Dodge News: Dodge Shows Off The Challenger Rallye Redline

[William Maley]

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William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

March 26, 2012

The Spring Festival, held annually in Southern California, has become a big deal for owners of Chrysler's LX platform cars – Challenger, Charger, Magnum and 300. Originally started by a small group of passionate forum members, the event has grown to a point where Chrysler has thrown their support in. This year, the pentastar brought out something special, the new Challenger Rallye Redline.

Based on the Challenger SXT Plus, the Rallye Redline features the same 3.6-liter V6 with 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft torque as the standard model, but gets a amount of upgrades. Starting with the exterior, the Rallye Redline gets a triple red stripe and new 20-inch wheels with subtle red stripes around the rims. Inside, the red continues with available Radar Red leather seats.

Performance wise, the Rallye Redline gets a Super Sport Group handling package that includes firmer front and rear shocks, larger front and rear sway bars, slightly wider tires and 25-percent quicker steering. Also, a larger set brakes are included.

Pricing for the Challenger Rallye Redline starts at $28,745 (excluding $925 destination) and arrives at Dodge dealers in April.

Press Release is on Page 2

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New 2012 Challenger Rallye Redline Delivers More Excitement And Red-hot Dodge Style At Spring Fest

• New 2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline turns up the heat with unique red-hot exterior accents, 305 horsepower and performance suspension
  
• New Redline Red exterior striping paired with Pitch Black 20-inch wheels with Redline Red accented lip deliver a modern muscle car look
  
• Standard Dark Slate Gray or new Radar Red leather performance seating
  
• Efficient performance: Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline features the 3.6-liter aluminum Pentastar V-6 engine delivering 305 horsepower and 27 highway mpg paired with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters
  
• Available this April with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $28,745 (excluding $925 destination)
  
• With more than 1,000 registered vehicles, the seventh annual Spring Festival of LXs is the largest owner gathering of Dodge Chargers, Dodge Challengers, Dodge Magnums and Chrysler 300s in North America
  

Irvine, Calif. , Mar 23, 2012 - Evolving into the largest homecoming of modern Dodge rear-wheel-drive performance cars, the seventh annual Spring Festival of LXs marked the perfect opportunity to reveal the new 2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline. With its powerful and efficient 305 horsepower engine, paddle-shifting transmission, performance suspension designed to maximize the muscle car’s near 50/50 weight distribution for improved handling, and all-new red hot styling enhancements — this new Challenger delivers exactly what Dodge fans want.

“Infused with Dodge DNA, the new Challenger Rallye Redline adds even more excitement to our iconic muscle car, and to show our appreciation to our most hard-core enthusiasts, we revealed this new model at Spring Fest,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Dodge Brand — Chrysler Group LLC. “With its unique Redline Red accented exterior details, available Radar Red leather, performance suspension and brakes, and 305 horsepower V-6 with paddle shifters getting 27 mpg – this new Challenger fuses the nameplate’s iconic heritage with modern Dodge styling and performance.”

New red hot styling details

Based on the 2012 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus, the new Challenger Rallye Redline model adds even more ‘bad boy’ attitude and head-turning style to the brand’s iconic coupe.

Flanking the center of the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline’s performance hood scoops, roof and deck lid is its signature Redline Red stripe with two thin side stripes for added detail. A body-color painted deck-lid spoiler adds to the performance look, while continuing the Redline Red triple stripe pattern at the center.

Filling the wheel wells, the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline features new 20-inch Pitch Black wheels with a Redline Red lip and inner drum for a one-of-a-kind look. In addition, wider P245/45R20 Firestone Firehawk all-season performance tires provide greater contact with the road and a lower sidewall profile for improved steering precision and at-the-limit handling.

All-new to the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline model is the availability of heated front performance seats in Radar Red leather. In addition, Dodge Challenger’s class-exclusive seating for five may be wrapped in Dark Slate Gray leather.

The Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline is available in four colors, including Bright Silver Metallic, Tungsten Metallic, Bright White and Pitch Black.

Track-tuned performance

The new 2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline combines world-class ride and refinement with its 305 horsepower aluminum Pentastar V-6 engine and track-tuned performance suspension to deliver a thrilling driving experience.

The Dodge Challenger’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine features a cold-air induction system and dual exhausts from the headers back to the exhaust tips for maximum output. The result is 305 track-ready horsepower (227 kW) at 6,350 rpm and a responsive 268 lb.-ft. (363 N•m) of torque at 4,800 rpm. The engine’s torque exceeds 90 percent of its peak value from 1,800 to 6,400 rpm, which provides outstanding drivability and responsiveness. Thanks to its all-aluminum design, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine provides the new Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline with a 52.4 / 47.6 front-to-rear weight distribution for improved balance and handling.

Enabling even more spirited driving with its five-speed Auto Stick transmission are die-cast zinc steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. Race-inspired with precision feel, Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline’s paddle shifters are ergonomically located behind the sporty thick-rimmed three-spoke Dodge steering wheel for maximum control.

And to deliver improved all around acceleration, the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline replaces its 2.65:1 rear-axle ratio for a more responsive 3.06:1 unit.

Upping the ante, the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline features the Super Sport Group as standard equipment and includes: performance-tuned suspension with 42 percent firmer front and 22 percent firmer rear monotube shocks. A larger 1.18-inch (30 mm) front and a 0.78-inch (20 mm) rear-sway bar replace 1.06-inch (27 mm) and 0.62-inch (16 mm) bars, respectively and add to the Dodge Challenger’s cornering capabilities. A performance-tuned steering calibration delivers 25 percent quicker steering and 20 percent heavier on-center feel. Topping off the handling upgrade are larger and wider 20 x 8.0-inch (replacing 18 x 7.5-inch) wheels with wider P245/45R20 all-season performance tires (replacing P235/55R18 tires).

Making sure the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline delivers world-class levels of stopping power, larger performance disc brakes replace the standard set. At the front, dual-piston front calipers replace single-piston units and larger 13.6 x 1.26-inch (345 x 28 mm) vented rotors replace 12.6 x 1.1-inch (320 x 28 mm) vented rotors. At the rear, 12.6 x 0.87-inch (320 x 22 mm) vented rotors replace 12.6 x 0.4-inch (320 x 10 mm) solid rotors.

Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline also includes a tremendous level of standard equipment found on every 2012 Challenger SXT Plus, including: Uconnect™ hands-free phone, six Boston Acoustic Speakers with 276-watt amplifier, premium Nappa leather faced seats, heated front seats, SIRIUS/XM satellite radio with 12-month subscription, fog lamps, dual exhausts, automatic temperature control, power 10-way driver’s seat, cruise control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Keyless Enter ‘n Go, and six standard airbags.

Just in time for spring

The new Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline is available for ordering now and arrives at Dodge dealerships this April with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $28,745 (excluding $925 destination).

About Spring Festival of LXs

Evolving into one of the largest gatherings of Chrysler and Dodge car owners in North America, the seventh annual Spring Festival of LXs in Irvine, Calif., is a celebration of approximately 1,000 of the most “tricked out” Chrysler 300s, Dodge Chargers, Dodge Challengers and Dodge Magnums.

Chrysler and Dodge LX (original vehicle platform code for Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Dodge Magnum) vehicles are some of the most customized and accessorized vehicles in the country. Chrysler and Dodge LX owners are also some of the most active in online forums, and the Spring Festival of LXs turns their virtual community into reality as a large meet-and-greet owner opportunity along with exclusive roundtable forums with the people who design, engineer and manufacture these Chrysler and Dodge vehicles.

