To look at it in the metal, even in base trim is a dream come true for most muscle car enthusiasts, every dedicated Mopar fan

Does it look hot enough for you? Even the base Challenger SE offers a lot of style for the money. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

and those working within Chrysler group. Such a potentially risky project wouldn’t get the green light in today’s unpredictable market, but now this spiritual recreation of the ‘70s legend that originally wore the nameplate boosts the collective morale of Auburn Hills, Detroit and North America every time it comes into view.

The example that was given to me in Monterey, California recently was dressed in an almost green-like gunmetal gray metallic called Dark Titanium, which looks fabulous without the notice-me boldness of the available TorRed. The interior was near black-like anthracite, also fitting a sport model, and the contrasting French stitching on the optional leather interior gave it more of an upscale look than it would have otherwise had.

Yes, from the outside the Challenger is a slick and sexy piece of machinery, and I suppose

The sexiest new muscle car? That's arguably in the Challenger's favour. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

from the inside it lives up to muscle car tradition, i.e. simple, straightforward, no-nonsense performance. It’s by no means ugly, and the dash plastics are decently soft, but there’s no real sense of occasion inside this car, unlike the, “Wow! Look at how hot I am!” appearance of the exterior.

Putting things into perspective, the SE model starts at $25,995, plus a $1,400 destination fee. That’s a lot of car for the money, at least from a general size and style perspective. Yes, it’s a big machine, some 245mm and 187mm (9.6 and 7.4 inches) longer than its main rivals, the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro respectively, 46mm and 5mm (1.8 and 0.2 inches) wider, 36mm and 71mm (1.4 and 2.8 inches) taller, and it spans across a 226mm and 94mm (8.9 and 3.7 inches) longer wheelbase. And what most performance enthusiasts care about, in base

The hood detailing looks racy, but the engine underneath really isn't all that performance oriented. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

SE trim the Challenger weighs a substantial 145 kilos (320 lbs) more than the Mustang, but surprisingly 30 kilos (66 lbs) less than the base Camaro LS.

I say surprisingly because I had opportunity to pit a new V6-equipped Camaro against the base Challenger in these photos on the same day, over the same terrain, and the Camaro felt lighter and more agile. Some of that would no doubt have to do with a stock engine that’s a lot livelier in the Camaro at 300hp compared to the Challenger’s 250, and 273 lb-ft of torque in comparison to, once again, 250. The Camaro 3.6L’s DOHC design offers a sportier feel and sound than the Challenger’s SOHC 3.5L, and likewise the Chevy’s optional automatic boasts six forward gears and a manual mode whereas the Dodge didn’t measure up to the challenge with only four

A somewhat spartan but efficient interior. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

speeds and merely an old school gate, and hardly snappy gear changes at that.

The Mustang’s base powertrain is nothing to get all that excited about either, with a 4.0L V6 “sporting” only 210hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, plus a throaty if not racy exhaust note. Its 5-speed automatic is an improvement over the Challenger’s 4-speed unit, and the availability of a 5-speed manual in base trim is great, although the Camaro’s standard 6-speed manual is better.

In the corners the Challenger shows its size and weight, with more body roll and a greater propensity to push out at the front end than the others when pressed hard. It’s still a nice ride,

The SE screams for a more modern transmission than this 4-speed auto. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

enjoyable enough thanks to a fully-independent setup originally derived from a Mercedes E-Class of two generations ago, at least in general architecture, but don’t go buying a base model Challenger with hopes of embarrassing its muscle car competition, or for that matter any Japanese hatchback worth its salt.

Speaking hatchbacks brings up the notion of space utilization. Coupes are generally hopeless when it comes to this, their general layout optimizing styling over usability, but the Challenger should be commended for an accommodating rear seating area and a large trunk of 459L compared to the Mustang’s 379 and Camaro’s 320. Its aperture is a little small, making accessibility challenging, but there’s room enough inside nevertheless.

As

Nice leather seats not available on SE in Canada... cloth looks good though. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

far as features go, however, the Challenger SE isn’t going to rock your world, literally. You get an AM/FM radio with a CD player and MP3 connectivity, although uconnect wireless accessibility and Sirius satellite radio is optional. The system sounds pretty good, but it won’t blow your socks off. Good-looking gray fabric covers the seats, although as mentioned my tester sported leather (it was a US example where leather is optional on the SE), while the rear bench is split 60/40 and features a folding armrest with integrated cupholders. The regular power features are also included, but the mirrors are power folding, unusual in this class, and the driver’s seat is eight-way powered, as well… pretty spiffy.  Cruise control and a tilt-telescopic steering wheel come standard too.

Mechanically, other than the items mentioned, the base SE model gets a Touring Suspension, rear stabilizer bar and 17” alloys wrapped in P215/65R17 all-season rubber.

Handling doesn’t get the aid of standard traction and stability control, unlike the Camaro or Mustang, and likewise it doesn’t even get ABS-enhanced brakes, but a full assortment of airbags offer good passive protection and a tire pressure monitoring system will warn if needed.

If I were in the league for a Challenger I’d at least spend for the SXT model that adds 18” rims, ABS, electronic stability control, fog lamps, a leather-wrapped wheel and more. But really,

Up to the challenge? What can we say... it's gorgeous! (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

with V6 fuel economy that’s only marginal at best at 12.2 L/100km in the city and 8.1 on the highway, you might as well spend for the R/T with its Hemi-powered V8 and give this car the inner strength its shapely body deserves. Its feature list explodes in R/T form too, making for a much nicer ride with better potential resale value. And in today’s market you can probably strike a decent deal no matter the model you’re bidding on.

So is the Challenger SE up for the muscle car challenge? What can we say... it's gorgeous! 

Interior

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc

(J003) Standard Metallic Paint

(J005) Standard Gloss Paint

(TBF) Delete Spare Tire

(RSC) Sirius Satellite Radio

(RSP) UConnect voice command with Bluetooth

(ACX) Mopar Interior Appearance Group

(26G) Quick Order Package 26G SXT Plus

(AFC) Electronics convenience group

(AGL) Super Sport Group SS/T

(GWA) Power Sunroof

(AAX) Sound group

(J004) Standard Black Paint

(RHR) Media Center 730N CD/DVD/MP3/HDD Navigation Radio

(ATL) Sound group II

(RHB) Media Center 430N CD/DVD/MP3/HDD Navigation Radio

(MET) Metallic Paint

(PER) Pearl Paint