Why The Dodge Challenger Continues to Set Record Sales

The Dodge Challenger continues to establish sales records. After having set personal highs in recent years, the nameplate seems to be on track for another record-breaking year in 2016 (according to The Daily Sun Knoxville ). The 5,085 units sold in January was a new monthly high for the company, but there were another 5,585 Challengers sold in February, meaning the record books needed to be rewritten for a second month in a row!

Sure, the vehicle’s sales numbers may trail those of rival vehicles (including the Chevy Camaro and the Ford Mustang), but it still witnessed the best year-over-year sales growth among the trio, jumping eight percent (compared to a two-percent growth for the Mustang and three-percent for the Camaro).

_We can’t solely attribute these growing sales to increased advertising or more mainstream recognition. The engineers of the 2016 Dodge Challenger have continued to revamp their vehicle, and customers are starting to catch on… _

Consistent Styling

The Challenger first hit the market in 1958 (although it’s official debut came in 1970). Incredibly, the 2016 model still resembles those early muscle cars. The brand clearly recognizes the importance of the nameplate’s “legendary reputation,” so they’ve done everything in their power to retain many of those original styling cues… while also adding some modern twists.

The styling of the 2016 model is practically identical to those early models, including the long, rectangular grille and the four front headlights. Of course, the newer Challenger also contains many styling cues of more modern vehicles, including a black rear spoiler and a revamped rear fascia.

The brand also recognized that many drivers associate the Challenger with racing. That’s why they’ve given potential buyers the opportunity to add Heritage-inspired racing stripes to their exterior. You can even add a revamped SHAKER hood (with the familiar cold-air induction).

Personalization Options

It may sound silly, but part of the appeal of the Challenger is the ability to make the sporty vehicle your own. Of course, the best opportunity to personalize your new car is via the color selections, and Dodge’s engineers certainly delivered. There are 11 different options to choose from, including

• Billet Silver Metallic
• B5 Blue
• Torred
• Pitch Black
• Bright White
• Granite Crystal Metallic
• Maximum Steel Metallic
• Ivory White Tri-Coat
• Jazz Blue
• Redline Red Tri-Coat
• Plum Crazy

Unmatched Performance

The opportunities to customize your Challenger don’t end once you’ve settled on an exterior color. There are also an assortment of powerful and capable engines to choose from.

The smallest of the options is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, which can pump out 305 horsepower and 268 pounds-feet of torque. With the help of the Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Throttle Control, drivers can expect an appreciated 30 mile per gallon highway fuel economy.

The next step up is the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which has increased power specs over the previous engine (375 horsepower, 410 pounds-feet of torque). The unit is accompanied by the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as the effective Fuel Saver Technology.

Your next option is the hulking 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, which can deliver a best-in-class 485 horsepower to go along with 475 pounds-feet of torque. The specs help contribute to the impressive speed numbers, including a 0-to-60 time around four seconds and a top speed of 182 miles per hour.

Finally, the unmatched supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi SRT Hellcat V8 engine may be the most powerful unit on the market. Capable of producing an incredible 707 horsepower and 650 pounds-feet of torque, the engine is truly responsible for the “muscle” in the muscle car.

Innovative Technology

The Challenger has consistently featured some of the most technologically-advanced amenities. Of course, the features included nowadays are far more technical than those offered back in the day, but the sentiment remains the same: the engineers are focused on making the Challenger one of the most enjoyable high-tech cars on the market.

The 2016 model is highlighted by the UConnect infotainment screen, which will allow drivers to access radio or navigation via the easy-to-use touchscreen. Drivers can even access a variety of applications, allowing them to browse movie times or make dinner reservations. You’ll be able to enjoy the system’s audio via the Alpine speakers and 276- or 506-watt amplifier (for those who really enjoy a sound system, there’s also the 18-speaker Harman Kardon Premium Sound system).

There’s also a class-exclusive seven-inch Driver Information Digitial Cluster Display, which can be customized to provide the driver with the most important information. You can see your speed, your fuel economy, even your vehicle’s diagnostics.

Reliable Safety Features

You’re probably going to test the limits in your new sports car. Therefore, you’re going to want that vehicle to possess the most advanced safety technology out there. Luckily, the Challenger delivers once again.

The high-strength steel frame provides a dependable protective body for the vehicle’s occupants. Meanwhile, the included crumple zones will be responsible for absorbing any energy from a collision. Of course, the assorted airbags found throughout the cabin will provide even more protection in the case of an emergency, while the active front head restraints will play a role in preventing neck injuries.

The Challenger doesn’t solely include a safe design. There are several technological inclusions that won’t only improve the overall driving experience, but should also help prevent any accidents. For example, the Electronic Stability Contol (which includes Antilock Brake System, Brake Assist, and All-Speed Traction Control) manipulates the brakes to provide the safest possible journey. Meanwhile, the all-speed traction control ensures that your vehicle is still traveling on its intended path, and the Hill Start Assist mode prevents the vehicle from failing when traveling uphill.

There are several additional safety features that will hopefully prevent those less-significant (but just as pesky) fender-benders. The Blind Spot Monitoring system will help you anticipate any fellow driver who may have snuck up beside you, while the Adaptive Cruise Control will take control of your vehicle’s speed (while also remaining a safe distance from other cars). The Forward Collision Warning serves a similar purpose, as the system will manipulate the brakes when a collision seems imminent. Finally, the ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera will allow the driver to see all of the happenings behind their vehicle, which should lower the likelihood of bumping a curb or another vehicle.

As you’ve read, there are several reasons why the Challenger’s sales have continue to grow in recent years. The engineers have retained the nameplate’s most popular attributes while also modernizing the exterior and interior, appealing to both returning customers and first-time buyers.

Plus, the vehicle offers everything you could possibly want from a sports car. The exterior and interior have both been commended for their style. There’s plenty of power coming from underneath the hood, and there’s plenty of technology coming from the interior. To top it all off, the vehicle offers a variety of safety features.

Best of all? The vehicle’s affordable. Starting at $26,995, you’re truly not going to find a similarly priced sports car that offers all of these amenities.

When you consider all of these factors, it’s no surprising that the Dodge Challenger is starting to establish itself as the most popular sports car on the market.

Previous Post The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan – The Ultimate Family Car Next Post The Dodge Charger SXT: Two Powerful Trims