First Drive: 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T

The Dodge Challenger first went into production in 1969 as a mid-size pony car. It was designed to compete against the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang. Production run of the original Challenger ended in 1974. The Challenger name came back in 1978 as a rebadged Mitsubishi Galant Lambda. Its production run ended in 1983. On February 6, 2008, Chrysler debuted the Dodge Challenger SRT8, which was powered by a 6.1L Hemi V8 engine. For the 2009 model year, the Challenger lineup was expanded to include a V6 engine and a 5.7L Hemi V8 engine. One thing lacking for the Challenger was technology. At the 2014 New York International Auto Show, Dodge unveiled the 2015 Dodge Challenger and the 2015 Dodge Charger. On September 1, 2014, I was able to get behind the wheel of a 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T. The one I drove came with the all new eight-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual transmission is available on all Hemi powered Challengers.

The 2015 Dodge Challenger got a styling update from the previous model year. The 2015 Challenger features a new grille with design cues from 1970-1974 model, quad LED "Halo Ring" head lights, LED tail lights, and a functional hood intake on all Hemi models. The interior is redesigned as well. Available is an 8.4" touchscreen, retro styled gauge cluster, ventilated seats, and a 7" TFT display. Also available for the Challenger is blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and a reverse camera. The Challenger I drove was the Challenger R/T that had a 5.0" touchscreen, a reverse camera, projector fog lamps, high performance brakes, performance steering, 20" hyper black aluminum wheels, rear body-color spoiler, and steering wheel paddle shifters.

The 2015 Dodge Challenger is powered by a 5.7L Hemi V8 that produces 372 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The Challenger R/T is a quick vehicle. It also has good steering response, braking response, and throttle response. Turning on sport mode improves the overall driving experience. Compared to the previous model year, the 2015 Challenger is more comfortable to drive. Dodge improved the seat comfort. The addition of the eight-speed transmission greatly improves the ride quality. The shifts are smoother, which help give the 2015 Challenger R/T a smoother ride. Prices for the 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T start at $32,490. Adding the eight-speed automatic transmission increases the price by $1,400. The version I drove has an MSRP of $34,585. The Challenger is reasonably priced. It has performance and comfort.

Overall, the 2015 Dodge Challenger is a huge step up for the previous Challengers. Changing the lights to LEDs helps with the styling. The interior is greatly improved. Going with the Uconnect 5.0/Uconnect 8.4AN instead of the 130/430N/730N infotainment systems helps with user friendliness. Plus the eight-speed automatic transmission greatly improves the ride quality. I love how smoothly the transmission shifts. The 2015 Challenger is also available with a reverse camera and blind spot monitoring system, which is needed in a sports car. The one issue with the Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger is blind spots. Adding the blind spot monitoring system will help make the Challenger safer on the roads and freeways. If you need more performance, there is still the Challenger R/T Scat Pack and the Challenger SRT, both with a 6.4L Hemi V8 engine that produces 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. Available in 2015 will be the Challenger SRT Hellcat, which gets 707 hp for a supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8 engine.

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First Impression: Porsche 918 Spyder

Ferdinand Porsche developed the first hybrid vehicle, the Lohner-Porsche Mixte Hybrid, in 1898, The car was produced from 1900 to 1905. He founded his own automotive company, Porsche AG in 1931. The Porsche Panamera and the Porsche Cayenne both have hybrid drivetrain options. It is only fitting that Porsche would come out with a supercar powered by a hybrid drivetrain. At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Porsche revealed a concept hybrid powered supercar, the 918 Spyder. The production version of the 918 Spyder was revealed at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The 918 is a two door, rear-mid engine, all wheel drive supercar. The Porsche 918 Spyder will be a limited edition car, with 918 units being built for the 2014 model year.

The Porsche 918 Spyder was present at the December 2014 edition of Houston Cars and Coffee. The 918 shares some styling with the Porsche Carrera GT. Both the Carrera GT and the 918 have the retractable rear wing, targa tops, and similar engine bay covers. The  Plus the front fascia reminds me of the Ferrari 458 Speciale. It looks aggressive and fast.

The 918 is powered by a 608 hp 4.6L V8 gas engine and two electric motors that produce an additional 279 hp. The total power outcome is 887 hp and 940 lb-ft of torque. The 6.8 kW-h lithium ion battery pack allows the 918 to have an all-electric range on 12 miles. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual clutch automated manual transmission. The 918 goes from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and has a top speed of 211 mph. This is one high performing hybrid, but it comes at a steep starting price tag of $845,000. That is a lot of car for a lot of money.

The 918 Spyder has been featured on Top Gear, Jay Leno's Garage, RTL Autowereld, and Auto Esporte. The 918 Spider is playable in Need For Speed: The Run, Real Racing 3, Shift 2: Unleashed, Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, Need For Speed: Most Wanted, Need For Speed: Rivals, and Gangster: Vegas.

Final Thoughts: This is the hybrid we need along with the McLaren P1 and the LaFerrari. When people think of hybrids, they first think of the Toyota Prius. When people think of full electric cars, they think of Tesla Model S, not the Nissan Leaf. The 918 Spyder is a great car. It has supercar looks, supercar power, supercar performance, but it has a hybrid drivetrain. Cars like the 918 Spider, the P1, and the LaFerrari shows what potential performance hybrid vehicles can have. The 918 Spyder was worth the four year wait. For those who have one are truly lucky.

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