Dodge Unveils 2017 Challenger T/A, Charger Daytona
CARS.COM — The Dodge brand is resurrecting two storied names from its racing history for 2017. The Challenger T/A and Charger Daytona both offer heritage-inspired styling and a slight performance boost. Both new trim models are only available on V-8-equipped vehicles and feature some parts off the SRT Hellcat in terms of both styling and performance enhancements, albeit at a price considerably below that of an SRT Hellcat.
Related: More, Please: Dodge Increases Production of 2016 Hellcat Models
2017 Dodge Challenger T/A
Upgrade to the Challenger T/A Plus and get Nappa leather seats in black with accent stitching and heating and ventilation functions. The Plus also includes the latest fourth-generation Uconnect system with an 8.4-inch touch-screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and an upgraded six-speaker audio system.
If you’re looking for more power, the Challenger T/A 392 swaps out the 5.7-liter Hemi for the 485-hp 6.4-liter V-8. This enables the Challenger T/A 392 to hit 60 mph in the mid-four-second range and run low 12s in the quarter-mile, according to Dodge. The air-catcher headlamps and NACA ducted hood carry over from the Challenger T/A, but it also gets Brembo six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes from the SRT Hellcat. Changes to the suspension and wider, low-gloss black wheels with Pirelli three-season tires are added, as are unique 392 fender badges and a more powerful 220-amp alternator.
All of this additional content comes at a significant bargain — the Challenger T/A will start at $38,845, while the T/A Plus runs $41,235 (prices include a $1,095 destination fee). The T/A 392 model starts at $45,090, exclusive of the impending (and undetermined as of yet) gas guzzler tax addition.
2017 Dodge Charger Daytona
Visually, the Daytona features front and rear styling inspired by the SRT models, a black spoiler and deeper side skirts. A Hemi logo tape stripe adorns the hood, while Daytona graphics are on the rear fenders. A satin-black roof and black 20-inch wheels add a menacing look, while a special Daytona badge is affixed to the grille.
Black seats with gold stitching are featured inside, with Nappa leather trim and Alcantara faux suede inserts. Daytona graphics are embroidered into the seatbacks, while the gold stitching spreads to the console armrest and doors. It also wears new aluminum and gloss-black trim and floor mats with embroidered Dodge logos. Additionally, Dodge has thrown in content including driver’s seat position and steering column memory, bi-xenon headlights, LED ambient cabin lighting and rear parking sensors.
There’s no Plus model like there is for the Challenger T/A, but you can still upgrade to the Daytona 392, which features the larger 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 engine and directed cold-air induction system. The rear axle ratio is changed to a 3.09 final drive and it gets a limited slip differential on a 230mm axle. The six-piston front, four-piston rear Brembo brake package from the Hellcat is added as well, as are Pirelli all-season performance tires. As with the Challenger, 392 fender decals, a new speedometer and 220-amp alternator are included.
The new Charger Daytona will start at $40,985 including destination, a mere $3,000 more than the R/T model for a considerable amount of added content. Upgrading to the Charger Daytona 392 will cost $46,090 — still an incredible price for the abilities and power the vehicle provides.
The Charger Daytona will be orderable at Dodge dealers beginning in September, the Challenger in October.
