Introduced in 1969, the first-generation Dodge Challenger was more than just an awesome muscle car->ke507. Chrysler->ke21 also fielded modified versions of the two-door coupe in various motorsport events, including the Trans Am Series. Although it failed to win against strong competition from Ford and AMC in 1970, the AAR-built Challenger finished the season ahead of Chevrolet->ke199, Plymouth->ke1483 and Pontiac->ke70, a fantastic achievement during one of the most disputed Trans Am seasons. In 2014, 44 years since its debut, the Challenger returns to Trans Am with the facelifted, third-generation model.

The Challenger joins the series mid-season, with only five of 11 races to go, as Miller Racing, last year's champion in the TA2 class, switches manufacturers from Chevrolet to Dodge. The two Sublime Green-painted Challengers -- they're wearing the same livery as the 1970 entry -- are driven by Cameron Lawrence and Tommy Kendall. 21-year-old Lawrence leads the TA2 class with a 35-point margin over second place and will retain his points. Kendall, on the other hand, returns to Trans Am, a competition he already won four times, after 10 years.

The all-new, SRT-prepped Challenger makes its Trans Am debut at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, August 16th.

Click past the jump to read more about the Dodge Challenger SRT Trans Am.

Exterior

Although it retains the overall shape and styling of the production car, the Challenger SRT Trans Am features a tube-frame chassis and and a shell built to meet the series' TA2 class regulations. Just like NASCAR, Trans Am TA2 cars resemble their production counterparts without actually sharing factory specification. That being said, the Trans Am Challenger features a lowered engine hood, a huge splitter attached to a slightly remodeled front bumper and flared wheel arches.

Around back, a rebuilt, much simpler bumper and a large fixed wing set it apart from the regular muscle car. Naturally, the coupe rides on Trans Am-spec wheels wrapped in Hoosier, high-performance tires.

The livery mirrors the paint scheme seen on the 1970 Challenger T/A. Finished in a similar shade of green, this year's Trans Am contender also borrows the classic model's black side stripes and black hood. Even the "1" and "11" competition numbers on the doors are designed to resemble the "77" designation used 44 years ago.

Interior and Engine

Unfortunately, SRT did not release any details on the car's interior, but we figure the Challenger's cabin was stripped out and fitted with Trans Am-compliant equipment, including a rollcage and a fire extinguisher. Engine specs are absent as well, but the HEMI V-8 sounds like a natural choice. Currently, both fuel-injected and carbureted V8's are allowed in the TA2 class.

Competitors

Chevrolet Camaro

The Chevy Camaro is the car to beat in this year's Trans Am Series. Until Miller Racing switched from Chevrolet to Dodge, no less than 25 of 29 competitors in the TA2 class were driving Camaros, with the remaining four being Ford Mustangs. There's only one Mustang driver in the Top 15 of the drivers' championship, which says a lot about Chevy's dominance at Trans Am this season.

Just like the Challenger SRT Trans Am, the race-prepped Camaro features similar modifications. A revised bumper and large splitter highlight the front fascia, which keeps its production grille, while the rear end benefits from a huge wing. Revised skirts, competition wheels and tires and a side exhaust configuration round off this production look-a-like Camaro.

2015 Dodge Challenger

The third-generation Dodge Challenger received an extensive facelift for the 2015 model year. Visual updates are inspired by the 1971 Challenger and include a split front grille, separate taillights, and a pronounced power bulge hood. The interior features a reshaped, driver-focused instrument panel, refined materials, and an updated 8.4-inch infotainment system.

Engine-wise, the 2015 Challenger continues with the same 3.6-liter V-6 and 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 units, but a brand-new TorqueFlite, eight-speed autobox replaced the dated five-speed transmission. The most important news, however, is the launch of the SRT Hellcat, a 707-horsepower version powered by a supercharged, 6.2-liter, HEMI V-8.