The North American division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles just unveiled the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT on Wednesday. The company takes pride in calling this Challenger “the world’s first all-wheel-drive” American muscle car.
Dodge’s latest Challenger will be able to cruise swiftly regardless the terrain thanks to its 4WD system, which makes the vehicle suitable to drive under all weather conditions in most.
The all-American muscle car is the latest in the automaker’s lineup to get the new powertrain feature, following the addition of the Charger AWD earlier in the year.
Dodge will start manufacturing the Challenger GT AWD in January, and dealerships will start receiving models in the first quarter of 2017.
2017 Dodge Challenger GT: Specs and Design
Design-wise, the new Dodge Challenger GT does not deviate significantly from its predecessors, maintaining its signature sport yet aggressive look in all fronts.
Like older models, the 2017 Challenger sticks to the 19-inch standard wheelbase, including Hyper Black finished aluminum rims on BSW tires for seamless performance all year long.
Under the hood, the most notable feature included in this year’s Challenger GT is, of course, its all-wheel-drive system. The same powertrain is present in the 2016 Charger, and it injects power to the rear wheels on command when the terrain requires it.
Dodge’s Pentastar V6 3.6-liter engine provides the Challenger GT with 268 lb-ft of torque and 305 horsepower at the top of its performance. The engine can reach frequencies of up to 6,400 rpm.
The only gearbox option for the 2016 muscle car is Dodge’s TorqueFlite automatic transmission, which offers eight different speeds in a single acceleration.
2017 Dodge Challenger GT: Features and Price
The 2017 Dodge Challenger GT comes packed with an 8.4-inch touch display in the central panel supporting its Uconnect infotainment system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Dodge offers a GT Interior Package for the first time on the Challenger GT, featuring nine Alpine speakers with an amplifier and subwoofer, Alcantara suede and Nappa leather seats, and a dedicated GT steering wheel for an extra $995.
The new Challenger comes with driving assistance features such as a ParkView camera and ParkSense sensors for backup parking. The car also equips Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) systems.
Dodge will formally launch the 2017 Challenger at the Detroit Auto Show in January. It will star manufacturing and ship the cars right after that, selling at a starting price of $33,395 or $34,490 including the destination fees.
Source: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles