Challenger getting traction
The Sleuth is intrigued with a one-off Dodge Challenger that the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) division built for the recent Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.
Along with a trick paint job, the car on display at the automotive parts and accessories extravaganza in Las Vegas, Nev., showed off a “GT AWD” badge. Since the Challenger’s chassis and running gear is based on that of the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans, it wouldn’t take much effort or expense to offer an all-wheel-drive option for Challenger buyers. It would also make the coupe unique among its Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro peers.
Currently, AWD is only available on FCA models equipped with V6 engines, but The Spy Guy believes that restriction is about to be lifted. AWD Hellcat, anyone? electric motors (one that directly assists the engine and one for each front wheel) that increase the output to a combined 573 horsepower and 486 pound-feet. A nine-speed paddle-shift trans handles the shifting duties.
Even with plenty of aluminum and carbon fibre body and suspension parts, the whole shebang weighs 1,730 kilograms, which is only slightly more than the current Audi R8 V10, which was one of Acura’s target vehicles. Acura claims a blistering zero-to-96 km-h time of three seconds flat. And the acquisition fee for this piece of exotica?
Brace yourself for an estimated $190,000 hit to your bank account. and will connect to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Look for the S90 to arrive in early 2016, followed a few months later by the V90.