It might be easy to be down on the noticeable lack of changes on the 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT. Then again, this is the Challenger->ke249, a car that looks like it could run the streets during the 70s and still pass of as a modern-day muscle maven.

That's always been the appeal of the Challenger. It's got a timeless design that belies the honking piece of awesomeness under its hood. For 2014, we're still treated to a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine that delivers 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. That's still a lot of horses, at least more than its counterparts from Ford->ke31 and Chevrolet->ke199 (hello, Mustang->ke428 and Camaro->ke248!).

So continue enjoying the Challenger, fellas. The 2014 Challenger SRT offers everything you'd want in a muscle car, retro looks included. There might not be a whole lot of additions relative to recent models, but the nostalgia of sitting in a modern-day muscle car->ke507 with timeless looks is enough to justify the love it deserves.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT

Exterior

Some people might scoff at Dodge's persistence in keeping the retro look of the Challenger, arguing that a modern-day interpretation of the iconic muscle car is long overdue.

We're not one of those people because there are cars whose looks age really well and the Challenger is one of them. For the 2014 model, exterior changes are still visible, highlighted by the large front splitter and integrated front fender that, together with the rear deck-lid spoiler, provide improved aerodynamics, a must for a car with the power the Challenger possesses. Improved aerodynamics are also why the front fascia chin spoiler is also around.

All these notable features add up to the Challenger SRT looking the way it does. Bold, muscular, and just all around timeless.

Available Exterior Colors

-Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat

-Bright White Clear Coat

-Granite Crystal Metallic Pearl Coat

-Jazz Blue Pearl Coat

-Pitch Black Clear Coat

-Phantom Black Tri-coat Pearl

-Redline Tri-coat Pearl

-Plum Crazy Pearl Coat

-TorRed Clear Coat

-Header Orange Clear Coat

-Dual, full-body stripes are available in black, grey metallic, red and silver metallic.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

The interior configuration of the 2014 Dodge Challenger remains virtually intact but even so, the goodies that come with the muscle car are just hard to ignore. The steering wheel, for one, is pretty sweet. It's wrapped in leather, it's heated and it comes with a satin chrome rim section with a flattened bottom surface that proudly displays the SRT logo. Paddle shifts are part of the automatic transmission configuration while auto and EVIC controls can also be found on the wheel.

The seats come with standard power lumbar with the driver's seat getting seatback tilt with memory. The front passenger also gets something akin to it (tilt and slide with memory), allowing for easier access to the back seat.

As with the past models, the Challenger SRT's instrument panel comes with all the bells and whistles you need to see all the pertinent performance information on the muscle car. A four-bomb gauge cluster with chromed accent rings and unique SRT graphics are clearly identifiable while EVIC provides trip information, multimedia information from the Media Center radio, along with instant feedback on 0-to-60 mph time, 60-to-0 mph braking, G-forces, one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times.

What's new on the 2014 model is a choice of interior color combinations, including Dark Slate Gray and Radar Red/Dark Slate Gray.

Interior Dimensions

Drivetrain

The 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT continues on with a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine that delivers 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque while mated to a standard Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission, good enough to bust out of the gates and hit 60 mph in just less than 5 seconds to go with a top speed of 182 mph for the manual transmission and 175 mph for the automatic transmission.

Speaking of the transmission, an optional five-speed automatic is also offered, with that one coming with standard steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters and the center console mounted Auto Stick, allowing for a choice of spirited shifting on both the road and the racetrack.

Engine Specifications

Suspension

The 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT comes with a suspension setup that features a three-mode adaptive damping system: an “Auto” mode that's characterized by a sporty and compliant ride; a “Sport” mode that's firm and offers maximum handling; and a “Track” mode that's not only firm and has maximum handling, but also comes with performance shifting and a gear holding feature.

The Dodge Challenger SRT Core

Equally new for the 2014 model is the expansion of its Challenger Core SRT line. A variety of exclusive content comes with this trim, including a 6.4-liter badge on the front fenders, a set of 20-inch cast-aluminum wheels with black painted pockets and standard black Brembo brake calipers.

Inside, the Core SRT comes with a standard premium ‘Ballistic’ cloth interior that was transplanted from the new SRT Viper and flanked by aggressive bolsters and door bolster inserts. Various matte carbon and piano black accents surround the instrument panel, door bezels and center console are also exclusive features of the Core SRT model.

Pricing

No definite prices have been announced but expect the Challenger SRT Core to retail somewhere in the $39,000 range with the Challenger SRT receiving a price of just over $40,000.

Competition

2014 Ford Mustang GT

The 2014 Mustang GT retains its 5.0-liter V-8 engine that deli----- vers a total of 420 horsepower, much lower to the numbers of the 2014 Challenger SRT. Not much of a difference between the two models other than preference and a big price edge to the Mustang GT, which retails for $30,750, compared to the Challenger SRT, which we expect to carry a price of just under $44,000.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS

The 2013 Camaro SS is powered by a 6.2-liter V-8 engine that delivers a total of 426 horsepower, which, again, is an output that falls short of what the Challenger SRT has under it's hood. But like the Mustang GT, the Camaro has the advantage on pricing with a sticker of just north of the $32,000 price range.

Conclusion

It's a bit disappointing that there weren't a lot of new goodies that came with the 2014 Challenger SRT. But you can't deny that relative to the competition, the Challenger SRT has more power stewing under its hood. That's a big plus and the continued use of its retro look is something we'll never get tired of.