Chrysler today unveiled the 2015 Dodge Challenger and Charger in two Dodge fashion. There were roars, muscle, laughter and centenarians. Yes, centenarians – people over the age of 100 – to help the century-old brand introduce the two iconic vehicles.Watch video
NEW YORK- Chrysler today unveiled the 2015 Dodge Challenger and Charger in true Dodge fashion. There were roars, muscle, laughter and centenarians.
Yes, centenarians – people over the age of 100 – helped the century-old brand introduce the two iconic vehicles.
“There’s only one Dodge and we’ve got a DNA that’s just not like the others,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge president and CEO, during the unveilings at the 2014 New York International Auto Show. “And like the centenarians featured in the opening video, it’s got a hundred years of attitude behind it. It’s a bit irreverent, sure. But it’s a brand that takes its performance seriously because performance has always been the core of our DNA.”
The centenarians were featured in the opening video, but they got the point across: Just because you’re a century old doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun.
Dodge celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, and Kuniskis wanted to make sure the 2015 Charger and Challenger continued Dodge's legacy of performance. “When you say Charger or Challenger, you are using two words that belong to Dodge – two nameplates that are foundational for us,” Kuniskis said. “These cars still have an attitude that can only belong to us.”
Kuniski first introduced the 2015 Challenger, which he said is an evolution from the current model – inspired by the 1970 Challenger – to a vehicle inspired by the 1971 Challenger.
The vehicle features a bold new appearance that draws on the model's split-grille and split-tail lamp cues from the '71 model, updated to 2015 with four signature LED headlamp halo surrounds offset by piano black trim. Single projector-beam headlamps at each front corner also light the road ahead, while high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps are also available.
On the rear, the vehicle features a new split tail-lamp design continues the historic 1971 model's inspiration. For a modern look, the Dodge brand's signature LED treatment creates a single ribbon of light within each lamp.
“There is no mistaking the Challenger,” Kuniskis said. “This is the most true-to-form muscle car on the market today.”
Following the Challengers’ exodus from the stage, Kuniskis then announced the 2015 Charger, which he called “America’s four-door muscle car.” The Charger received a full-body makeover, but kept its sporty, fast appearance. It also received numerous performance and technology upgrades.
“The dramatic new styling draws from the late-60s heritage, while infusing contemporary Dodge styling cues,” Kuniskis said.
Besides the exterior makeover, updates include a standard eight-speed automatic transmission on both of Chargers engine offerings, which include the standard 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine and a new R/T-equipped 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The V6 delivers up to 292 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 2015 Dodge Charger will be available in four models: SE, SXT, R/T and R/T Road & Track. The 2015 Challenger will be available in eight trim levels: SXT, SXT Plus, R/T, R/T Plus, R/T Shaker, R/T Plus Shaker, 6.4-liter Scat Pack and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker (late availability for Shaker). Both vehicles are expected to arrive in dealer showrooms in the second half of 2014.
Dodge did not announce pricing or fuel economy for either vehicle.
Click here for more information on the 2015 Challenger and Charger.
Michael Wayland covers the automotive industry for MLive. Email him at MWayland@mlive.com & follow him on Twitter @MikeWayland or Google+.