-->
Skip to main contentIf you are a fan of muscle cars from the 1960s and 1970s that often ran under 200hp and topped out in the 450-hp range, then you have to love the 2 …
If you are a fan of muscle cars from the 1960s and 1970s that often ran under 200hp and topped out in the 450-hp range, then you have to love the 2020 Dodge Challenger, an icon from the “Muscle Car Wars” that offers a 797-hp version.
Dodge fought the American “Muscle Car” Wars beginning with the 1970 Challenger, debuting in fall 1969 with a Chrysler “E-body” short-deck, long-hood platform it shared with the Plymouth Barracuda. With powertrain choices that ranged from a 145-hp 225-cubic-inch I-6, to a 426-ci HEMI V-8 that thundered out 425 horses (there was also a larger 440-ci V-8 that produced 390 horsepower), Challenger’s first run ended in 1974.
Back as a retro-luxury-muscle car in 2008 and tweaked well in 2015 building on the 1970s architecture, Challenger has added a few trim and wheel options and along the way kept adding horses …from the 707-hp Hellcat in 2016 to the 797-hp SRT Hellcat Redeye this year. Aging, but still vital and iconic, at age 50, Challenger remains in its 2008 generation, updating this year with cosmetics, badging, wheel and exterior color upgrades.
New for 2020 are a limited-production 50th Anniversary Edition available on most trim levels; Shaker hood scoop options; high-impact Gold Rush exterior paint among six new colors; 50th Anniversary logo badges; nine new wheels and finishes throughout the lineup; all-new premium-stitched dash and upper door panels on all models equipped with leather; new flat-bottom leather steering wheel option; and new exterior and interior instrument panel badges.
The five-passenger rear-wheel drive Challenger is assembled in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, with a unitized steel body, a 1971-style split grille, projector headlamps with halo light-emitting diode surrounds and LED tail lamps. In the rear are a body-colored rear spoiler and dual-chromed exhaust tips integrated into the lower rear fascia. My 4182-lb. test Challenger R/T measured an aerodynamic 197.9 inches in length, 75.7 inches in width and 57.5 inches in height on a 116.2-inch wheelbase, providing running ground clearance of 5.2 inches.
Power is a Challenger legacy and the 2020 Challengers continue the muscle history. 2020 Challengers are available with five engine choices and either manual or automatic transmissions. The supercharged 6.2-liter high-output HEMI SRT Hellcat Redeye V-8 engine thunders out an eye-popping, heart-racing 797hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. The “regular” 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 that muscles-up the Challenger Hellcat is next, with 717 horsepower and 656 lb.-ft. torque, and is EPA rated at 13mpg in the city and 22mpg on the highway -- but at 717hp, who is quibbling over mileage per gallon? A 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 is also available that delivers 485 hp / 475 lb.-ft. torque and is rated at 13/city and 21/highway, The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and its 375 horses and 410 lb.-ft. of torque that powered my test Challenger R/T, is EPA rated at 16/city and 23/highway; and a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 is also offered, delivering 305 hp / 268 lbs.-ft., rated at 19/city, 30/highway.
My Challenger R/T test car was muscle car quick, both on the highway and on the track. I took on the dragstrip in a 5.9-second (hand-timed) zero-to-60-mph dash, and a 14.3-second quarter-mile. For comparison, the 700-hp engines have hit a 3-second 0-60mph factory sprint and a National Hot Rod Association-certified quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.2 seconds with street tires (10.8 seconds on race slicks). Without apology, my
Challenger R/T and its 375-hp 5.7-liter HEMI engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission is the model that most buyers will wind up purchasing, and this valid test ride was a joy and a heart-pumper as it was. While there is slight hesitation when pedal stomping at speed to pass or overtake a hill on the interstate, it is undeniably powerful and attacks the highway confidently while being smooth and a head-turner around town. Steering is a bit soft on autocross turns, but tail-slides were controllable and tons of fun.
The 2020 Dodge Challenger cockpit is focused and high-tech. With the 1971 Challenger as inspiration, the cabin is accommodating, intuitive and trendy. The cabin seats five and is provides 39.3 inches of front headroom and 37.1 inches in row two; leg room of 42.0 inches in front and 33.1 inches in the rear, and shoulder room of 58.5 and 53.9.
Safetywise, the 2020 Dodge Challenger has earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and includes more than 70 standard safety and security features.
The base Challenger SXT and its 3.6-liter engine starts at $28,095 and the line-up runs through nine trim versions, with a special 50th Anniversary package available on four middle-trim levels. The top trim is the SRT® Hellcat Redeye Widebody at $76,595 base. My review R/T is third up and gets the 5.7-liter HEMI to base at $34,995 in RWD. Mine had the fun-to-drive 6-speed manual transmission (an automatic 8-speed trans would have added $1595). In TorRed, with an Houndstooth Cloth Performance interior, my test Challenger added Black R/T Classic Side Stripes for $395; Uconnect 4C NAV with 8.4-inch display for $1095; SiriusXM for $295; and a Power Sunroof added $1295. The Driver Convenience Group added Blind Spot and Rear Cross Path Detection, and power multi-function mirrors with manual fold-away and remote start system for $1295. Destination charges of $1495 put my 2020 Challenger R/T at $40,570, but incentives of up to $3750 may be available in some regions, so check out your local dealer for applicable incentives.
You can see 50 years of the Dodge Challenger on display at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds, July 10-12. The event is the largest Mopar event in the world featuring more than 2,800 vehicles from all eras of the Chrysler brand. View classic, muscle cars and high-performance vehicles showcased at this Mopar-lover's paradise. Fifty years is the key this year as Carlisle will pay homage to: 50 years of the Plymouth Duster, 50 Years of the Superbird, 50 Years of Pro Stock and 50 Years of the AAR ‘Cuda and Challenger T/A. There is also a display of the 25th Anniversary of the Neon, as well as cars, parts, tools, memorabilia, collectibles and more for sale in the Mopar Automotive Flea Market.
> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.
Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>
Carlisle Events hosted its first Carlisle, Pennsylvania based event a few months later than normal recently, as Spring Carlisle finally took over t …
Carlisle Events hosted its first Carlisle, Pennsylvania based event a few months later than normal recently, as Spring Carlisle finally took over the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds June 17-20. The twice rescheduled event, as well as a few others on the season schedule fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic. Carlisle Events wasn’t the only organization put in a position of defining a new normal. Food banks, shelters and support outlets for those in need were too. In fact, many are still struggling to keep up with demand. With guests planning to attend car shows this summer, Carlisle Events is pleased to announce a support partnership with United Way and Project SHARE.
Both local agencies work to serve those in need. For Project SHARE, it’s their food pantry and for United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County, it’s helping community-based programs that strengthen the cornerstones for a good quality of life. This includes education, financial stability, health and basic needs. In each instance, support is needed.
Commencing with the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals (June 26-27), Carlisle Events will host a food drive and COVID-19 relief fund effort. This effort will run throughout the remainder of the 2020 schedule, including the final Carlisle based event, Fall Carlisle (September 30-October 4). Donate a bag of non-perishable food items at the car shows this summer to support Project SHARE of Carlisle and support feeding our community. Donations suggested include meal-related food items, toiletries and more. There is also a virtual food drive (details on the Project SHARE web page). Collection bins will be positioned outside of the main points of entry to the fairgrounds for guests to donate. In addition, donations may be monetary in form as well. These types of donations can be made direct via www.projectSHAREpa.org.
“Project SHARE’s vision is ‘Nourishing Our Community…Awakening Hope,’” said Bob Weed, CEO of Project SHARE. “Before and during this current crisis we have been providing nutritious food for our community in need,” continued Weed. “We continue to serve our entire community in need through our monthly distribution days and our weekly Farmstand location where fresh produce, eggs, milk and bread are shared with all. Safety and Nourishment remain our focal points in these days that we are moving through. We will continue to serve with the support and encouragement of our community.”
United Way can be supported through their Carlisle Area Emergency Response Fund which is providing funding to local non-profits to prevent the spread of the virus, address emerging needs and meet community members’ basic needs. Carlisle Events will donate all money collected to United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County’s relief efforts where donations go directly to local non-profit organizations in the Carlisle community that were impacted by COVID-19. 100% of dollars donated will go back to the Carlisle area, a community that has long supported the car show excitement at the fairgrounds.
Secure drop box locations will be available and those who participate can donate before, during or after attending an event in Carlisle this year.
“We are trying to help our community during this difficult time,” said Carlisle Events General Manager Scott Amig. “Please donate and help us support an area that’s been so supportive of us for so many years.”
