Today I had nothing better to do so, I went to the Dodge dealer to look at the new Challenger  Overall, I haven't been impressed with American car dealerships.  (This is my experience of course)  They are apathetic, uninterested in the cars they are selling, unknowledgeable, and generally boring.  This visit was no exception.  The dealer approached me and asked me why the car interested me.  I responded with "the character, bold design, and I generally thought that the starving company of Dodge strapped for cash finally made a descent car."  I expected him to start telling me about it and all the exciting features, but I had to poke and prod.  He didn't really know anything.  He said "oh I guess" a lot.  He may as well have been selling boxes at the post office.

On to the Challenger; this thing has a presence when you come across it.  As I approached it I realized the intensity of it.  The wide stance in front and the fat tires in back tell you this thing means business.  Functional hood scoops, four circular lights in front are reminiscent of the old 1970's challenger made famous by the movie "Vanishing Point," the inside lights are turn signals and the outer lights xenon headlights a step in the right direction for Dodge.  As I move around to the back of the car I notice the single strip tail light assembly, which compliments the front of the car nicely.

I'm surprised and impressed when I slide into the drivers seat, I honestly thought I would be disappointed with the typical cheap American interior build quality.  The seats are nice, alcantera suede.  They are body hugging, although a bit squishy for my taste, I don't know how they would do for support on a long journey, but I would be willing to find out. The steering wheel and seat adjust perfectly to where I want them to be. The dash is laid out nicely and all the buttons feel substantial, nothing feels cheap here, which is refreshing.  The backside is annoying to get into.  If you have more than one person going to the back seat one of them needs to crawl from the passenger side over to the drivers side because only the shotgun seat folds forward for easy access to the rear.  Minor drawback. 

For only having two doors this coupe is big, really big.  At 197.7 inches this thing it's long (A Range Rover is 195.8 Inches.), and weighing in at 4.140 lbs, it's no lightweight.  I can imagine taking it around a track is a bit like trying to maneuver a fully loaded U-Haul down Lombard Street in San Francisco.. The Challenger does get through the slalom at 66mph so, it handles well for its size.  For comparison purposes a Mini Cooper S runs the slalom at about 67mph.  Dodge certainly did not disappoint bringing this car back to life.  I firmly believe it's the best car they have. The 70's are back with style refinement and form.  Good job Dodge.