar-based motor instead.
Debut

A debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto show is an almost given, especially given the brand’s otherwise minor lineup of new vehicles to debut on U.S. shores. The focus of the debuts in the U.S. auto show circuit are going to focus heavily around the new Pentastar-series motors. It is the Pentastar-class motor that could turn out to be the star of the new Dodge/Chrysler, but purists of the 1970-muscle car may not necessarily be enthralled with the rumored plans to drop the Hemi in favor of blown-V6s and a new Pentastar-based V8.
Competition to the 2012 Dodge Challenger

Unfortunately, Ford has proven that direct-injection V6s can sell muscle cars with their latest Mustang and even Chevrolet is selling a great number of fast V6-powered Camaros. A roughly 300 horsepower 3.7 L Pentastar V6 is expected to join the fray at the low end replacing the SOHC 250 HP 3.5 L engine but the biggest change will be at the high end where the SRT8 could see a blown 5.0L V8 based on the Pentastar or an extra-large displacement HEMI. With government regulators breathing down Detroit’s neck and customers clamoring for lighter vehicles with more power, the days of the HEMI may be numbered, even when it comes to the 2012 Dodge Challenger.