How It Works-Amazing Vehicles

Dodge Challenger

The Dodge SRT8 sends out a challenge not just to other

muscle cars, but any vehicle that dares to take it on

Where the new Shelby GT500 and Chev rolet Camaro partner

their raw power w ith unseen and subtle advanced

technologies, the Dodge Challenger struggles more to shake off

its muscle car heritage than perhaps any other.

Indeed, aside from the cart-breaking fren z y of the giant

6.4-litre (1.7-gallon) V8 engine – a block capable of outputting

more torque than a Lamborghini Gallardo – the on-road

stability granted by automatic electronic rain brakes, tyre

pressure monitors, antilock vented brake discs and a steering

assist computer is second to none. With added responsiveness

delivered by independent front and multi-link rear suspension,

the Challenger specialises in prov iding the user w ith critical

information to help maximise the driv ing experience.

Central to this is the Challenger’s Electronic Vehicle

Information Center (EVIC). The EVIC consists of a trip computer,

G-force indicator, t wo speed timers, 0.2-kilometre (eighth-mile)

and 0.4-kilometre (quarter-mile) automatic log, and a

multimedia information centre. This, partnered w ith Dodge’s

trapezoidal systems gauges – which includes a digital compass

and temperature sensor, allows for the vehicle’s performance

to be closely monitored and then tailored dependent on driving

conditions, the terrain and the driver’s skill level.

The statistics...

Length: 5,021mm (197.7in)

Height: 1,450mm (57.1in)

Weight: 1,886kg (4,160lb)

Engine: 6.4l (1.7ga) V8 SRT HEMI

Transmission: Six-speed manual

0-97km/h (0-60mph): 3.9sec

Power: 350kW (470bhp)

Effi ciency: 8.14km/l (23mpg)

Dodge Challenger

SRT8

Flexing their muscles...

The Camaro hits

97km/h (60mph) in an

impressive 5.2 seconds

The Challenger comes w ith a

G-force indicator as well as

0-97km/h (0-60mph) and

97-0km/h (60-0mph) timers

HIW pits the Shelby GT500 against a Citroën C5 and Ferrari

California to see which car makes the best all-round ride

Key 1st 2nd 3rd

Weight: 1,746kg (3,850lb)

Effi ciency: 8.5km/l (24mpg)

Engine size: 5.8l (1.5ga)

Power: 410kW (650bhp)

Max torque: 600Nm (443lbf/ft)

0-100km/h (0-62mph): 3.5sec

Top speed: 325km/h (202mph)

Cost: $54,995 (£N/A)

Shelby GT500

Weight: 1,670kg (3,682lb)

Effi ciency: 14.9km/l (42.2mpg)

Engine size: 1.6l (0.4ga)

Power: 115kW (154bhp)

Max torque: 240Nm (177lbf/ft)

0-100km/h (0-62mph): 8.2sec

Top speed: 209km/h (130mph)

Cost: £19,895 ($N/A)

Citroën C5

Weight: 1,731kg (3,817lb)

Effi ciency: 6.7km/l (19mpg)

Engine size: 4.2l (1.1ga)

Power: 360kW (483bhp)

Max torque: 505Nm (372lbf/ft)

0-100km/h (0-62mph): 3.8sec

Top speed: 312km/h (194mph)

Cost: £142,865 ($223,055)

Ferrari California

2x © Death Writer

DID YOU KNOW? A 1977-era Chevrolet Camaro featured in the 2007 film Transformers, with modern variants in the two sequels