Is the new 2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline a V6 muscle car?

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I like where America is going with these beefy V6s sitting in the engine bays of muscle cars. For a while, Dodge trailed Ford and Chevrolet with an anemic 6-banger. Now, there’s a lovely 305 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that puts out a respectable 268 lbs-feet of torque while getting 26 mpg highway.

Yes – it’s not quite as quick and frugal as Ford’s V6, but it now batting in the same league.

Now there’s a new trim package that enhances the Challenger Rallye called the Redline. This is a feature laden accessory addition as the Challenger Rallye Redline is more comprehensive than a bunch of stickers and fancy stickers.

Here are the details about the 2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline and what it comes with:    

“New Redline Red exterior striping paired with Pitch Black 20-inch wheels with Redline Red accented lip deliver a modern muscle car look –

  • Standard Dark Slate Gray or new Radar Red leather performance seating
  • Available this April with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $28,745 (excluding $925 destination)
  • Flanking the center of the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline’s performance hood scoops, roof and deck lid is its signature Redline Red stripe with two thin side stripes for added detail. A body-color painted deck-lid spoiler adds to the performance look, while continuing the Redline Red triple stripe pattern at the center.
  • Filling the wheel wells, the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline features new 20-inch Pitch Black wheels with a Redline Red lip and inner drum for a one-of-a-kind look. In addition, wider P245/45R20 Firestone Firehawk all-season performance tires provide greater contact with the road and a lower sidewall profile for improved steering precision and at-the-limit handling. 
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  • All-new to the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline model is the availability of heated front performance seats in Radar Red leather. In addition, Dodge Challenger’s class-exclusive seating for five may be wrapped in Dark Slate Gray leather.
  • The Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline is available in four colors, including Bright Silver Metallic, Tungsten Metallic, Bright White and Pitch Black.
  • Enabling even more spirited driving with its five-speed Auto Stick transmission are die-cast zinc steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. Race-inspired with precision feel, Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline’s paddle shifters are ergonomically located behind the sporty thick-rimmed three-spoke Dodge steering wheel for maximum control.
  • And to deliver improved all around acceleration, the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline replaces its 2.65:1 rear-axle ratio for a more responsive 3.06:1 unit. 
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  • Upping the ante, the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline features the Super Sport Group as standard equipment and includes: performance-tuned suspension with 42 percent firmer front and 22 percent firmer rear monotube shocks. A larger 1.18-inch (30 mm) front and a 0.78-inch (20 mm) rear-sway bar replace 1.06-inch (27 mm) and 0.62-inch (16 mm) bars, respectively and add to the Dodge Challenger’s cornering capabilities. A performance-tuned steering calibration delivers 25 percent quicker steering and 20 percent heavier on-center feel. Topping off the handling upgrade are larger and wider 20 x 8.0-inch (replacing 18 x 7.5-inch) wheels with wider P245/45R20 all-season performance tires (replacing P235/55R18 tires).
  • Making sure the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline delivers world-class levels of stopping power, larger performance disc brakes replace the standard set. At the front, dual-piston front calipers replace single-piston units and larger 13.6 x 1.26-inch (345 x 28 mm) vented rotors replace 12.6 x 1.1-inch (320 x 28 mm) vented rotors. At the rear, 12.6 x 0.87-inch (320 x 22 mm) vented rotors replace 12.6 x 0.4-inch (320 x 10 mm) solid rotors.” – – Chrysler Group LLC

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I like the revised gearing and beefier brakes. I think this 2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline has the moxie to justify a V6’s existence inside a muscle car’s body.

It’s a bummer that there is no manual available. 

Here’s our take on the Dodge Challenger SRT8 with an automatic… in the desert! 

 

 

NathanAutomotive media, racing, vehicle evaluation, wrecking yards, and car sales are just a part of Nathan Adlen’s vehicular past. He writes out of high octane passion! To read more reviews by Nathan Adlen or just to enjoy more of excellent writing please visit him on at his examiner.com page HERE.

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Nathan Adlen
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. Brought up in the California car culture and educated in theater, childhood education, film, journalism and history, Nathan now lives with his family in Denver, CO. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.