Seven years ago, this event started as a small group and active community of online “LX” owners and forum users. Today, the Spring Festival of LXs has expanded into a collaboration that includes Chrysler Group’s California Business Center, aftermarket vendors, vehicle displays and family-friendly fun with music, food and prizes. For more information, visit www.socallx.com

About the Dodge Challenger

The 2012 Dodge Challenger delivers exactly what muscle car enthusiasts want — a powerful and efficient engine lineup, a performance suspension designed for maximum grip, and athletic head-turning styling — all executed with quality and precision.

The Dodge Challenger SXT models package feature the lightweight, aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar™ V-6 engine with 305 horsepower (227 kW), responsive 268 lb.-ft. (363 N•m) of torque and up to 27 mpg highway. With legendary 5.7-liter HEMI^® V-8 engines under their hoods, the 2012 Challenger R/T models delivers up to 375 horsepower (280 kW), 410 lb.-ft. (556 N•m) of torque and 25 mpg highway.

With customization options, including hood-to-fender stripes, dual stripes, bodyside stripes, nostalgic paint colors and a choice of seven different wheel designs, Dodge Challenger sits apart from the pack and perfectly combines fun, nostalgia and power in one car.

All-new die-cast zinc steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters enable even more spirited driving and are now available on Dodge Challenger SXT Plus package and R/T models with five-speed Auto Stick transmission.

Innovative Uconnect^® Media Center radios (430, 430N and 730N) integrate a 6.5-inch touchscreen display with a 20 to 28-gigabyte hard drive for additional storage, USB port with iPod control, segment-leading Garmin^® navigation guidance and mapping, SIRIUS Traffic and SIRIUS Travel Link, providing real-time weather, fuel prices and more while on the go (depending on model). The 2012 Dodge Challenger also offers a world-class 900-watt, 18-speaker premium surround-sound system from Harman Kardon^®.

To make long cruises more comfortable, the 2012 Dodge Challenger features highly cushioned and comfortably contoured seating, while maintaining large bolsters to hold passengers in place during performance driving. To make it easy for up to three passengers to get in and out of the backseat, the driver’s seat features seatback tilt- with memory and an easy-to-reach release handle, while the front-passenger seat includes tilt-and-slide with memory.

Dodge Challenger offers exceptional rear seating for a two-door coupe, achieving best-in-class rear head room (37.4 inches) and legroom (32.6 inches) compared with its competition. With class-exclusive seating for five, coupled with best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.), the Dodge Challenger is the segment’s best day-to-day pony-car choice, offering maximum comfort and functionality to go with its legendary iconic styling and performance.

The 2012 Dodge Challenger features more than 45 safety and security features, including standard ESC, now integrating Chrysler Group’s new proprietary Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support safety features to improve overall vehicle handling and performance both on and off the track.

In addition, Dodge Challenger was awarded Cars.com’s “2012 Shopper’s Choice Award,” representing their favorite car of the year, and Polk’s “Automotive Loyalty Award” in the sports car segment for the second year in a row.

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[G. David Felt]

Pics are nice, it is a very nice looker package, but if your going to buy this car, why not get the V8 for the real deal rather than the Poser package.

[Intrepidation]

Because not everyone needs to compensate for a tiny wang or feels the need to get the V8. Considering the V6 makes 305 horsepower, and it the Ralley packages adds suspension upgrades, it's hardly a poser car.

I'd probably get the V8 because that's the ticket to getting the manual, but I wouldn't fault anyone for getting the V6.

[G. David Felt]

Because not everyone needs to compensate for a tiny wang or feels the need to get the V8. Considering the V6 makes 305 horsepower, and it the Ralley packages adds suspension upgrades, it's hardly a poser car.

I'd probably get the V8 because that's the ticket to getting the manual, but I wouldn't fault anyone for getting the V6.

LOL you crack me up, not having to compensate for anything, but the history of life with V6 engines and their so called fuel efficiency is a joke in this country. So far America seems to still make a v8 that lasts compared to v6 or 4 bangers. If your going to get this type of car, then get the real deal I think. This way you know you can easily get 200 to 300K miles out of the engine. The V6 I would only count on for 150K to 200K at best.

