While the first facelift of the Dodge Challenger is less dramatic than the Charger’s, there are some significant changes taking place for the 2015 model year unveiled at the New York Auto Show.

The exterior of the 2015 Challenger features some mild styling updates with a new split grille, more pronounced and functional power bulge hood, LED halo headlamps and split LED tail lamps.

Dodge says the interior is all-new and includes 1971-inspired high-sill center console and driver-focused instrument panel, aluminum bezels and 14 interior color and trim options, including throwback Houndstooth premium cloth, Radar Red, or Pearl and Alcantara suede and leather high-performance seats.

The 2015 Challenger is available in eight trim levels: SXT, SXT Plus, R/T, R/T Plus, R/T Shaker, R/T Plus Shaker, 6.4-liter Scat Pack and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker.

Three engines are on offer: the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 producing 305 hp (on SXT and SXT Plus), the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with up to 375 hp and 410 lb-ft (555 Nm) of torque (on R/T and R/T Plus Shaker) and a revised 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft (643 Nm) of torque (on Scat Pack and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker).

V6 models are offered with the standard 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, while V8 models get a six-speed manual as standard and the eight-speed auto as optional. Dodge says the 6.4-liter V8 with the 8-speed auto propel the Challenger from 0-60 mph in the mid-4 second range, while the quarter mile is covered in low-12 second range. Top speed is 182 mph (293 km/h).

In terms of handling, all Challenger SXT models feature a sport-tuned suspension with 18-inch wheels as standard, while all Challenger R/T models now get larger 20-inch wheels with lower profile side walls and wider 245-series rubber.

Production will begin in the third quarter of 2014.

By Dan Mihalascu

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