Car and Driver: New 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A Is Old-School Done Right

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The Challenger T/A is back. Taking its name from the iconic model Dodge used to compete in the SCCA’s Trans-Am racing series starting in 1970, the 2017 Challenger T/A will be available in three different variants when it goes on sale in October: T/A, T/A Plus, and T/A 392.

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All three sport a new hood with a massive center-mounted scoop. The hood, as well as the roof, trunklid, rear wing, body-side stripes, and fuel-filler door all are done up in satin black. Inspired by the Hellcat, the T/A has a similar ram-air design that allows air to pass through a headlamp to the engine intake, which gets a conical Mopar air filter. But whereas the 2016 Hellcat uses this airflow solution for only one of its lamps, both of the T/A’s inboard lamps feature the design. LED-illuminated T/A logos within the opening are just another reminder that this isn’t any ordinary Challenger. Old-school pins to keep the hood in place are optional.

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Along with the intake, Dodge also equips each and every T/A with a standard 2.75-inch performance exhaust system. Unfortunately, both features make no measurable different to engine output, with 5.7-liter V-8–equipped T/A and T/A Plus models producing the same 375 horsepower as their R/T kin, while the top-of-the-line T/A 392’s 6.4-liter V-8 makes the same 485 horsepower it does in other Challenger 392s. Nevertheless, we can confirm that the kit does make the car sound a hell of a lot meaner. All T/As come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, although buyers can opt for an eight-speed automatic transmission.

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Further upping the ante is the addition of Dodge’s Super Track Pak. The performance kit comes standard on all T/As and includes a suspension that’s been lowered by 0.5 inch, Bilstein shocks, high-performance brake lining, a three-mode stability-control system that can be turned off completely, and stickier tires. T/A and T/A Plus models wrap a set of Goodyear Eagle F1s around 20×9-inch, 12-spoke Mopar wheels finished in black, while the T/A 392 relies on a set of Pirelli three-season performance tires and 20×9.5-inch forged aluminum wheels, also finished in black.

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Inside, the T/A takes things back in time with period Houndstooth cloth inserts for the driver and front passenger seats. T/A Plus models replace the base car’s Houndstooth seats with a pair of heated and ventilated leather buckets. It also adds a power tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, an upgraded audio system, and the latest Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

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Finally, the T/A 392 snags the aforementioned 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 and the wider wheels, as well as big, vented front brakes with six-piston Brembo front calipers and four-piston rears, model-specific suspension geometry, and “392” fender decals.

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Base T/As will run $38,485, while T/A Plus and T/A 392 models will set customers back $41,235 and $45,090. They’ll also introduce a handful of retro paint hues, including Green Go and Yellow Jacket.

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[stratman]

God bless Dodge... they "get it"!

[Ringo64]

1 hour ago, stratman said:

God bless Dodge... they "get it"!

What? Finally get a track pack that could compete with the 1le?

[stratman]

1 hour ago, Ringo64 said:

What? Finally get a track pack that could compete with the 1le?

Hey now!... don't you go mucking things up with stats, and specs and all that technical stuff, lol! 

I'm sure the Camaro and Mustang considered "better" by the experts, but, as a card carrying old fart, they fall short of the look, the colors, and the whole retro vibe you get from the Challenger. 

[Ringo64]

9 hours ago, stratman said:

Hey now!... don't you go mucking things up with stats, and specs and all that technical stuff, lol! 

I'm sure the Camaro and Mustang considered "better" by the experts, but, as a card carrying old fart, they fall short of the look, the colors, and the whole retro vibe you get from the Challenger. 

Hehehe

Hey now, one of the reasons why I bought my Camaro was because I wanted a first gen with the technology, safety and power of today. The 5th gen looked perfectly like a 1st with great modern ques. I do believe now that Chevy is trying to move away from the retro look a bit.