Since the production Dodge Challenger first debuted, we've wondered how Dodge will go about updating the retro-styled muscle car without losing its unique flavor. Now we know: with small, almost unnoticeable tweaks to the iconic shape.
These photos recently surfaced on the Internet and purport to show the first update of the modern Challenger, rumored to be a 2011 model. You'll have to look close to see the changes, but they're there. Zoom in on the front fascia and you'll notice that the lower air intake has essentially been flipped upside-down and is now wider at the bottom than the top, the opposite of the current car. Above that, you'll notice that the Ram head Dodge emblem is gone from the nose.
There are a few more changes around the side. The current car's flush-mounted door handles appear to have been replaced with new units that, while not as sleek, look to be a major improvement over the current handles, which are difficult to pull without losing your grip. There also appear to be slightly revised five-spoke wheels to finish the update. Despite appearances, they aren't actually black; they're covered with a protective plastic coating for transport.
Much as we enjoy getting spy shots, these leave us wanting more. We can't see the back of the car or the interior, which is rumored to be getting a much-needed update for 2011 as well. We'd also love to see under the hood, where the Challenger is expected to ditch its old 3.5-liter V-6 for the new 3.7-liter Pentastar with at least 280 horsepower. The model pictured here is actually an R/T with a 5.7-liter V-8 that isn't expected to be updated, but in addition to the new six, we'd also like a peak at the rumored update to the SRT-8's 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 that's said to now offer nearly 500 horsepower.
Thanks to: Motor Trend
