Dodge->ke28's highly anticipated facelift for the Challenger->ke249 has finally arrived -- a little late we might add -- to give the pony a fresh start in the muscle car battle against its Detroit rivals.

Revamped inside and out, the Challenger stormed into New York->ke226 with updated front and rear fascias, and new exterior colors and wheel designs. Sure, the facelift is not as spectacular as the one seen on the Charger, but it should be enough to keep the Challenger marketable until the next-generation model arrives.

Those who were looking forward to see some engine updates will end up a bit disappointed, as Dodge didn't bother to offer extra oomph, and, apparently, the new Hellcat V-8 is not yet ready to make an entrance. However, the ancient five-speed automatic has finally been moved to the dustbin, making way for a more attractive unit.

The new Challenger comes just as Dodge is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and the muscle car->ke507 will certainly be a part of this summer's merrymaking. We bet something special is coming our way, but, until them, let's take a deep dive into the 2015 Challenger.

Updated 07/16/2014: Dodge officially announced prices for the entire 2015 lineup and they are pretty much exactly what we expected. The base Challenger SXT has a starting price of $26,995, while the top-of-the-line SRT 392 goes up to $46,395.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Dodge Challenger.

2015 Dodge Challenger

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Dodge Challenger
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 305 @ 6350
  • Torque: 268 @ 4800
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

To better understand the updates operated on the 2015 Dodge Challenger we have to go back all the way to 1971. Yes, you guessed it, Dodge opted for 1971-inspired facelift that includes a split front grille, separate taillights and a more pronounced power bulge hood.

Up front, the chrome accented grille is now flanked by LED halo headlamps, while the bumper features a larger trapezoidal intake that's been mounted upside down compared to the previous model. Other revisions include thinner and longer turn signals, and fog lamps fitted with black bezels.

New power bulge hood with Shaker

Moving over to the back, highlights include the new separate taillights on a gloss black background, also reminiscent of the 1971 Challenger, a reshaped bumper and slightly larger trunklid spoiler. Also, the fit and finish seems better overall, rounding off the muscle car's new, more modern look.

Available in eight different trim levels, ranging from the V-6-powered SXT to the almighty 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker, the 2015 Challenger comes with a choice of nine, 20-inch wheel designs and seven different stripe options. Customization possibilities are also enhanced by the addition of two brand new high-impact colors - B5 Blue and Sublime Green. These heritage hues join the already available TorRed, Billet Silver, Pitch Black and Bright White.

2015 Dodge Challenger - Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

116.0 Inches (2,946 MM)

Track, Front

63.0 Inches (1,603 MM)

Track, Rear

63.1 Inches (1,604 MM)

Overall Length

197.7 Inches (5,023 MM)

Overall Width

75.7 Inches (1,923 MM)

Overall Height

57.1 Inches (1,449 MM)


Interior

Things have been taken to a new level inside as well, where a new, 1971-inspired center console joins a reshaped, driver-focused instrument panel. The cabin now seems more upscale thanks to its polished aluminum inserts and leather-wrapped surfaces and more high-tech with an updated 8.4-inch infotainment system and a 7-inch TFT instrument cluster screen in sight.

The steering wheel is also new, with better grips for the hands, as are the front seats that come with redesigned side bolsters and improved cushioning. These can be had in anything from premium cloth or Nappa leather with Alcantara suede, while a newly-introduced option allow allows for a heated and ventilated, Nappa leather combo.

New bee logo on TFT display }}

14 different interior color and trim selections are available on the 2015 Challenger. Less pretentious customers can either settle for Houndstooth cloth, but those looking for a dash of luxury can have the seats dressed in Tungsten/Black, Ruby Red/Black or Pearl/Black premium leather with accent stitching. Needless to say, these improvements will most likely help Dodge increase Challenger sales in 2015 as well.

