Dodge has made a massive error. In fact, it might be the stupidest mistake the company has ever made. Currently, they seem to recognize this fact. As a result, teams are likely working overtime right now to fix this situation. However, the damage remains. For example, they brought back the Charger. Yet, they launched it with a twin-turbo inline-six and a fully electric powertrain. Consequently, they missed the mark completely.
The twin-turbo i6 is undeniably a phenomenal car. It is awesome in its own right. However, it cannot compete with the legacy of the modern muscle car we just lost. Here are five specific reasons why the modern Dodge Challenger is the best muscle car ever made. For instance, it does not matter if you compare it to the Ford Mustang or the Chevrolet Camaro. This vehicle stands alone. In my opinion, it is the single greatest car ever produced. I have yet to see anything better. Therefore, Dodge needs to correct this huge mistake immediately.
The Unbeatable Sound of a Natural V8
The first reason this car is superior is its natural sound. If you are listening to Dodge, listen closely. Specifically, this is what the new generation lacks. Whether it was the R/T, the Scat Pack 392, or the Hellcat, the sound was authentic. You had a natural exhaust note. In contrast, many modern cars pump artificial sound through the speakers. Sometimes, they use an MP3 soundtrack to fake the noise. However, the Dodge Challenger offers a pure auditory experience.
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Of course, you can enhance this sound. For instance, I modified my own car simply and cheaply. I chopped the mufflers off for about $150. Now, when I throw it in track mode and stomp on the gas, it rips. It pops aggressively. As a result, everybody turns their head to look. This is the visceral experience that the new six-cylinder simply cannot match.
Furthermore, consider the issue of power delivery. The 5.7L Hemi, the 392, and even the supercharged Hellcats provide instant torque. Because you have a V8, that power is available immediately. Unfortunately, the new “Six Pack” engines lack this response. Instead, they suffer from slight turbo lag. You might argue that the electric version has instant torque. However, the EV lacks the natural sound. Therefore, only the V8 Dodge Challenger combines instant power with a genuine, soul-stirring soundtrack.
A Design That Transcends Time
Visually, the Dodge Challenger is unmatched. It looks better than the Mustang. The Mustang is a nice car, certainly. Ford did a good job capturing a retro feel. However, an M8 BMW also looks similar to a Mustang today. In contrast, nothing else on the road looks like a Challenger. If you park this modern machine next to a 1970 model, the lineage is undeniable. They are clearly related.
This body style will remain popular for decades. In fact, it may become even more popular than the original 1970s classics. For example, my specific car is the Swinger Special Edition in Sublime Green. It features the Shaker hood. It is one of the sexiest cars I have ever seen. Years ago, at SEMA, I saw this design and vowed to buy one. I stayed true to that promise. Next to my Lamborghini, this is the most attractive car I have ever owned. It has a menacing, nasty presence that commands attention.
Accessibility for Every Driver
Another reason the Dodge Challenger is the best muscle car ever made is its variety. Dodge offered an iteration for everyone. For example, you could buy a Pentastar V6. This was perfect for people who needed a daily commuter but wanted the style. Originally, you could get into one of these for around $20,000. It looked just as good as the higher trims.
Then, you could work your way up. You could upgrade to an R/T. Eventually, you could find yourself in a 392 Scat Pack. If you kept pushing, you could reach the Hellcat, the Red Eye, or even the Demon. This car covered every drivetrain option. It allowed everyone to experience a beautiful machine. Most non-enthusiasts did not even know the difference. They assumed every Challenger had a V8. They just saw a beautiful muscle car parked in the lot.
The Joy of Being Pointless
Number three on my list is that this car was fairly pointless. For most people, it is not a rational purchase. It has two huge doors. Additionally, it has a massive long hood. It weighs nearly 5,000 pounds. Overall, it is impractical. While it has a huge trunk, it is difficult to put people in the back seat. This is distinct from the Charger. If you bought a four-door Charger, you could justify it. You could carry kids, in-laws, or luggage easily.
The Challenger is different. It is a gas hog. My car is a six-speed manual, which adds to the impracticality. However, that is the point. It is just you and the road. Next, you roll the windows down. You blast heavy metal music. You stomp on the gas pedal and scream with laughter. Ultimately, it is about pure fun. There is nothing rational about buying a two-door, 4,800-pound beast. That irrationality is exactly what makes it so special.
Unmatched Emotional Connection
You cannot look at this car without feeling emotion. There are very few vehicles that evoke such a strong reaction. I have never met anyone who called the Dodge Challenger ugly. It transcends demographics. Additionally, it transcends age groups. For example, just the other day, a kid on a bicycle rode up to me. He was about 12 or 13 years old. He said, “Sir, I love your car.” He did not know exactly what it was. He just knew it was the coolest thing he had ever seen.
That is the power of nostalgic design. It gives you goosebumps when you see it. It excites you when you cold start it. Recently, some high school freshmen approached me while I was filming. They were riding their bikes. Then, they stopped just to admire the car. They asked me to rev it. I put it in track mode and smoked the tires for them. As a result, they loved it. This car brings joy to everyone, from young teenagers to older generations.
A Future Legend
Finally, these cars are already becoming legends. Production ended recently. They are not coming back anytime soon. Dealers previously claimed values would triple or quadruple immediately. I was harsh on those dealers. I believe it will take years for that extreme value spike to happen. However, since Dodge cancelled this platform, it has a great chance of appreciating.
No matter what Dodge does next, they cannot beat this perfection. Even if they modernize the body style, it will not be as popular. This model is perfect from front to back. It is the most modern era of muscle car without the “stupid crap.” We still have analog gauges. We have a raw, mechanical feel. It is a big, obnoxious, beautiful thing. For these reasons, the modern Dodge Challenger is the best muscle car ever made. Dodge should regret letting it go.
