Page 18 · Richmond Review
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Friday, August 1, 2014
Welcome to the driver’s seat
Visit the 2015 Challenger gallery at DrivewayBC.ca
Challenged by one Hellcat of a muscle car Portland, Oregon – Do I take the red key or the black key? The black key limits horsepower to 500. Jaws drop. If you put it in valet mode, rpms are limited to 4,000. Gosh, I really hope I can take the red key… This Matrix-like conundrum is a good one to have. Take the safer route (black key) if you’d rather ease off on harnessing the gargantuan horsepower of the 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat. It’s the most powerful production Chrysler V8, as well as the most powerful production muscle car to date, so it needs to be treated with respect. But then again, the red key will allow me to tame this muscled feline one shift at a time, whether through the 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic. Looks like the decision has been made for me. Red key is sitting pretty in the centre console. And it’s in track mode. Electronic intervention is minimal. I
have access to all 707 horsepower and I’m at the Portland International Raceway. I’d say this will be a heavenly day. With a new look on the inside and outside, the 2015 Dodge Challenger is ready to take on its Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro competition head-on. According to market research, two thirds of Challenger buyers say they don’t cross-shop anything else. That said, those who did cross-shop, and decided to go in another direction, attributed it to its archaic interior. That problem is no more. Now Challengers come with a driver-centric and cool-looking interior setup. Whether you have the standard 5-inch touchscreen or the optional 8.4-inch (the biggest touchscreen in its segment), you can’t lose. Then there’s a new 7-inch multi-view driver information display instrument cluster that adds to the chic execution; standard
on all models. Not to mention, it displays all the vital stats that you’ll need when driving. Combined with physical buttons – for those who don’t like to control everything by a screen – its evolutionary changes certainly help its cause. A lot. But the heart of the Challenger lies underneath its sheet metal – the curves and edges that were inspired by the ’71 Challenger. When it comes to engine choices, you’re not without options. There are four.
different packages – the thing that stood out the most to me is how good of a car it actually is. Even on a quaint suburban drive through a national park where speed limits It’s the most were posted at 35 mph, powerful production I was impressed with Chrysler V8, as well its road manners. And considering I had almost as most powerful 485 horsepower (with production muscle the 6.4L engine), it was car to date, so it as docile as a lethargic needs to be treated lion, yet ready to pounce when the opportunity with respect. presented itself. Alexandra Straub Both track time and road time added to the multi-dimensional admiration for the two-door. Here’s the skinny: Sure, visibility isn’t ideal. The C pillars 1) A 3.6L, Pentastar V6 producing are huge and cut into sightlines when 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque looking rearward. The rear seats don’t 2) A 5.7L, V8 HEMI with 372 horseoffer a ton of legroom – especially for power (with the 8-speed automatic) the individual stuck in the middle – but 375 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of heck, it does have room for five. torque with the 6-speed manual Fuel economy, well, you’re not buying 3) A 6.4L, V8 HEMI with 485 horsethis car for its estimated numbers! power and 475 lb-ft of torque That’s for sure. Last but not least, But it does offer an emotional experi4) A supercharged 6.2L, V8 HEMI ence. It turns heads and is sexy as hell. with 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of Even the V6 on the track did a bang torque. up job. All engines except the V6s can be And with a starting MSRP of $28,995, paired with a manual or an automatic. the Canadian-built Challenger is up The V6s only come with the 8-speed to the task, will kick butts, and take automatic. Again, no matter what you names. All at the same time. choose, you’ll come out singing. Back Visit www.dodge.ca for more details. to the road. Having tested all four models – with alexandra.straub@drivewaybc.ca
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Question of the Week The posted speed limit has been raised by 10 km/h on many major highways in B.C. If you have driven some of those stretches, have you found cars passing you beyond the raised limit? Go to DrivewayCanada.ca to submit your answer. QUESTION
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Safety Tip: Crashes involving driver fatigue peak in the summer, due in part to hot weather and long road trips. Get enough rest before you head out. If you feel drowsy, pull over safely and take a nap. The only cure for drowsiness is sleep – it’s better to arrive late than not at all.
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