Dodge hit the redline in Chicago this week. Make that the Dodge Challenger R/T Redline, a screaming, hemi-powered brute that, the maker said, “combines unmatched personalization with the unmistakable performance.”
The new R/T Redline builds off the earlier Rallye Redline kit that was offered for the Challenger V-6. This one’s for serious performance fans, said Reid Bigland, the CEO of the Dodge division.
Set to debut this coming spring and add $1,995 to the $29,995 base price of the Dodge Challenger R/T, the Redline boasts some distinctive styling and performance features for the 375-horsepower/410 lb-ft V-8 coupe.
Among other things, that includes the appropriate red body-side stripes and 20-inch black chrome wheels with red accents.
“Building on Challenger’s all-time sales record in 2012, the new Challenger R/T Redline fuses our iconic heritage with a one-of-a-kind customized appearance,” proclaimed Bigland during the Dodge news conference at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show.
The Challenger R/T Redline also should get a bit of a performance boost from a specially tuned dual exhaust using low-restriction bottle resonators. That is expected to help knock 0 to 60 times down into the low-5 second range, Dodge claims, while also adding “a sinister growl.”
Notably, the performance package is being offered with a 6-speed manual. For those who just have to go with an automatic there’s one with paddle shifters and a logic controller that adapts to individual driving patterns.
The Challenger is a nice package and great retro model, IMO. This would be a fun DD’er or weeekend track warrior. I imagine the exhaust note on this model is finally as lound as the 5.0 Mustangs which has been way loud for years.
Funny how, for most folks, a good exhaust note can be even more satisfying than actually being able to win one off the red light.
Paul E.