Plus when you do hit high mileage, a tired v8 can still move an auto nicely compared to a tired v6.

[Robert Hall]

Because not everyone needs to compensate for a tiny wang or feels the need to get the V8. Considering the V6 makes 305 horsepower, and it the Ralley packages adds suspension upgrades, it's hardly a poser car.

I'd probably get the V8 because that's the ticket to getting the manual, but I wouldn't fault anyone for getting the V6.

LOL you crack me up, not having to compensate for anything, but the history of life with V6 engines and their so called fuel efficiency is a joke in this country. So far America seems to still make a v8 that lasts compared to v6 or 4 bangers. If your going to get this type of car, then get the real deal I think. This way you know you can easily get 200 to 300K miles out of the engine. The V6 I would only count on for 150K to 200K at best.

Plus when you do hit high mileage, a tired v8 can still move an auto nicely compared to a tired v6.

You do know this V6 is an all new design that came out about a year ago... can't see why it wouldn't last a long time. I'm surprised, though, they still are using the 5spd auto.

[fullmoon97]

i gotta agree with dodge, sure the V8 is nice and all but what if you want a more fuel efficient (yes the 3.6 is pretty fuel efficient) car that still has a decent amount of power. not to mention what if you want a car that is more affordable. the VVT is a GOOD engine. its a new engine, so new that you CAN'T say weather or not it will last. but for me i would go for affordability, looks, and a decent amount of power. the 3.6 puts out a ton more HP then my 3.5 i think the 1st gen intrepid put out about 214 while this 3.6 puts out 305. keeping in mind that the challenger weighs allot more then the intrepid. the V8 is nice for those who need to hear the roar to get off. but not everyone wants a V8 today, the V8 is more of a Luxury to have. the more affordable models have the V6 and people buy those because 1 they have plenty of power, and 2 because they can afford them. i like this model the way it is. sure it would be nice with a 5 speed or even the new 8 speed the dart will have. but this is an every day plain old joe model for those who want what this has. looks, power, and simplicity.

[G. David Felt]

I will still wait and see, so far I have yet to see any big benefit from the v6 engines for long life and maintaining power/torque. History has shown the vendors shouting the high MPG of these cars and yet in real world driving they rarely perfome those numbers. This is not about getting off on a V8, but the history shows that cars being the worst investment one can make, then it makes sense to go with an engine that will last a good long time. I tend to hold onto my vehicles for at least 10 years. Both myself and family members who bought the v6 engines have never gotten out of it what they were told they would get. The V8's always outperformned the V6 engines in durability IMO.

Good luck to any who has bought these engines, the auto companies have allot to prove to us that the V6's really are the bullit proof enginerred.

[Turbojett]

looks the goods, and I know the V6 isn't exactly a bad choice, but the powermonger in me would prefer this package with a Hemi underhood.

I am however anxious to see how well the suspension package sharpens the Challenger's blades.

[fullmoon97]

to want more power is not a bad thing. to criticize the company for making a lesser option is. i stand by this VVT all tests have shown it to be a solid engine. the only test left is the test of time. if i had the money i would most likely get the SRT with the hemi. but in this economy this package for looks, power, handling, and affordability just makes more sense to single person with little money.

[Blake Noble]

As someone who previously owned an SE Challenger, I'll say that I prefer the way the V6 model handled versus the V8. I almost have to wonder if the Rallye Redline's suspension and handling upgrades mean it can keep up with an R/T through the bends?

If there's anything ChryCo should do for the V6-equipped Challengers before they send this model off, it's install an honest-to-God manual transmission. AutoStick is a cool novelty, but it's a terrible subsitute for third pedal and a stick.

