2015 Dodge Challenger
The 2015 Dodge Challenger swaps the 1970s-style grille and taillights of the outgoing model for a set of new 1971 inspired exterior trim. It also retains the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen interface, but the interior is now resplendent in premium-feeling materials. The Challenger SRT Hellcat is also new for 2015 and heralds the arrival of its mighty potent 6.4-liter supercharged V8 with 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. The base Challenger SXT has a 3.6-liter V6 engine pumping out 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. Challenger R/T has a 5.7-liter V8 with up to 375 horsepower for the six-speed manual and 372 horsepower with the eight-speed automatic. Finally, the Challenger R/T Scat Pack and SRT have a 6.4-liter V8 with 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Track-Worthy Performance
EPA-mandated exhaust systems aren't ideal for extracting the best possible performance out of an engine. Due to tightening regulations, the stock mid-pipes restrict the airflow, essentially robbing your V6 or V8 Challenger of horsepower and torque. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to sacrifice emissions for performance, though. The aftermarket has developed high-performance exhaust systems for the 2015 Dodge Challenger that can still remain emissions compliant. Coupled with a high flowing set of aftermarket headers with accompanying catalytic converters, a proper cat-back exhaust system improves both exhaust flow and engine sound. Combining these two major exhaust components, you’re looking at an additional 20-30 horsepower , not to mention giving your muscle car a beastly exhaust sound.
Tame the Beast
The Challenger is an absolute hoot in a straight line, but it needs a few tweaks to tame its rather busy rear end. Lowering springs will improve handling while giving your muscle car a more aggressive stance, but those springs can only do so much when you throw the Challenger into a corner. But if you pair those lowering springs with an aftermarket sway bar kit, you are sure to get crisper turn-ins with significantly reduced understeer and body roll, giving you more confidence to step on the gas as you exit the curve. Aftermarket sway bar kits have firmer and more durable polyurethane bushings and lightweight steel tubing to give your Challenger the driving feel of a tuned race car. Furthermore, some brands offer multi-point adjustability to fine-tune the level of rigidity acting between the control arms.
Stopping On A Dime
The 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and SRT need big brakes to stop repeatedly without brake fade. Upgrading to a big brake kit will not only improve the stopping power of your Dodge muscle car, but those multi-piston calipers and larger-diameter rotors will look good peering behind your car’s alloy wheels. There are many big brake kits to choose from, but your best bet is to select a four-piston caliper brake kit with 14-inch discs for street use or a bigger 6-piston or 8-piston caliper with 15-inch rotors for mixed track and street duty. These calipers can provide more clamping force across an increased surface area, providing better deceleration and heat distribution. Big brake kits are not cheap, but most come in a complete set, including cross-drilled or slotted rotors, calipers, brake pads, and the necessary mounting hardware. When upgrading the brakes, make sure to drain out the old DOT 4 brake fluid to make the most of your Challenger’s new anchors. Brake fluid is hygroscopic by nature and absorbs water and moisture from the environment and rubber brake lines. Replenishing the system with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid ensures your new brakes will perform flawlessly under heavy duress.