2015 Dodge Challenger - Interior Dimensions

Front

Head Room

39.3 Inches (999 MM)

Legroom

42.0 Inches (1,067 MM)

Shoulder Room

58.2 Inches (1,477 MM)

Hip Room

54.6 Inches (1,387 MM)

Rear

Head Room

37.4 Inches (950 MM)

Legroom

32.6 Inches (829 MM)

Head Room

1.2 Inches (31.1 MM)

Shoulder Room

53.9 Inches (1,368 MM)

Legroom

48.6 Inches (1,236 MM)


Drivetrain

Truth be told, we're a bit disappointed that the highly-anticipated 640+ horsepower, Hellcat V-8 mill didn't make it to New York as we anticipated. And to make things worse, the current Challenger will carry into its new, facelifted era with the same engines and performance figures.

Just like before, the SXT and SXT Plus trims will be motivated by the 3.6-liter, Pentastar V-6 unit rated at 305 horsepower. Going into V-8 territory, all four R/T variants will get the same 5.7-liter Hemi with 375 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque on tap. Lastly, the 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 will pump the same 485 horses and 475 pound-feet of torque into the range-topping Scat Pack and 392 Scat Pack Shaker models.This movement of the 6.4-liter engine -- once reserved for SRT8 models -- clears the path for the new Hellcat engine to make its way into the soon-to-be-unveiled SRT Challenger.

There is a bit of good news however, as Dodge ditched the dated five-speed automatic in favor of a brand new TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission that allows the 6.4-liter V-8-powered Challengers to do the 0-to-60 mph sprint in about 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 182 mph. While the eight-speed auto gets a check box on the options sheet, the familiar six-speed manual remains standard.

2015 Dodge Challenger - Drivetrain Specifications

Type and Description

3.6 V6 60-degree V-type, liquid-cooled

5.7 HEMI V-8 90-degree V-type, liquid-cooled with variable cam timing (VCT)

6.4 HEMI V-8 90-degree V-type, liquid-cooled

Displacement

220 cu. in. (3,604 cu. cm)

345 cu. in. (5,654 cu. cm)

392 cu. in. (6,417 cu. cm)

Bore x Stroke

3.78 x 3.27 (96.0 x 83.0 mm)

3.92 x 3.58 (99.5 x 90.9)

4.09 x 3.72 (103.9 x 94.5)

Valve System

Chain-driven DOHC, 24 valves, hydraulic end-pivot roller rockers

Pushrod-operated overhead valves, 16 valves, eight deactivating and eight conventional hydraulic lifters, all with roller followers

Pushrod-operated overhead valves, 16 valves with sodium-filled exhaust valves and hollow stem intake valves, 16 conventional hydraulic lifters, all with roller tips

Fuel Injection

Sequential, multiport, electronic, returnless

Sequential, multiport, electronic, returnless

Sequential, multiport, electronic, returnless; automatic features Fuel Saver mode

Construction

Aluminum deep-skirt block with aluminum-alloy heads

Deep-skirt cast-iron block with cross-bolted main bearing caps, aluminum alloy heads with hemispherical combustion chambers

Deep-skirt cast-iron block with cross-bolted main bearing caps, aluminum alloy heads with hemispherical combustion chambers

Compression Ratio

10.2:1

10.5:1

10.9:1

Power (SAE net)

305 bhp (227 kW) @ 6,350 rpm (84.7 bhp/liter)

375 hp (280 kW) @ 5,150 rpm (65.7 hp/liter)

485 bhp (362 kW) @ 6,000 rpm (75.8 bhp/liter)

Torque (SAE net)

268 lb.-ft. (363 N•m) @ 4,800 rpm

410 lb.-ft. (555 N•m) @ 4,300 rpm

475 lb.-ft. (644 N•m) @ 4,200 rpm

Max. Engine Speed

6,400 rpm (electronically limited)

5,800 rpm (electronically limited)

6,400 rpm (electronically limited)


Suspension and Brakes

The 2015 Challenger goes on sale with an updated suspension system set to improve both ride and performance. A sport-tuned suspension is now available on all models, including the base SXT trims, but further performance updates are in stock once the Super Track Pak or the Scat Pack are selected.

