It’s important for cars to update with the times, and many cars cannot stand the test of time. Even models that have been around for decades need to be remodeled, redesigned, and made over for new generations.
That being said, there are some cars that are so classic, so iconic, that capturing their original look is much more appealing than trotting them out with an overly modernized design. Few cars embody this idea better than the 2013 Dodge Challenger. The Dodge Challenger was one of the last original classic pony cars, cars with a sporty attitude, plenty of muscle and no shame about showing it. That 1970s style fits perfectly with some of today’s more enthusiastic drivers, which is great news for fans of the Dodge Challenger, because the 2013 Challenger is unmistakably the child of the original.
Thanks to three distinctive trim levels, the SXT, the R/T, and the SRT8, you can have a Dodge Challenger that’s just as sporty looking and powerful as you want it to be. The options available put it all in your hands.
On the outside, a 2013 Dodge Challenger could have come right out of a ‘70s movie, but once you get inside, you’ll see all the modern touches that make this a truly 21st century automobile, and there are plenty more optional interior features to make the Challenger as modern and up to date as any coupe on the market today.
Of course, with a car like a Dodge Challenger, what you’re really looking for is oomph under the hood, and you get it, with a powerful Pentastar V-6 in the basic SXT model and powerful Hemis in the more muscular trims. If you’ve always wanted to own a classic muscle car, but couldn’t find one or afford one, the 2013 Dodge Challenger is your chance to own a car that owns the road.
New For 2013
Look for an upgrade from the five-speed automatic transmission to an eight-speed automatic, which may be a better fit, and should be standard on the 3.6-Liter V-6 and optional on the 5.7-Liter V-8 and 6.4-Liter V-8. Don’t look for more improvements on the Dodge Challenger in 2014, there’s a good chance it will be put to rest to make room for the new SRT Barracuda.
Exterior
What can be said about the exterior of the 2013 Dodge Challenger that you don’t already know? It embodies every bit of the spirit of the 70s original, complete with bright, attention grabbing colors, racing stripes and a strong frame that hints at the powerful engine under the hood. The base SXT model features 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires and optional power sunroof. The R/X adds a rear spoiler and options such as dual white side stripes, fender stripes, chrome-covered aluminum wheels, and high intensity headlamps. The top of the line SRT8 features 20-inch alloy wheels, with options such as dual center stripes and black vapor chrome aluminum wheels. Exterior color options include Billet Silver Metallic Clearcoat, Black Clearcoat, and Redline 3 Pearlcoat
Interior & Cargo
The interior of the 2013 Dodge Challenger features some very cool interior features and options that may make you forget you’re in a car modeled after a classic. It starts with the MOPAR UConnect system, which provides amazing wireless access and communication capabilities. Other interior features include a six way power driver seat, adjustable lumbar support, cloth bucket front seats, power everything, a tilt and telescoping leather steering wheel with audio and cruise controls on the wheel and a six speaker stereo with CD player and MP3 input.
You’ll actually find a surprising amount of room in this five passenger coupe, with 42 inches of front leg room and 32.6 inches of rear legroom, along with a cargo capacity of 16.2 cu. ft.
Safety
While safety may not be your first concern when shopping for a muscle car, Dodge has equipped the 2013 Dodge Challenger with a full array of welcome safety features. For stopping power and safety, you’ll find front and rear ventilated disc brakes with emergency brake assist, emergency braking preparation, electronic brake force distribution, and a four-wheel antilock braking system. You’ll also get stability and traction control, front and rear head and dual front side-mounted airbags and head restraint whiplash protection. The Challenger offers child seat anchors and a theft prevention alarm system with an engine immobilizer. This vehicle also provides tire pressure monitoring and Xenon high intensity discharge headlamps.
Driving Experience
Of course, the driving experience is what the Dodge Challenger is all about, and the available engines don’t disappoint. The base SXT model features a 3.6-liter V-6 linked to a five-speed shiftable automatic transmission that provides 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. Of course, if you want a serious engine that really embodies the muscle the Dodge Challenger is designed for, you’ll want to upgrade to the R/T or SRT8 trim. In the R/T you’ll find a 5.7-liter V-8 linked to a six-speed manual transmission that will really give you that old-school street racer feel, with 375 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque at your command. But the car that will really make you desperate to get out on the track or the nearest drag strip is the SRT8 with its 6.4-liter V-8 linked to a six-speed manual trans, which gives you a mighty 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque to play with. All models are rear wheel drive, and HEMI Multi-Displacement System engines as well as five-speed automatic transmissions are available in the upgraded trims. Gas mileage is 18/27 mpg city/highway on the SXT, 15/23 mpg city/highway on the R/T and 14/23 mpg city/highway on the SRT8.
Key Competitors For The 2013 Dodge Challenger
- Ford Mustang
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Hyundai Genesis