The 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT Series Presented by West Coast Midnight Run

The Challenger is one of the three modern Detroit-issue retro muscle cars and is possibly the most genuine in its re-interpretation so much so many automotive editors start whining and pining for the original Challenger even though they admit the 2013 is more powerful and more practical.

Just like Mustang is the child of Ford and Mazda, today's Challenger is the child of Chrysler and Fiat, the Italian owner of the legendary Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Maserati racing stables. Yet the Challenger SRT-8 is slower and has less power than the Mustang Shelby GT or Camaro Z28.

The base Challenger is available in a 370 bhp V-6 although the top of the line SRT-8 offers a 6.4 L V-8, naturally aspirated all aluminum 392 block engine that pushes 470 bhp and next

year may bring the supercharged engine for more than 600 bhp in a car that's been called a fast brick and the mainstay of the Fast and Furious film franchise. This model is available either with a standard TREMEC six-speed (same on the Mustang 302 and Camaros) or an optional 5-speed automatic.

While the designers of the Camaro worked hard to remove all excess weight resulting in a Spartan vehicle, the philosophy with the Challenger is a roomy and comfortable muscle car that can easily accommodate two adults in the rear seat.

MSRP for the SRT-8 starts from $39,995 and fuel rating is estimated as 14/23 city/highway.