The changes that Chrysler was forced to make to the Challenger for the 1972 model year reduced performance significantly, with available engines reduced to just three: a 225 ci slant-6, a 318 ci V8, or a 340 ci V8. Buyers could choose from a 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual (340 ci V8 only), or an automatic transmission.
By the time the 70’s came to a close, Chevrolet and Ford (as well as some other enthusiastic parties) had plenty of vehicles to carry the muscle car moniker.. Mustang, Firebird, Camaro, Nova, Chevelle... the roster list was pretty substantial. Even Dodge had quite a few participants in the horsepower war with the Charger, Coronet, Dart, and Barracuda. 1970 was a tough year to start a legacy, but that didn’t stop the newcomer from leaving a powerful mark on the industry.
Chrysler decided that there wasn't much that needed changing for the 1971 model year, with the Challenger enjoying strong sales and plenty of enthusiasm on the street. Like the 1970 model year, you could get the 1971 Challenger with numerous engine options, from a relatively-benign straight-6 to thunderous hemi-V8's.
Because there was little difference between these two years and the 1974 model run was only a few months long (ending in March '74), we have grouped the two model years together here on the same page. 1973 and 1974 saw the end of the first-generation Dodge Challenger after a brief and tumultuous foray into the muscle car market.
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2011 was the first real upheaval in the new 3rd gen Challenger line and, for the most part, there was...
2012 saw some minor changes, but nothing in the way of style or design. The Challenger had embedded itself as...
For 2013 there were a few name changes and, like the 2012 Challenger, a few ambiance differences, but as a...
For 2014, rumors were in the air of a re-freshening for the 6-year old design, but in the meantime, the...
2015 was not a year for complacency for Dodge. The Challenger was facelifted, had its interior renovated, and added an...
The 2015 Challenger’s success can be attributed to Dodge doing its best to keep things innovative and lively, but if...
For 2017, the Challenger both grew up and became more of a nutcase in the same breath. On one hand,...
For 2018, the Challenger rolls on with most of its model line with little change. A wide-body is introduced to...
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2020 seems a long time since the beginnings in 2008, but you wouldn’t know that from the Challenger fan base....
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To follow suit with the Plymouth AAR Barracuda, Dodge decided to create the Challenger T/A (Trans Am) for 1970, and...