The Dodge Challenger, revamped for the 2015 model year, is now available in the States with a manufacturer recommended retail price of $26,995. For the money, you don’t get a Hemi V8, but a Pentastar V6 with 305 hp. That’s less than half the power the gutsiest version, the SRT Hellcat, which boasts 707 horses and a massive 650 lb-ft of torque; it retails from $59,995.

There are obviously a few in-between models, if you don’t need to do 11.2 second quarter miles all day, or if you think 305 hp and only six cylinders is a bit shabby for what is still seen as a modern muscle car.

At the bottom of the range is the standard SXT model, the most basic and poorly equipped of them all. It’s then succeeded by the SXT Plus trim, which makes the six-cylinder experience a little more luxurious.

If you feel like the car is inadequate without a V8, then you need to opt for the Challenger R/T. It’s the first of the bunch to come with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8. It pumps out 375 hp and 410 lb-ft and comes with special badging, standard 20-inch alloys and sporty metallic pedals. It retails from $31,495, excluding destination, but it only comes with a six-speed manual, and if you want the eight-speed TorqueFlite eight-cog self-shifter, then you’ll have to pay extra.

The R/T Scat Pack and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker models add a little bit more V8 performance, raising the displacement for the V8 to 6.4 liters and the power output to 485 hp – torque goes up to 475 lb-ft. These two versions also add uprated suspension, Brembo four-pot brake package, different 20-inch wheels, 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment among others. The first is available from $38,495, while the second can be yours from $38,895.

Sitting at the top of the range, close to the crazy 707 hp Hellcat is the SRT 392. It has the same 6.4-liter engine as the previous two variants, but it features yet another style of 20-inch rims, “the largest brakes offered on any Chrysler group vehicle” (Brembo six-piston setup at the front), adaptive suspension, a rear spoiler, SRT badges, high-spec audio system, Nappa leather interior, flat-bottomed steering wheel, push button start and full body stripes running the length of the car.

All prices exclude a $995 destination and handling fee (*).

By Andrei Nedelea

2015 Dodge Challenger

2015 Dodge Challenger SRT