Most people cannot afford to get behind the wheel of an Aston Martin, even the base model. A Lamborgini is well beyond their reach, and they may never get to sit in a Ferrari, much less drive one.
However, many people were fortunate enough to get to ride in or drive the Dodge Viper of the 1990s. This vehicle was among the best V10 vehicles of that decade.
When making that car, Dodge prioritized the engine. It lacked the most common driver aids of that era, but owners didn’t care. The 8.0-liter engine produced 400 horsepower coupled with 465 lb-ft of torque. When it first came out in 1991, it was the only American supercar that could compete against Italian exotics. Dodge has built on that tradition over the years and continues to produce sports cars that impress car enthusiasts today. What are three features that make this manufacturer’s vehicles stand out? Why should you visit a dodge dealer today to check them out?
SRT Versions
The Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango all receive the SRT treatment. What does that mean? SRT stands for Street & Racing Technology. When designers introduced this technology, they wanted to make cars suitable for city streets and the racetrack. Early versions were known for their supercharged engines and amazing handling. The original design team was made up of the top engineers and mechanics, many of whom had a background in road racing. SRT was so popular in the Viper that Dodge opted to use it in other vehicles, and does so to this day.
The Dodge Durango SRT features a 6.4-liter V-8 engine and a performance-tuned suspension system. This SUV goes from 0 to 60mph in only 4.7 seconds and comes equipped with all-wheel drive. Paddle shifters on the steering wheel allow you to change gears without taking your focus off the road, and drivers love the cutting-edge technology and ample cargo space. Who knew an SUV could fall into the muscle car class?
The Charger SRT offers performance, comfort, and muscle car style, so you get the best of all worlds. You’ll find the car takes off rapidly, and you can stop with ease. Choose the Hellcat Widebody trim and get a 6.2-liter HEMI that provides 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. No other four-door pony car available today can keep up with this machine when it comes to power.
The Challenger SRT is another driver favorite, and this vehicle is so impressive you will find it on many posters in residential and commercial garages. Two models are offered, so you can choose between 717 and 797 horsepower. Opt for the Hellcat Redeye Widebody and go from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds. Who doesn’t love that?
Widebody Kits
Why would a driver want a widebody vehicle? What benefits come with choosing this option? Dodge opted to offer both the Charger and the Challenger SRT models with a widebody option. When a driver selects this model, they get a car that has better traction out on the road without sacrificing any of the muscle car’s stance. You won’t have to worry as much about sliding when taking a turn, even if the road conditions are less than ideal. The added width makes this less likely to happen. In addition, when you are taking off from a dead stop to beat the 0 to 60 record, spinning out is less of a concern if you have the widebody version of the Charger or Challenger. What many people don’t realize is the added width also adds to the visual appeal of this machine.
Dodge added the extra inches to give the driver more control even as they increased the power under the hood. The vehicles also come with Brembo brakes and other performance features. Once a person gets behind the wheel of one of these cars, they see how the SRT can go from the racetrack to city streets with ease.
Classic Style
People see a muscle car coming and know exactly what they are looking at. The distinct styles of the Challenger and Charger SRT models guarantee they attract attention everywhere they go. While the four-door Charger has a more modern look, complete with deep side chisels and a rounded front fascia, it still has a look that appeals to many.
The Challenger, in contrast, has a more classic look, one that many drivers will appreciate. This car comes with rounded headlamps like seen on earlier versions, along with sleek body lines. Those who love cars will recognize the flat front fascia on this machine, as it has been carried over from earlier models. However, Dodge recognized people wanted something new when buying a car, so they gave the Challenger a distinct flair that helped bring the car into the modern era.
The Durango wasn’t overlooked when Dodge wanted to create a unique style for its SRT models. While the vehicle does resemble other SUVs on the market today, it has unique features that help it stand out in the crowd. The hood scoop is something not normally seen on this body type, but it works when you get behind the wheel. In many ways, this SUV is a Charger that has been put in the body of an SUV. Who knew you could put a two-tiered front fascia and muscled body lines on an SUV and make it look like a muscle car? Dodge did, and that’s what you get when you buy a Durango SRT.
Dodge continues to find ways to make muscle cars even better. The manufacturer recently introduced its integrated turbo cylinder head technology. Many people worry the muscle car of the past will soon fall to the wayside as more people turn to electric vehicles. This technology is designed to prevent that from happening.
The increased efficiency seen when this technology is added to a car will allow muscle cars to compete with electric vehicles easily. Expect to see this innovation in models such as the Challenger, Charger, and Durango SRT models soon, as Dodge knows drivers love these vehicles and will continue to produce them as long as possible. The muscle car isn’t going anywhere if Dodge has anything to say about it.