Edited March 27, 2012 by black-knight

[Robert Hall]

As someone who previously owned an SE Challenger, I'll say that I prefer the way the V6 model handled versus the V8. I almost have to wonder if the Rallye Redline's suspension and handling upgrades mean it can keep up with an R/T through the bends?

If there's anything ChryCo should do for the V6-equipped Challengers before they send this model off, it's install an honest-to-God manual transmission. AutoStick is a cool novelty, but it's a terrible subsitute for third pedal and a stick.

Yes..that is strange that they offer the V8 w/ a manual but not the V6...the Charger should be available w/ a manual also, IMO.

[Intrepidation]

Because not everyone needs to compensate for a tiny wang or feels the need to get the V8. Considering the V6 makes 305 horsepower, and it the Ralley packages adds suspension upgrades, it's hardly a poser car.

I'd probably get the V8 because that's the ticket to getting the manual, but I wouldn't fault anyone for getting the V6.

LOL you crack me up, not having to compensate for anything, but the history of life with V6 engines and their so called fuel efficiency is a joke in this country. So far America seems to still make a v8 that lasts compared to v6 or 4 bangers. If your going to get this type of car, then get the real deal I think. This way you know you can easily get 200 to 300K miles out of the engine. The V6 I would only count on for 150K to 200K at best.

Plus when you do hit high mileage, a tired v8 can still move an auto nicely compared to a tired v6.

That is the most asinine argument I've ever heard.

[Blake Noble]

Because not everyone needs to compensate for a tiny wang or feels the need to get the V8. Considering the V6 makes 305 horsepower, and it the Ralley packages adds suspension upgrades, it's hardly a poser car.

I'd probably get the V8 because that's the ticket to getting the manual, but I wouldn't fault anyone for getting the V6.

LOL you crack me up, not having to compensate for anything, but the history of life with V6 engines and their so called fuel efficiency is a joke in this country. So far America seems to still make a v8 that lasts compared to v6 or 4 bangers. If your going to get this type of car, then get the real deal I think. This way you know you can easily get 200 to 300K miles out of the engine. The V6 I would only count on for 150K to 200K at best.

Plus when you do hit high mileage, a tired v8 can still move an auto nicely compared to a tired v6.

That is the most asinine argument I've ever heard.

I'm going to have to agree here.

The 3.5L I had in my Challenger seemed to be a very stout engine and I know some LH owners have gotten excellent life out of it. Hell, you can milk 300,000 miles out of any engine just so long as you change the oil, coolant, and spark plugs and occasionally do a tune up. The only criticism I had with the 3.5L was the fact it required mid-grade gasoline for the best fuel consumption and what is an average amount of power these days. I believe the new 3.6L addresses that issue.

It really is how you drive something, not what you drive. I know we all have our preferences, but at this point the only thing that would stop me from making the Redline model my next Challenger is the lack of a manual transmission. Again, I'd almost bet money the Redline would at least keep up with an R/T on the right roads and tracks, especially in the hands of a driver who knows what he's doing.

Edited March 28, 2012 by black-knight

[Intrepidation]

Exactly, cylinder count has no bearing on longevity. Care and maintenance have everything to do with it.

A high mileage cars I know:

My friend's 700,000+ mile 300M - V6

Another friend's 300,000+ mile Legacy - 4 cylinder

My 209,000 mile Prizm - 4 cylinder.

Look, they have less than eight cylinders! Wow!

Buy whatever you like, nothing wrong with that. Choice is always good. Which is why its great to see that Dodge is adding upgrades to the V6 models. But to put a 305 horsepower engine down using such ludicrous arguments is laughable.

[Robert Hall]

Yeah, remember just a few years ago when around 300 hp was typical for a mainstream V8 ('05-10 Mustang GT, for example). About that 700k mile 300M..that's a staggering amount of driving...even if it's over 10 years old. Wow..

