2017 Dodge Challenger GT with all-wheel drive makes its debut
The 2017 Dodge Challenger GT is the first two-door American muscle car with all-wheel drive.
The 2017 Dodge Challenger now comes with all-wheel drive, so it can be driven in all kinds of weather.
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Have you always wanted a muscle聽car聽but held back because you wanted something you could drive all year long? Dodge now has the answer. It's the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT, and it's the first two-door American muscle car with all-wheel drive.
The all-wheel-drive system comes from the Dodge Charger, a platform-mate of the Challenger. It features an active transfer case that can send extra torque to the front wheels when needed. It also has a front-axle disconnect feature to reduce drag when front traction isn't needed.
The Challenger GT is offered exclusively with the 3.6-liter V-6, which produces 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. With the standard 8-speed automatic transmission, Dodge says the Challenger GT returns an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway. The Challenger GT also features paddle shifters and a Sport mode that holds gears longer to keep revs higher. The V-8s normally offered on the Challenger are not offered with AWD, sadly.
The electronic stability control system has three modes, including a 鈥渇ull-off鈥� mode that will allow the聽car聽to drift in the snow.
Dodge also provides a Super Track Pak button that activates the Performance Pages and launch control features in the 8.4-inch touchscreen radio. Performance Pages can show such information as reaction times, 0-60 mph times, G-forces, and lap times.
For the exterior, only a small "GT" badge denotes that this is the AWD model. The tires are 235/55R19 all-seasons on Hyper Black alloy wheels. The exterior also gets fog lamps and a deck-lid rear spoiler. There isn't a wide-body design as previewed on a聽鈥攊t appears that is being saved for a new range-topping Challenger聽.
Inside, the Challenger GT has Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with 4-way power聽driver聽lumbar adjustment, a heated steering wheel, a power tilt and telescoping steering column, the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six Alpine speakers with a 276-watt amplifier, bright pedals, and a universal garage door opener. Rear park assist and a rearview camera are also standard.
An optional GT Interior package comes with sport Nappa leather and synthetic suede seats, nine Alpine speakers (including a subwoofer and a 506-watt amplifier), and a performance steering wheel. This package runs $995 on top of the Challenger GT's $34,490 starting price.
Production for the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT is scheduled to begin in January, and cars will be available at dealers in the first quarter of 2017.