2017 Dodge Challenger Guide: Specs, Performance & More

For 2017, the Challenger both grew up and became more of a nutcase in the same breath. On one hand, the GT is introduced and adds a bit of safety and handling to the hefty lug, and on the other, the T/A comes in like a rocket-powered wheelchair in a nursing home.

With Ford’s Mustang GT350 running wild in magazine articles, and the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 now producing 650 horsepower (borrowed from the Corvette Z06), the Dodge boys were having to come up with new ideas to keep things fresh for the clientele.

2017 Dodge Challenger Models

Challenger SXT, Plus

Photo Source: atlantaautos.com

The SXT is a straight carryover from 2016 and most of that is a good thing. Excellent looks, tons of options, a dizzying array of colors, and stripe kits to boot, it is still a wonderful starting point in the Challenger line.

Unfortunately, it is still packing the same 305hp punch even though the Camaro has increased to 335 (and is lighter), and the Mustang, which was already faster, has increased its V6 power and added a turbo-4cyl model with 310hp. The SXT is in the running for “the least helped Dodge model of all time” at this point. Challenger loyalists would have still loved it, but new consumers will have had a hard time swinging the performance lag.

Challenger GT

Photo Source: gtspirit.com

The new kid in the neighborhood was the GT. This all-wheel-drive version of the Challenger would be for those in climates where the weather makes rear-drive vehicles all but useless. An ace-in-the-hole if you will, the Challenger now had a model that would appeal to buyers over the more powerful Mustang V6 and Camaro V6 that were rear-drive only.

According to Wikipedia, “The AWD system includes both an active transfer case and front-axle disconnect system. The system defaults to rear-wheel drive but can seamlessly transition between RWD and AWD if certain conditions are met –  like low external temperature, rainfall, or loss of traction… In Sport Mode, the car uses AWD exclusively. The AWD system in the Challenger GT is configured to be rear-biased (applies more power to the rear wheels). Only up to 38% of power is transferred to the front wheels”

More than that, the AWD system (even with added 200lbs of heft) added a bit of performance to the SXT’s lowly existence. With the jump off the line and curve-hugging cornering, the GT would feel much more lively than the base SXT and would do so in any weather condition. Try 0-60 in 6 seconds with a Hellcat (or a Mustang GT for that matter) in the heavy rain. Not happening.

Challenger R/T, Shaker, Scat Pack

Photo Source: gtcarlot.com

The R/T setup is virtually unchanged from the previous year, and that remains a good thing. The R/T happily sits as the base performance option and carries the identical 375hp stick from last year. Still priced below the Mustang GT and still a 100mph ¼mile car. The R/T gets the job done.

For those who need more of a swift kick, the R/T Scat Pack still delivers SRT392 performance in a “thatched-hut” price range. No, the car isn’t stripped to the fiberglass, but it is under the premium packages that the SRT392 offers. Still, at almost 115mph in the ¼, you won’t care about LED-illuminated door panel map pockets being omitted.

Challenger 392, SRT392

Photo Source: youtube.com

At 485hp, the SRT392 remains the top beast before going all-in for the Hellcat. At roughly $46,000, it is still a pretty good steal as it undercuts the Corvette by some $10,000. If you are looking to out-drag or, even worse, out “track” the Corvette, you’d be thoroughly disappointed. As a 4100lb coupe with all the amenities you could want, there isn’t much quicker in its class, however.

Oh, and you can carry two more passengers to the cookout than in the Vette. Party on.

Challenger SRT Hellcat

Photo Source: atlantaautos.com

707hp of fury… ’nuff said.

Well, no. The Hellcat is a voracious sprinter and has the power to prove it. I’ve heard and ridden in one and can say it is an experience for the select few. Like the 426 Hemi of old, it would scare the pants off anyone running to the store and is so powerful nowadays, that a multitude of accidents have happened from inexperienced would-be racers who have no idea what driving a car as this entails.

0-60 in a shade over 3 and a half seconds means you could be through the next intersection before you could even breathe – saying that you didn’t spin out the rear end into the Porsche 911 beside you. This is NOT the car for the new driver and possibly not for an experienced one either. For those who are daring enough to buy one, they have the meanest, angriest car on the block.

Challenger R/T T/A Plus, T/A 392

Photo Source: hotrod.com

The other newbie to the Challenger scene is the long-absent T/A. Harkening back to the 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A, the new T/A has all the goodies that the yesteryear model had: satin black hood, decals, rear spoiler, roof, and blackened light aluminum wheels.

Add to that the 375hp Hemi or the 485hp 392, and this Challenger would make quick work of the ’70’s classic and look amazing doing so. The T/A also would get Brembo brakes, larger 275 width tires, performance seats, and classic gauges.

A value at the $37,500 price of the base model, the T/A 392 reaches into the mid-$40k range and thus some $5,000 over the R/T Scat Pack. Worth it if you need the elaborate looks, but a tough sell for anyone looking at performance.

2017 Challenger Quick Specifications

*11.2 w/ street drag tires, 10.7 Euro version.

