September 23, 1969 - The Dodge Challenger hits the market - This Day In Automotive History (2024)

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September 23, 1969 - The Dodge Challenger hits the market - This Day In Automotive History? ›

The Dodge Challenger, which made its market debut on September 22, 1969 for the 1970 model year, was a direct response to the competition from other automakers, particularly the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.

The Dodge Challenger made its debut in the fall of 1969 as a 1970 model. While it shared Chrysler's “E-body” short-deck, long-hood platform with the third-generation Plymouth Barracuda, Dodge Challenger's wheelbase was two-inches longer, creating more interior space.

Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis has announced that the current versions of the Charger and Challenger will be their last, at least for the foreseeable future. Production officially ended in December 2023 due to the parent company's transition to cleaner and more efficient electric vehicles (EVs).

Probably the Charger as there were no 1969 Challenger's. First model year for the Challenger was 1970.

Since the Charger offers quite a bit more space than the Challenger, it does cost a little more. And while the 2023 Dodge Challenger does offer Sandersville drivers slightly better standard performance capabilities, both muscle cars offer the same great safety features.

The original model of the Dodge Challenger had a low-output engine and did not sell very well. But, in 1974, the car was redesigned to include both horsepower and torque. This addition made it more appealing for drivers looking for speed. This change also helped them build a reputation for high-performance cars.

A Dodge Challenger will depreciate 29% after 5 years and have a 5 year resale value of $37,790. The chart below shows the expected depreciation for the next 10 years. These results are for vehicles in good condition, averaging 12,000 miles per year. It also assumes a selling price of $53,330 when new.

All models of the next-generation Charger will eventually come in two- and four-door variants to replace the four-door Dodge Charger and two-door Challenger. Pricing for the EV and gas-powered models will be announced closer to their production, Kuniskis said.

Robust Construction Built to Last. Challengers are built broad and sturdy. Optimized for performance, Dodge has never skimped on durability, even in its muscle car models. With good maintenance, your Challenger could last 16-20 years.

What does SRT stand for? ›

Street & Racing Technology

Street and Racing Technology / Full name

The Dodge Charger SXT meaning is “Standard eXTra.” The Charger SXT is the entry-level model in the lineup, but it's neither bare-bones nor Spartan.

The base Ford Mustang outshines the base Dodge Challenger in horsepower and acceleration, with 310 horsepower and a zero-to-60 MPH time of 5.1 seconds in the Mustang versus 303 horsepower in the Challenger. At the top of the lineup, the 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby® GT500® cranks out as much as 760 horsepower.

Dodge decided on the name Hellcat after learning an American aircraft in World War II was named the American Grumman F6F Hellcat. They wanted a design that represents the fierce power and ability of their vehicle. The logo itself is a large cat's head showing teeth, appearing hostile.

A challenger is someone who competes with you for a position or title that you already have, for example being a sports champion or a political leader. The strongest challenger, Texas Democrat Martin Frost, has withdrawn from the race. British English pronunciation. American English pronunciation.

Ford's competitors had to release something which could rival their Mercury line. The demand for longer and more powerful cars was growing each day. This prompted Dodge to start developing the first Challenger.

The Challenger was introduced to the SCCA Trans Am Series in 1970. Two factory-backed cars were prepared by Ray Caldwell's Autodynamics and driven by Sam Posey and Tony Adamowicz. The No.77 car was built at Autodynamics from a street Challenger T/A that was taken from a local dealer showroom.

It was first introduced by Dodge in the late 1960s as a performance package for some of their vehicles, including the Challenger. It was originally intended to signify a group of high-performance models that were designed for power and speed, with the term "scat" referring to the slang term meaning to "go quickly."