Now available on all Challengers, including the V-6 models, the Super Track Pak comprises a host of race-bred chassis upgrades that add to the pony's performance and handling. With this option, the suspension will include Bilstein shock absorbers and will sit 0.5 inches lower. A custom tune will provide the car with a 50-50 weight ratio for better road and even track performance.

Additionally, the Super Track Pak shortcut button in the updated 8.4-inch touch screen will allow drivers to use a programmable shift light indicator and monitor 0-to-60 mph times, lap times, reaction time and G-force figures via the TFT cluster display.

When equipped with the Scat Pack, the 2015 Challenger gains a deeper, throatier exhaust note, four-piston Brembo brakes at all four corners and a rack-mounted electric power steering system with with Normal, Comfort and Sport settings. High-performance tires are also included with the package, as is the standard Dodge Performance Pages app. The latter can be used to customize steering feel, transmission response and stability and traction controls.

Also new on the Challenger is a revised launch control system, while a three-mode electronic stability control that includes a full offline mode is likely to put bigger smiles on a few faces.

Prices

Model

Price

Dodge Challenger SXT

$26,995

Dodge Challenger SXT Plus

$29,995

Dodge Challenger R/T

$31,495

Dodge Challenger R/T Plus

$34,495

Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack

$38,495

Dodge Challenger SRT 392

$46,395


Competitors

Chevrolet Camaro

The Camaro is a strong competitor for the Challenger and has historically outsold the Mopar pony car year over year. Power comes from a variety of engines that include the base 3.6-liter V-6, the 6.2-liter V-8 in the SS, the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 in the ZL1, and the naturally aspirated 7.0-liter in the Z/28.

It would seem the trim levels on both the Camaro and Challenger line up, with the base engine, the standard V-8, the hyped up V-8 (6.4-liter SRT8/6.2-liter ZL1) and the upcoming Hellcat to compete with the Z/28. The only issue is the Camaro ZL1 and Z/28’s track abilities out-perform the current Challenger in nearly every way. Dodge will have to step up their game in order to compete squarely with the Chevy.

Pricing for the Camaro starts at $23,555 and rises past $70,000 for the Z/28 track killer.

Ford Mustang

Like the Challenger, the Mustang is all new for 2015. Ford’s newest pony car finally lets go of the solid rear axle for a more modern independent rear suspension setup that promised better track performance and handling, along with better power delivery to the ground.

The Mustang will also be getting a new engine, though on the opposite end of the spectrum. An all new 2.3-liter, EcoBoost inline-four will produce upwards of 305 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque while getting good overall fuel economy. Returning is a revised version of the 3.7-liter, naturally-aspirated V-6 and the 5.0-liter V-8. Both returning engines should see slight bumps in output ratings while increasing fuel efficiency.

At this time, there’s no news about a Boss or Shelby version of the car, though the automaker would be foolish to let the Dodge and Chevy boys be the only contenders in the ongoing American horsepower wars.

Pricing for the 2015 Mustang hasn’t been announced yet, but we’d expect it to stay close to the current ‘Stang’s $22,510 base asking price.

Conclusion

The verdict is pretty much simple. We'd be crazy to say that this 1971-like facelift is uninspired. The exterior looks sleeker and slightly more aggressive, while the interior is much better that the outdated cabin we've seen the past couple of years. However, with the current Camaro still selling like crazy and the 2015 Mustang just around the corner, the Challenger still has that banished muscle car feel attached to it.

Moreover, competing against the aforementioned ponies will be much more difficult with no power updates available, even though the new eight-speed automatic brings some kind of consolation. We're anxiously waiting for that Hellcat V-8 engine to surface, hoping it will put the Challenger on par with the Camaro ZL1 and the upcoming Shelby GT500 successor.