[fullmoon97]

Yeah, remember just a few years ago when around 300 hp was typical for a mainstream V8 ('05-10 Mustang GT, for example). About that 700k mile 300M..that's a staggering amount of driving...even if it's over 10 years old. Wow..

i can vouch for that 700k his 300m is also still in amazing condition.

[Intrepidation]

It's worth noting that the engine in YJ's Challenger is essentially the same engine found in that 700,000 mile 300M. The 3.5 is a very good engine.

[G. David Felt]

Because not everyone needs to compensate for a tiny wang or feels the need to get the V8. Considering the V6 makes 305 horsepower, and it the Ralley packages adds suspension upgrades, it's hardly a poser car.

I'd probably get the V8 because that's the ticket to getting the manual, but I wouldn't fault anyone for getting the V6.

LOL you crack me up, not having to compensate for anything, but the history of life with V6 engines and their so called fuel efficiency is a joke in this country. So far America seems to still make a v8 that lasts compared to v6 or 4 bangers. If your going to get this type of car, then get the real deal I think. This way you know you can easily get 200 to 300K miles out of the engine. The V6 I would only count on for 150K to 200K at best.

Plus when you do hit high mileage, a tired v8 can still move an auto nicely compared to a tired v6.

That is the most asinine argument I've ever heard.

I'm going to have to agree here.

The 3.5L I had in my Challenger seemed to be a very stout engine and I know some LH owners have gotten excellent life out of it. Hell, you can milk 300,000 miles out of any engine just so long as you change the oil, coolant, and spark plugs and occasionally do a tune up. The only criticism I had with the 3.5L was the fact it required mid-grade gasoline for the best fuel consumption and what is an average amount of power these days. I believe the new 3.6L addresses that issue.

It really is how you drive something, not what you drive. I know we all have our preferences, but at this point the only thing that would stop me from making the Redline model my next Challenger is the lack of a manual transmission. Again, I'd almost bet money the Redline would at least keep up with an R/T on the right roads and tracks, especially in the hands of a driver who knows what he's doing.

You have hit on the one main item I forgot to mention, a v6 or 4 banger will still move a vehicle with spirit if it has a manual tranny so that you can play with the power band. Yet I stand by my experiance of older trucks and cars that have these engines with auto tranny's and having the maintenance done on them, they still run, usually do not seem to use any fluids out of the norm for high milage and yet the ability to move the car is lacking and the gas milage sucks.

The only v6 vehicle I still have is a 98 Dodge Dakota with the v6 and a 5 speed manual with 312,000 miles on it. It sucks for gas milage, never got what Dodge said it would get, best being 17 miles per gallon and is a well known fact that the v8 was more fuel efficient than the v6 that was rated higher MPG. Yet with a manual Tranny, it still moves and can haul a decent load. Being I am the orignal owner from when I bought it with only 8 miles on it, I have kept it in clean condition, both my kids learned to drive a stick on this baby and it continues to serve the family well.

Our 99 Dodge Dakota with the 5.9L v8 is just about to hit 300K miles and while it gets only 12 MPG on the most recent tank, as a 4x4 it still moves and will last a long time since I stick to the service schedule. My daughter loves driving it.

Over all a 4 banger or V6 with Manual Tranny can have a long life, yet I have found that the more luxury items those vehicles get along with an auto tranny, the more sluggish they tend to become.

I am happy many of you have had good experiances with the smaller engines, but having grown up with a father and a repair shop that can make v8 sing, I have always found American V8's to outlast and out power smaller engines and will stay with them as long as I can afford to fuel them.

[ponchoman49]

I really wish Chrysler would put the 8 speed in the Challenger. It truly is a win win combo. The current Challenger with the 3.06 axle and 3.6 305 Hp engine does 0-60 in 6.4 seconds and gets 27 highway MPG. Add in the 8 speed and watch the 0-60 go down under 6 seconds and the MPG go up to 31 highway as in the Charger. The only thing I'm not fond of with the 8 speed cars is the dorky video game shifter.