Road Warrior, 2010 Challenger SE

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The muscle car fan has something to smile about. The Challenger SE will take enthusiasts back to a simpler time when gas was under a buck and Motown was putting out hits from The Jackson 5, The Temptations and The Supremes. 

The Challenger SE is a throwback to the days of cruising down Detroit’s famed Woodward Boulevardon those cool summer nights. All I needed was a Faygo Rock n’ Rye and a bag of Jay’s bring back the memories of riding shotgun with my dad.

Less is more must have been the mantra of the design engineers of the Challenger. The body style is classic without trying to include unnecessary lines and curves to make a point. The hood scoop, rear body color spoiler and dual stripes are enough. The elongated and sculpted body design, Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob, Instrument Cluster with Tachometer and Leather Trimmed Bucket Seats smacks retro and style from a time gone by. Sitting on 18 inch Aluminum Wheels, the Challenger hasn’t lost any of its zeal. 

The SE came equipped with a 3.5 Liter 250 hp V6 High-Output 24 Valve MPI Engine flanked by a 5-Speed Automatic Transmission. While it wasn’t the R/T or a V8, that nostalgic charm was etched in the DNA of the SE. Even at top speeds the Challenger handled like a champ and provided 17/25 mpg. Now I know I’m not ready for NASCAR, but the vibe of the Challenger made me feel like I could be a contender. The drive was sturdy with purpose without ever feeling like it was going to get away from me. All the jostling that some old school muscle car were famous for (like the ever-present shimmy when idling) was quelled by the Touring Suspension and Rear Stabilizing Bar. Never the passenger, my companions commented that the ride was enjoyable; even in the back seat. It’s like the muscle car matured without giving up its boyish charm. 

The Challenger is not full of ol’ school charm without any hint of the future…far from it. Power sunroof, Uconnect phone with Voice Command, iPod Control, GPS Navigation, Media Centerwith CD/DVD/HDD/Nav Radio with SIRIUS Radio Service bring the Challenger into the future with its retro vibe. 

MSRP $31,400 For more info visit www.dodge.com