New Challenger GT: four wheels a-rockin’ by David Zatz on

The Dodge Challenger GT AWD, billed as “the world’s first and only all-wheel drive muscle coupe,” is now official.

The 305-horsepower 2017 Dodge Challenger GT is only sold with the V6 engine, with a base price of $34,490. Production starts in January, and the car should be at dealerships nationwide by March.

The Pentastar V6 engine is tuned for 305 horsepower at 6,350 rpm in the Challenger, with tuned induction that helps keep over 90% of peak torque on tap from 1,800 to 6,400 rpm. With the standard TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic, Challenger GT is rated at 18 city/27 mpg.

Nobody will be surprised that the car uses the Charger’s all wheel drive system, with its efficient disconnecting front axle; it’s fully automatic and fast to react. Stability control has three modes, including full-off.

As befits a muscle car, the Dodge Challenger GT AWD has paddle shifters for manual gear control, and a Sport mode with quicker gear changes and higher revs. Power gets to the ground through P235/55R19 BSW all-season performance tires.

One surprise is the standard Dodge Performance Pages and Launch Control, accessed from the 8.4” touch-screen. Reaction times, 0-60 times, G-forces, and other performance metrics can be even be monitored from the 7-inch trip computer.

Standard gizmos include projector fog lamps, park assist, rear camera, Nappa leather, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, Alpine speakers and 276-watt amplifier, and LED halo headlamps (see the full list).

An optional ($995) GT Interior package adds nine Alpine speakers, a 506-watt amplifier, a performance steering wheel, and Nappa-leather-and-Alcantara-suede seats. See the full story at our permanent Dodge Challenger GT AWD page. Or watch the 23-second video and then visit the page: