New Car: 2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline

The Dodge Challenger might seem a bit pedestrian when it’s not equipped with a Hemi V-8, but Dodge has tarted up its Challenger SXT Plus with the Challenger Rallye Redline package, which promises a combination of V-6 power, better handling, and muscle-car looks.

It’s closely based on the Dodge Challenger SXT Plus, which is powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. In the Rallye Redline, the engine benefits from a factory cold-air intake and less-restrictive exhaust system. The result is 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque, the highest output figure for any Pentastar-equipped product. The Rallye Redline also swaps out the rear end from the base Dodge Challenger SXT Plus (final drive ratio: 2.65:1) in favor of the R/T’s rear-end (final drive ratio: 3.06:1). The result is better acceleration without a loss in fuel economy: the Challenger Rallye Redline is rated at the same 27 mpg on the highway as the SXT.

The Rallye Redline also adds the Super Sport Group, which includes a firmer suspension setup, larger sway bars, and quicker, heavier steering. Bigger brakes – the fronts get larger-diameter rotors, while the rear rotors are now vented – top off the performance upgrades. The whole car sits atop considerably larger wheels, too: the old 18 x 7.5 inch wheels have been replaced with 20 x 8 inch models.

Because it’s based on the Challenger SXT Plus, the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline also gets all of the same standard features including leather seating, front heated seats, Uconnect phone and iPod connectivity, automatic climate control, and a 276-watt Boston Acoustics stereo. It also costs just $1750 more than the Challenger SXT Plus, which means the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline will cost $29,670 when it goes on sale this April.

Thanks to: Motor Trend