History of the Dodge Challenger
The evolution of automobiles has gone through such a rapid change. The initial introduction of a motorized two-wheel and four-wheel mode of transportation changed how people moved. Many vehicles left a lasting impression on automotive consumers; however, the muscle car, which still to this day has a special place in the hearts and minds of automotive enthusiasts, Stirs more emotion than ever before. One of these muscle cars is none other than the Dodge Challenger; it continues its popularity even though it was introduced over 50 years ago. There is no denial that residents of St. Albert Sherwood Park, Beaumont, Leduc, Spruce Grove, Devon, Stony Plain and Fort Saskatchewan recognize a Dodge Challenger when they see one. At Great West Chrysler, we are proud to showcase the 2020 Dodge Challenger in all its glory; however, this iconic muscle car has a proud and rich history. Continue reading to find out how this vehicle became such a legend.
The Dodge Challenger has been around for almost half a century! And during those years, it has been redesigned and improved to make it faster and stronger. The 48 years of this Dodge model are divided into 3 different generations. However, the very first appearance of this name and concept surfaced in 1959 with the creation of the Dodge Silver Challenger. This car was one of a kind with a very unique body style and only available in one body colour: silver. Then there was a long silence; no one heard or saw new Dodge Challengers on the road until….
Birth Of Dodge Challenger
The vehicle that initially took the Challenger nameplate was the 1959 Coronet that included a special edition Dodge Silver Challenger. Although the Dodge Challenger was the last vehicle to enter the pony car race, it entered with a huge bang. In the fall of 1969, the Dodge Challenger made its entrance onto the scene and shared its platform with the third-generation Plymouth Barracuda. The Challenger was two inches longer and provided occupants with more interior space. It was initially introduced as a 2 door hardtop or convertible, but it was a range of powertrains that really set it apart from the competition. With one in line 6 and eight V8 options, the Challenger's various choices made it a popular hit.
Reintroduction of Dodge Challenger
From 1969 to 1984, the Dodge Challenger created the impact that it was designed to do. In 2006 at the North American international auto show in Detroit, Dodge unveiled a challenger concept that received immediate acclaim. However, it wouldn't be until 2008 that the reveal of the all-new Dodge Challenger SRT8 made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show. Enthusiasts lined up to be the first to order the revival of the legendary pony car. And since then, Dodge has continued to raise the bar by including models like the Hellcat Challenger with a supercharged V8. if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact one of our product specialists, and they would be more than happy to assist you.
1st generation Dodge Challenger
In 1970, the Dodge Challenger name came back to life. 1970 is considered as the "official" start year of the first generation of the Dodge Challenger. The vehicles produced during this year were mainly for the Canadian and U.S. markets. When the 1970 Dodge Challenger model was introduced in 1969, it was created to compete in the upper end of the pony car market. This car was available in different trim levels and the cool part was that buyers could choose from almost any Chrysler engine to go with their vehicle. These Dodge Challengers also had a luxurious interior and 4 headlights for more style. Furthermore, over 150,000 Dodge Challengers were sold during this first generation, sounds like many people were waiting for it!
2nd generation Dodge Challenger
For 3 years, between 1974 and 1977, there was not much happening in the life of the Great Dodge Challenger, the creators were probably thinking of ways they could revolutionize the car market. In 1977, the Challenger name came back to life with the Dodge Colt Challenger, as it was known overseas. This vehicle was aesthetically different from the Challenger in the previous generation: there a shift from a pony car to a compact car. This 2nd generation Challenger is remembered for its smaller frame and engine and bright colours. This vehicle also revolutionized the American market thanks to its four-cylinder engine technology.
3rd generation Dodge Challenger
The 3rd generation of the Dodge Challenger which started in 2008 is the last and current generation. There were many significant changes including the shift back to a pony car Bodystyle, and the cars from this generation have a lot in common with the Challenger from the 1st generation. However, they are longer and taller. At the very beginning of this generation in 2008, only one trim level was available: SRT8. But in 2009 many other models were added to the collection including the SE (base model) and R/T. In 2012, there was a major change in the name convention and the base model was changed from SE to SXT in order to follow a similar naming pattern as the other Dodge vehicles. And this is certainly not the end to this story, there are many more changes that will be coming up over the next years. Stay tuned!