Is the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD a true production muscle car with all wheel drive and factory warranty? We cannot fully answer this question now because of the driving impressions embargo that lasts until 10:01 pm MT, Jan 27th, 2017. What we can do is show the car, talk about the features, pricing and availability.
Dodge saw an opportunity to satisfy more buyers and sell more Challengers in the process. The answer was to offer an AWD option on their most popular Challenger configuration (which is powered by the 3.6L Pentastar V6).
The V6 produces 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends the power to the rear wheels, until the system determines AWD traction is required. This is when an active transfer case is automatically engaged and power is split between the back and the front.
The Challenger GT AWD is EPA-rated at 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The rating is lower than on a regular RWD Challenger V6 because the all-wheel-drive system adds approximately 200 pounds of weight. The AWD car sits a little higher off the ground (under an inch of lift). GT also comes standard with 19-inch wheels and Michelin Primacy M4MX all-season tires. These three factors contribute to a lower fuel efficiency rating.
The GT AWD starts at $33,395 before the destination charge of $1.095 (so that is $34,490 all together). The car you see in this video with the new for 2017 Yellow Jacket paint job will retail for $38,570 with many options. This includes the GT Interior package, which includes a leather-wrapped performance steering wheel and a 9-speaker stereo system with a subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier.
The 2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD is arriving at dealerships now.
Here is the first drive video filmed in Maine and New Hampshire during a Nor’easter storm.
