The 2015 Challenger’s success can be attributed to Dodge doing its best to keep things innovative and lively, but if that year was a typhoon then 2016 was more of a passing shower. Most of the models are carry-overs and for the most part, the car is just one year newer. And, for the most part, that’s a good thing.
Most of the publications have decided the new look is just enough of a change to be fresh and a good look. Most also agree that the Barracuda name should have been resurrected by this point, but the numbers must not be there for Dodge’s liking. Que sera, sera.
| Model | 2016 Dodge Challenger |
| Type | 2-Door |
| Names & Trims | SXT (Plus), R/T (Plus,Classic,Shaker,Scat Pack), 392 (Scat Pack,SRT 392), SRT Hellcat |
| Engines | 3.6Liter SOHC V6, 5.7Liter OHV V8,6.4Liter OHV V8, 6.2Liter Supercharged OHV V8 |
| Price range | $27,000-$66,500 |
2016 Dodge Challenger Models
Challenger SXT, Plus
Back for the same live performance is the SXT and SXT Plus. Keeping the 305hp Pentastar V6, the Challenger SXT is still the model of looks over performance. Like the 1994 Ford Mustang V6 or even a Lamborghini Jalpa, the Challenger SXT is just for show and little else.
The Plus model, again, adds a whole lot of whipped cream to the dessert and it comes with things like a larger touch screen, better sound system, rear spoiler with camera, and much more. After too many checkmarks, you’d be climbing into the R/T scene and you may as well get the extra 70 horses with the price.
Challenger R/T, Shaker, Scat Pack
The Scat Pack was now a household name and its inexpensive speed was making the prices jump. Base prices were still lower than that of the SRT392, but dealer markups were dragging down the value of this deal. Still, you could save the couple thousand and buy a shiny new hat… or two.
With two other options now, the R/T wasn’t selling like in previous years. Even so, it was still a LOT of car for the money and had the 375hp to back up the looks. Between color options, performance packages, stripes and rims, and Shaker hoods, the car was indeed a looker.
Challenger 392, SRT 392
Remaining the mid-point between the healthy 375hp R/T and the ludicrous 707hp Hellcat, the SRT392 gives just the right kick to the senses. At less than five seconds to 60 and a top speed reaching toward 180mph, the SRT392 will keep all but the top-fuel drag stars riveted.
With this level of performance, there is also an amazing amount of creature comforts.
Did you think 4300lbs were for JUST the engine?
As you are cresting 110mph (on a closed track, of course), you’d be adjusting the dual climate control with cabin air filtration; looking in the body color, folded, heated side mirrors to see what you just dusted; powering through the gears with the leather-wrapped shifter; and deciding how soon you might have to brake with the 15.4in vented Brembo performance braking system. Yeah.
SRT Hellcat
Back with the exact same vengeance, the Hellcat and its 707hp were now known as a full-fledged exotic crusher. With quarter mile times in the low 11 seconds, there was little under $300,000 that would give it a good race. Meanwhile, you could be sipping on your favorite beverage in the comfort of Nappa leather; enjoying brisk A/C on the 100o summer day, and wondering what Chinese restaurant to visit using your satellite navigation.
That said, the Mustang GT350 was proving itself to be a true track star and the Challenger was losing that race in a big way. After all, one can go in a straight line for so long… and with the Hellcat, that’s over far too quickly.
2016 Challenger Quick Specifications
| Challenger SXT | Challenger R/T | Challenger Scat Pack & 392 | Challenger Hellcat | |
| Engine | 3.6L V6 | 5.7L V8 | 6.4L V8 | 6.2L SC V8 |
| Horsepower | 305 | 375 | 485 | 707 |
| Torque | 268 | 401 | 475 | 650 |
| MPG Cty/Hwy | 19/29 | 16/25 | 14/23 | 13/22 |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Auto | 6-Speed Manual | 6-Speed Manual | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Drive Type | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Weight lbs. |
3819 | 4040 | 4140 | 4440 |
| 0-60 mph |
6.4 | 5.5 | 4.8 | 3.7 |
| 0-¼ mile | 14.8 @ 95 mph | 13.5 @ 105 mph | 12.7 @ 113 mph | 11.6 @ 126 mph* |
| MSRP | $27,000 | $31,995 | $37,995 – $45,500 | $64,500 |
*11.2 w/ street drag tires, 10.7 Euro version.
Virtually indistinguishable from 2015, the 2016 models do what they do best. The SXT floats around behind most coupes in its class – happy with the lackluster, 1990’s amount of horsepower. The R/T chases the Mustang GT but at a far less costly price tag. Scat Pack destroys everything within $20k of its sticker price and the Hellcat just destroys everything period.
Dodge’s missing link remains a “track-star”. It would be a tough situation reducing that 4200lb girth down to something tossable on a track, but for all those who’d rather take a corner at 100 instead of in a straight line, there is no Challenger option. At least burn-outs aren’t optional.
2016 Dodge Challenger Interior
Last year’s refresh carries over with slightly different infotainment options and much the same ambiance. With 8 choices of colors and multiple leather fabrics, the choices for your interior viewing are extensive. Still, the outward view would be substantial enough for most.
Nappa leather with suede is super comfy, however.
2016 Dodge Challenger Wheels
Aside from the #8 Satin finish rim, last year’s list is still going strong. 18″ is still standard on the Challenger SXT, but everything else carries 20″ rims. Still, no 26″s available… I sense a missed opportunity.
There are enough Challengers out there at this point, one could potentially get any Challenger rim for their car – and potentially inexpensively. However, there should be quite enough choices above for all.
2016 Dodge Challenger Colors
And the palate roulette wheel continues to spin. This year no yellow, and green, but two reds, B5 Bright Blue, Plum Crazy, and Go Mango (orange). There seems to be a rotation to their crayon box and that seems to be working for sales and for customers. I’d hate to be the one who wanted Sublime Green for 2016 and they didn’t have it.
As if there weren’t enough choices with rims, engines, interiors, and colors, here is the stripe chart for 2016. If you couldn’t design the Challenger of your dreams, you probably wanted a howitzer on it.
2016 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).
2016 Dodge Challenger Production Figures
2016 was the first year that the Challenger didn’t increase sales since its birth in 2008. Thankfully the difference is only around 1,900 cars – or roughly 3% of a drop from 2015. 64,000 is also some 4 times more than were sold in 2008 and double the sales in 2010. Eventually, Challenger sales may start to really slide, but hopefully, Dodge has another restyling up its sleeve.
| 2014 Dodge Challenger |
64,478 |
Source: GoodCarBadCar.net
