2011 Dodge Challenger Photos, engines & full specs

Dodge re-introduced the Challenger nameplate in its lineup in 2008 after more than two decades of absence, and in 2010, it refreshed it for the 2011 model year, significantly improving the big American coupe.

With the financial crisis almost gone and the Chrysler Group still standing, Dodge could flat-out with its Challenger to dominate the muscle car market. Since the model’s relaunch in 2008, it met with its old foe, the Camaro from Chevrolet. Unlike that, the Challenger had already gained some reputation, and its customers had already pointed in some directions for where the automaker had to improve the vehicle. Dodge engineers listened to them and burned the midnight oil to satisfy them. They improved it significantly in just two years since the model’s introduction. Moreover, the 2011 model year came with upgrades for the drivetrain, suspension, interior, and safety features. All these contributed to the car’s commercial success, albeit there were just minor updates for the vehicle’s exterior.

After some modest changes applied for the 2010 model year, which included lights for the door handles, the 2011 version came with a few other tweaks. Depending on the version, the Challenger featured a front fascia that sported either the model’s nameplate on the grille or the version. The lower bumper sported a new, wider, trapezoidal-shaped air intake that cooled the engine behind it, while at the bottom, a “duck-bill” spoiler painted black added some downforce to the vehicle.

Every customer praised the car’s profile, and Dodge couldn’t do too many things to improve it without spoiling it. But still, it introduced larger, 18-inch alloy wheels as standard across the range. Furthermore, depending on the package or grade, the car was available with a 20-inch set. To make things simpler, the automaker offered the 2011 Challenger in three grades: the SE, the R/T, and the SRT/8. In addition, the automaker offered a Rally Package that added dual chromed tips for the base model and a chromed fuel filler cap.

The 2011 Dodge Challenger interior boasted a new dashboard that featured a redesigned instrument panel. It still had four dials but with a white background, black lettering, and red needles. In addition, two green LED displays at the bottom of the speedometer and tachometer showed additional data. There was also a smaller, three-spoke steering wheel that replaced the four-spoke one used on the previous model. Dodge considered offering the SE with cloth upholstery and flat bucket seats, while the high-bolstered ones with sued and leather were reserved for the SRT/8 version.

But the most significant upgrades happened under the car’s skin. Besides the standard suspension offered on the SE grade, Dodge also provided customers with a sportier one that came with the Rally Package or standard for the R/T and the SRT/8. The base model was fitted with a new Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine that churned out 305 hp (309 PS), which was 55 hp more than on the previous base model. The mid-range came with the 5.7-liter unit, while the top-spec version was powered by a 6.4-liter (392) powerplant featuring cylinder deactivation for improved fuel efficiency. In terms of safety, ESP was standard across the range.