Taking its name from the iconic model Dodge used to compete in the SCCA’s Trans-Am racing series starting in 1970, the 2017 Challenger T/A will be available in three different variants when the ordering process opens in October: T/A, T/A Plus, and T/A 392.
Advertisement
The 2017 Challenger T/A trim is also available on 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter HEMI models, and it’s a similar story as the Daytona.
The Charger Daytona reminds me a bit of the old Super Bee, with its big black decals on the hood and rear quarter panel.
Performance modifications include the aforementioned hood and air intake, as well as a new 2.75-inch active performance exhaust with electronic control and 20-inch by 9-inch black wheels that are one inch wider than stock.
T/A buyers can opt for a Super Track Pak with lowered suspension, upgraded dampers, better brakes. This enables the Challenger T/A 392 to hit 60 miles per hour in the mid-four-second range and run low 12s in the quarter-mile, according to Dodge. But if you spring for the 6.4-liter engine, you also get the wheels, tires, and brakes from the Hellcat. You can also add optional hood pins.
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.
Along with the intake, Dodge also equips each and every T/A with a standard performance exhaust system.
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. T/A and T/A Plus models wrap a set of Goodyear Eagle F1s around 20-by-9-inch, 12-spoke forged-aluminum Mopar wheels finished in black, while the T/A 392 relies on a set of Pirelli three-season performance tires and 20-by-9.5-inch forged-aluminum wheels, also finished in black. The interior is set apart by ventilated Nappa leather and Alcantara seats with gold accent stitching and “Daytona” embroidery, aluminum bezels and trim, gold dashboard stiching, velour floor mats and performance pedals. The Challenger Daytona starts at $39,890 and can also be upgraded with a 392 model.
Both models will arrive in showrooms this October, with prices starting around $37,000 for the Challenger T/A and almost $40,000 for the Charger Daytona.
Advertisement
They are inspired by the record-setting 1969 Dodge Daytona, a production vehicle crafted with the sole goal of winning NASCAR race, and by the 1970 Challenger T/A, of which only 2,399 were built, initially for the Sports auto Club of America’s Trans Am racing series.
