The News Wheel
No Comments

New All-Wheel-Drive Dodge Challenger Could Debut This Fall

Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page
2016 Dodge Challenger Front End Driving

The 2017 Dodge Challenger lineup will possibly include an all-wheel-drive model

In the world of muscle cars, rear-wheel drive reigns supreme. Some people might even say that the defining feature of a muscle car—besides its beefy styling and high-performance powertrain— is that it sends its power to the rear wheels. It looks like this might change soon, though—at least for Dodge.

According to a recent report from Automotive News, the performance-oriented American carmaker is planning on releasing an all-wheel-drive model for the 2017 Dodge Challenger. This model could debut as early as this fall and will be based on an all-wheel-drive Challenger concept that debuted last year at SEMA. Like this concept car, this special Challenger will have the GT AWD badge, setting it apart from the rest of the muscle car world.


The Future of Performance: See what the 2017 Dodge Challenger Hellcat’s performance will offer


The GT AWD concept car had a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, which reflects the amount of torque this all-wheel drive could handle. Typically, the Challenger is offered with a 6.4-liter or the 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat engine. This all-wheel-drive system is similar to ones seen in the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans, which both share a platform with the Challenger.

While a Challenger with all-wheel drive wouldn’t exactly be the most powerful of muscle cars, it does have some pretty big positives. It could have some big appeal for customers living in snowy climates that like to have that extra traction for icy roads. After all, a Challenger as it is now isn’t exactly ideal for an daily driver.


Get the Special Editions Before They’re Gone: Find out what special-edition Dodge Vipers are available now


Along with the Challenger GT AWD, Dodge also plans on introducing a wide-body, rear-wheel-drive Challenger model, which will feature the Hellcat powertrain. This model, which will be called the Challenger ADR, will join forces with the all-wheel-drive model to keep consumers’ interest until the iconic American muscle car is revamped in 2018.

The 2018 redesign will see the Challenger moving onto the Giorgio platform, which means it’s likely to lose 500 pounds from the current model.

News Source: Automotive News (subscription required)