While the vast majority of changes will be reserved for the introduction of the next generation Dodge Challenger in 2015, the 2014 model year Challengers do get a handful of additions to make the brawny Mopar muscle car more exciting to drive from the base V6 to the top of the line SRT models.
First up, the 2014 Dodge Challenger V6 models powered by the 3.6L Pentastar with 305 horsepower and 268lb-ft of torque will receive two new sport packages that add a little bit of styling and a little bit better performance. The new Super Sport Group adds 20 inch chrome wheels wrapped in P245/4520 performance tires, a 3.07 rear end gear set, metal steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, a new Sport shifting calibration, sport suspension and a performance braking package. The second addition for the 2014 V6 Challenger is the Sinister Sport Group that adds the same 3.07 gear, the sport suspension, the performance brakes, the paddle shifters and the Sport shift mode but in place of the 20 inch chrome rims is a set of 20 inch gloss black wheels wrapped in the same high performance tires.
The 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T buyers can select a new R/T Blacktop package that adds the components of the Super Track Pak including 245/45/20 performance tires, 4-wheel heavy duty disc brakes, performance tuned steering and sport suspension along with a blacked out exterior package. The 2014 Challenger R/T also features the Redline package that adds unique two tone body side graphics and gorgeous black chrome wheels with a red bead stripe and a red backbone to the wheel.
The top of the line 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT is powered by the same 6.4L, 392 cubic inch Hemi V8 with 470 horsepower and 470lb-ft of torque but new for 2014 is a standard launch control system which allows SRT Challenger owners to get the most out of their high performance muscle car on the strip or on the street.
While there will likely be more color choices that pop up for the 2014 model year as part of specific packages, the 2014 Dodge Challenger will be available in six exterior colors – Header Orange (shown above), Redline Tri-coat, Plum Crazy, TorRed, Ivory Tri-coat and Phantom Black Tri-coat Pearl.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