So, the GT has added stability to the lower models, but no real improvement in acceleration figures. The SXT is still at the rear of most performance tables.

The R/T and Scat Pack do very well in their respective price/class and are in little need of change.

The SRT392 is very redundant to the Scat Pack and this point should be deleted from the roster. It IS a fantastic performer and comes with an insane list of features and options, so for the deeper pockets, it is a treasure.

SRT Hellcat – well, not much to add. Line it up and watch everything else fall behind.

2017 Dodge Challenger Interior

Photo Source: Dodge.com

The biggest change for this year is the T/A’s retro interior. The use of a lot of aluminum trim (to mimic the chrome of the muscle-car era), plated pedals, stylish white gauges, and more give a nice recall to the days of old. The newer bolstered seats, infotainment systems, audio systems, and engines all scream new-age and help keep worries away of breakdowns and 10mpg ratings.

Interior seat coverings are as numerous as previous years and could give an opulent feel or a sparse, performance-orientated feel. Choice would likely be yours.

2017 Dodge Challenger Wheels

Photo Source: Dodge.com

Ok, ok… twelve different rims? Is this Dodge or Tire Rack?

The choices are as plentiful as any year Challenger ever carried and they were just a perfect match to the large cruiser. Of a note, why they are carrying ONE 18″ rim at this point is a question that needs answering. The prevailing thought is that the 20″ rims are better looking and better selling, so the cost-cutting need seems overly unneeded. If I had to choose between a Challenger with the basic rims and anything else, it’d be anything else.

2017 Dodge Challenger Colors

Photo Source: Dodge.com

Whelp, the cars with colors are gone again and we are left with parallelograms to show the 2017-unique colors. Plum Crazy, B5 Blue, and Ivory are deleted once again, and Yellow Jacket, Green Go (Sublime’s brother), and Octane Red return.

2017 could be the best overall list of colors the Challenger has had since the ’70s, and there was enough option to carry most peoples’ wishes for style.

Beyond the actual colors, the names are borderline crazy at this point. They read like a Marvel cast list:

• Destroyer Grey
• White Knuckle
• Yellow Jacket
• Contusion Blue
• Pitch Black

Whatever happened to a simple Banana color?

2017 Dodge Challenger Option Packages

Sound Group:

276-watt amplifier and 6 Boston Acoustics speakers

Sound Group II:

9 premium speakers with subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier.

Premium Sound Group:

900-watt amplifier, 18 Harmon Kardon speakers, and tire service kit (replaces spare).

Super Sport Group SS/T:

20 x 8.0 satin carbon aluminum wheels, 245/45R20 all-season performance tires, 3.07 rear axle ratio, compact spare tire, decklid spoiler, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters (SXT)

Super Track Pak:

Includes 20-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels, antilock 4-wheel high-performance disc brakes, 3.07 or 3.90 rear axle ratio depending on engine, rear body-color spoiler, performance steering, performance suspension with Billstein shocks, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters (auto trans), ParkView rear backup camera and ParkSense rear parking assist (SXT, SXT Plus, R/T and R/T Plus).

Scat Pack Appearance Group:

Includes 20X9 inch Matte Black lightweight forged aluminum wheels, Scat Pack Bumblebee tail stripe, HID headlamps, Hectic Mesh interior accents, Performance cloth seats w/Scat Pack logo, Scat Pack floormats, Black grille, leather-wrapped performance steering wheel, Black fuel filler door, Scat Pack gauge cluster splash screen, and 506-watt Alpine Audio System with premium speakers w/subwoofer.

Blacktop Package:

Includes fog lamps (SXT), Black grille with the Challenger Blacktop badge, Blacktop stripe, Black fuel door, 20″ gloss black aluminum wheels with 245/45ZR20 performance tires, Blacktop logo floor mats, gloss black interior accents, and performance steering wheel.

R/T Classic Package:

Performance Nappa leather and suede heated and ventilated seats, dual classic R/T side stripes, HID headlamps, “Challenger” script fender badge an 20″ polished aluminum Classic II wheels.

Driver Convenience Group:

Fold-away mirrors, high-intensity discharge headlamps, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, remote start, ParkSense Rear Park Assist, Universal Garage Door Opener (SXT, SXT Plus, R/T, R/T Plus & Scat Pack)

Cold Weather Group:

Includes heated front seats, heated steering wheels, and 180-amp alternator.

Leather Interior Group:

Includes leather/suede performance seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering column, and Satin Silver & Hectic Mesh bezels (R/T, Scat Pack).

Technology Group:

Includes rain-sensing wipers, Auto High-Beam Headlamp Control and Forward Collision Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control Stop.

2017 Dodge Challenger Production Figures

Just 59 more cars difference between 2017 and the previous year. Not amazing, but good that the Challenger sales numbers were stable after dipping 3% the previous year. Likely new customers interested in AWD and the stylish T/A version kept things square for the long-lasting model.

Source: GoodCarBadCar.net

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