The current generation of the iconic pony car may be around for a very long time but it still makes some pretty respectable sales numbers. That’s why FCA doesn’t rush with the replacement. According to the latest reports, the next generation won’t arrive before 2023, which clearly indicates that the 2022 Dodge Challenger is about to come without more important changes. We expect to see a familiar layout and design characteristics, though smaller updates are always possible.
All in all, you may count on Challenger’s recognizable design, which still looks fresh, despite it has been around since 2008. It still looks amazing and despite all the downsides of the ancient platform, it still has plenty to offer, starting from an impressive engine lineup, which includes a base V6 unit and an impressive range of V8 engines, with the most powerful ones that feature nearly 800 horsepower. As we don’t expect bigger changes, the 2022 Dodge Challenger should arrive in a typical time of year, sometime in the second half of 2021.
2022 Dodge Challenger Design
When it comes to base design characteristics, this is a pretty old vehicle, even older than you probably think. It may be around since 2008, but its platform dates from the Daimler-Chrysler era, as it is borrowed directly from the old E-Class. Meanwhile, this platform and chassis have been updated several times but it still lags behind key competitors, Mustang and Camaro. Therefore, the lightest Challenger weighs around 3.800 pounds, while models with V8 engines weigh way over 4.000 pounds. As a result, the handling isn’t as engaging as in rivals. Still, another legendary nameplate, Charger, is even heavier.
In terms of styling, not many things have changed during these 12 years of production. The current model still closely resembles the legendary model from the golden era of muscle cars. The 2022 Dodge Challenger should carry on in the same way.
Interior
Once again, we don’t expect to see more significant changes. You may count on the same cabin design, which features a typical muscle car layout. This means mostly cheap plastics in terms of materials, though we have to say that the overall build quality is at a pretty high level. Aesthetically, the dashboard doesn’t look particularly dated, despite the age. Also, the list of standard and available equipment is quite decent and makes the cabin look even nicer.
On the other side, the amount of space in this sports car is impressive and that is definitely one of its main advantages compared to rivals. This is probably the only sports coupe on the market that can comfortably accommodate adults in the back. The cargo area is also quite generous for the segment. You may count on about 16.2 cubic feet in the trunk.
2022 Dodge Challenger Engine
We are finally talking about the most interesting aspect of this muscle car. This is arguably one of the most impressive engine lineups on the market. The offer starts with a familiar 3.6-liter V6 engine, which puts out around 305 horsepower. The rest of the lineup includes multiple V8 options.
The first one in the line is a smaller 5.7-liter HEMI V8 unit, which puts out around 375 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. In our opinion, this is the best buy option. You get a genuine V8 roar and plenty of power. All that comes already at 35.000 dollars, which is the starting price for models with this engine.
If you’re looking for something peppier, a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 is also an excellent choice. It puts out around 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, and all that power comes from a naturally-aspirated engine.
Of course, you may also count on the famous 6.2-liter Supercharged V8, which in its base variant puts out 717 horsepower and 665 pound-feet of torque. A high-output version of this engine is good for 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque, while there is an even more upgraded variant, with 10 more horses.
2022 Dodge Challenger Release Date and Price
Since there are no bigger changes to come, we expect that the 2022 Dodge Challenger will hit the market sometime in the second half of next year. When it comes to the price, the current model starts around 29.000 dollars and that aspect shouldn’t change drastically either.
As we already mentioned, the current generation is about to remain in production for a few more years. After that, the next-generation model should come and one of the biggest changes will be in terms of electrification. We don’t expect an all-electric version, but rather count on hybridization. Also, we are pretty sure that additional electric motors won’t be there primarily for fuel economy, but rather to provide extra power and torque. Therefore, we believe that hi-performance versions will be the first to receive a hybrid setup. Of course, we also count on a completely new platform. The initial plan was to use a familiar Giorgio platform from Alfa Romeo but the latest reports suggest that FCA has something else in mind.
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