“So far the Carlisle Area Emergency Response Fund has provided funding for handwashing stations, masks, gloves, and plexiglass shields as well as safe transportation to testing sites, a mobile paramedic capable of conducting COVID-19 testing and essentials such as food and shelter,” added Lu Flickinger, UW Resource Development Director. “For more CAER Fund info visit us online at www.uwcarlisle.org.”
To learn more about the 2020 car show schedule, visit www.CarlisleEvents.com or for donation details, jump to www.projectSHAREpa.org or www.uwcarlisle.org.
The 2020 auction season for Carlisle Auctions shot out of the gate with so much promise as part of its Winter AutoFest Lakeland event in February.& …
The 2020 auction season for Carlisle Auctions shot out of the gate with so much promise as part of its Winter AutoFest Lakeland event in February. Since then, plans were being formulated for four additional auctions spanning April through November. Now, with COVID-19 altering what everyone accepted as normal, Carlisle Auctions regretfully announces the cancelation of its Spring auction…kind of. The cancelation is tied to the in-person experience ONLY, as Carlisle Auctions is pleased to share that a Spring auction will take place online via digital platform Awesome Joe Auctions.
The Spring auction was scheduled to be auction number two and run in conjunction with Spring Carlisle. Originally scheduled for late April, the Spring event was twice moved to its current June 17-20 dates. While plans were in motion for a two-day Spring auction (June 18-19), the reality is, while it’s easier to social distance within a large outdoor venue where foot traffic is in constant motion; the ability to social distance within a smaller, indoor venue where many people stay stationary for prolonged periods of time is not a viable option at this time. The in-person cancelation is related to 2020 ONLY and it will return starting April 22, 2021.
As noted in the opening paragraph, a digital opportunity now exists with online auction platform Awesome Joe Auctions. The opportunity to consign or register to bid for this all-new online experience commences on June 17, with the auction itself starting on June 21 at 7 p.m. The three-day digital opportunity concludes on June 23 at 7 p.m. Much like Carlisle Auctions, AJA offers a FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee with competitive buyers and sellers fees too. Best of all, while other cars may be showcased during this timeframe as part of the AJA auction, cars specific to the Spring Carlisle auction will be branded with a Carlisle Auctions logo. Anyone looking to learn more about the Carlisle Auctions brand and its events should contact Carlisle Auctions at 717-960-6400, while buyer and seller registration for this online experience takes place at www.AwesomeJoeAuctions.com. Finally, team members from AJA will be on-site at Spring Carlisle positioned within the car corral, offering an opportunity for sellers at Spring Carlisle to consign and sell via their online auction platform.
Launched on Cyber Monday 2019, AJA is the new online auction platform for the modern enthusiast that offers a collection of modified, motorsport, classic, exotic, and other commodity autos for collectors, racers, and hobbyists. Developed by Andy Lally ALIVE® and Carlisle Auctions, Awesome Joe Auctions was created to capture all the excitement of a live car, truck, and motorcycle auction and put it in the palm of every motoring enthusiast’s hand. The AJA/Carlisle Auctions history includes Carlisle Auctions two more recent auctions, with select “still for sale” consignments from Carlisle Auctions landing (and selling) on the AJA web page (link below).
In addition to the cancelation of the in-person Spring auction and as a direct result of the auction originally being moved from its April dates to June, Carlisle Auctions has also canceled its Summer Sale auction for 2020. Further, and also due to COVID-19, the November auction, Sunset-Carlisle in Sarasota, Florida, has also been canceled. Those three auctions are the only cancellations currently. Carlisle Auctions is looking forward to its next planned auction, October 1-2 at the Carlisle Expo Center as part of Fall Carlisle. EVERY canceled 2020 auction WILL RETURN to the Carlisle Auctions schedule in 2021.
“We are disappointed that our loyal enthusiasts won’t be able to enjoy the Spring auction in the same manner that they’ve come to expect over the past few years,” noted Director of Auction Operations Tony Cline. “Though we’ve had to re-evaluate and re-tool the in-person experience for many of our auctions in 2020 ONLY, we’re confident of two things. First, the partnership with Awesome Joe Auctions in place of our Spring auction will still give buyers and sellers a chance to do what they do best AND when we return to the Carlisle Expo Center October 1-2 as part of Fall Carlisle, we’ll all be long overdue for a good time with cool cars and great people.”
Though the in-person Spring auction isn’t happening, plans are still moving forward for Spring Carlisle itself. The four-day event runs June 17-20 with buyers and sellers converging on the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds for parts, merchandise, collectibles and more.
Book online or call (800) 216-1876