Sam Krahn 
The Dodge Challenger is by far the most traditional “muscle car” out of the current trio. Its main focus is to go fast in a straight line, but it can be competent in the corners, and looks great when doing so. That said – improvements can definitely made. On cue is a report from Allpar, where the flames of a rumored Dodge Challenger ACR are once again being stoked.
Supposedly, FCA is benchmarking the Challenger ACR against the record-setting, face melting Viper ACR. That would imply extreme aerodynamics, suspension tuning and weight reduction, at the very least. Weight is said to be significantly decreased through use of carbon fiber and aluminum to hit a target of under 4,000 lbs. These lighter materials will replace steel wherever physically and financially possible.
In addition, the Challenger ACR may gain the exact wing found on the Viper ACR. Which, if you recall, is bigger than most dinner tables. This is all part of a high-downforce aero kit and sticky wide tires that should glue the car to the road. It will also get upgraded brakes and adjustable suspension.
The Dodge Challenger ACR is also rumored to come with two engine configurations, the 485 hp 392 Hemi V8 and much more powerful 797 hp Hellcat Redeye supercharged V8. Many amateur racing series don’t allow superchargers, hence the inclusion of the naturally aspirated 392 HEMI V8. This model should also be lighter than the Hellcat version.
We first heard rumors of this vehicle back in 2019, but back then it wasn’t going to be street legal. Now, Allpar says it will be a street legal, limited production model intended to keep excitement between now and the next generation Challenger, which has supposedly been pushed back.
If Dodge can pull off with the Challenger what they did with the Viper ACR, the Mustang and Camaro had better watch their back. Their time as the muscle car handling champs may be over soon. Ford may be a little sorry the Mustang Shelby GT350R is going away, as the Challenger ACR with the 392 engine will be similarly matched to it, and the upcoming Mustang Mach 1 isn’t expected to be quite as aggressive as the outgoing GT350R or incoming Challenger ACR.
What we really can’t wait for is a three way duel between the Hellcat Redeye powered Dodge Challenger ACR, Mustang Shelby GT500 with the track pack and Camaro ZL1 1LE. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new muscle car, assuming it does indeed happen.
