The Challenger GT Is the World’s First and Only AWD Muscle Car
If there was a vehicle that you and I thought Dodge would unveil at the upcoming North American International Auto Show, a.k.a Detroit Auto Show. An all-wheel drive Dodge Challenger certainly wasn’t it.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles had news for us bright and early this morning. They proudly blasted across the airwaves these awesome photos of a Dodge Challenger playing in the snow. The headlines read: “The World’s First and Only AWD Muscle Coupe,” “The Challenger You Can Drive Year Round,” etc.
It’s true. Just like some of you might have seen the introduction of the seatbelt in a passenger car, or the first built-in navigation unit, we’re now witnessing the very first American muscle coupe to be outfitted with traction on all-four tires. It’s called the Dodge Challenger GT.
“Dodge is shifting the muscle car paradigm with the new 2017 Dodge Challenger GT – the world’s first and only all-wheel-drive American muscle coupe,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “The Challenger has always been the most wide-ranging and functional muscle coupe, and now, with the new 305-horsepower all-wheel-drive Challenger GT, we are stretching the functional and geographic boundaries even further.”
Like many of today’s all-wheel drive vehicles, the iconic muscle car will feature an active transfer case and live axle disconnecting system. That means that under normal driving conditions, 100% of the power will be sent to rear wheels. Only when the system’s sensors deem it necessary, will the awd be deployed. No specifics were given on how much of the power could ultimately be transferred to the front wheels.
Production for the Challenger GT begins in January of 2017, and Dodge estimates the awd coupe to arrive into dealership showrooms the first quarter of the same year. MSRP is said to be $33,395 plus a $1,095 destination charge.