Mopar muscle car enthusiasts fondly remember the handsome Challenger coupe that took on the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang in the late 1960s. Chrysler based the Challenger on the large platform found in the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. This ensures that the Challenger is a well-mannered rear-wheel-drive car with a range of powerful engines. It also means the Challenger is significantly larger and heavier than its direct competitors. The Challenger comes in SE, R/T and SRT8 trim levels. The base SE equips a V6, the R/T upgrades to a 5.7l V8 and the SRT8 features a 6.4l V8. A five speed automatic is standard on all models, although V8 models offer a six-speed manual as an option. As a muscle car throwback, Dodge offers the Challenger with a number of option packages largely consisting of performance tweaks, upgraded wheels and bright colors.

The 2011 Challenger sees an increase in power in its entry-level SE model and the range topping SRT8. The standard V6 in the SE model produces 305-bhp. The new 6.4l V8 in the SRT8 produces 470-bhp.