The 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A Pays Homage to 1970

The last time the Dodge Challenger T/A was available at your local dealership was back in 1970, but coming later this year as part of the 2017 model year, the new Challenger T/A draws its inspiration from the original while packing a whole lot more power with a choice of two different Hemi engines.

Back in 1970, the Dodge Challenger T/A was introduced to help road racers who wanted to fly the Mopar flag to compete in SCCA racing against the likes of the Ford Mustang Boss 302 and the Chevrolet Camaro Z28. That original Challenger T/A wasn’t the most powerful vehicle in the lineup, but it featured a unique exterior design and improved handling performance. The 2017 Challenger T/A takes a similar approach, with improved handling, a unique exterior package and the buyer’s choice of the 5.7L Hemi or the 6.4L Hemi.

Most importantly, the 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A 392 with the 6-speed manual transmission has a base price of just over $45k.

The 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A
First up, we have the 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A, which is based on the Challenger R/T with the 375hp, 5.7L Hemi.
On the outside, the Challenger T/A package includes dual “air catcher” headlights similar to the one found on the Hellcat Challenger, a stain black hood from the Challenger SRT 392 with a functional hood scoop that feeds air into the engine bay via a cold air intake kit, 20 inch black Mopar wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, Mopar hood pins, a satin black fuel door, a satin black rear spoiler and the unmistakable satin black T/A stripes on the sides of the car.

In terms of performance, the 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A package for the 5.7L Hemi includes Mopar cold air kit that works in conjunction with both the air catcher headlights and the hood scoop, a 2.75 inch exhaust with electronic valves similar to the setup on the Hellcat Challenger and the Super Track Pak – which adds a high performance Bilstein suspension setup with ½ inch lowering springs, performance brakes and a three-mode electronic stability control system with a full off setting.

This “base” 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A with the 6-speed manual transmission has a base price of just $38,385 with destination.

The 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A Plus
The 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A includes everything above with a cloth interior and the UConnect infotainment system, but buyers who want a more luxurious interior can opt for the Challenger T/A Plus. The Plus package adds heated and cooled Nappa leather front seats, the new 4th generation UConnect system with a dedicated Dodge Performance Pages button, a Dodge Performance leather wrapped steering wheel and a premium 6-speaker sound system.

The 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A Plus has an MSRP of $41,235 including destination, so the leather seats, the fancy steering wheel and the high end infotainment package of the T/A Plus package add a little under $3,000 to the price of the Challenger T/A.

The 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A 392
For those buyers who feel the need for more power than what is offered with the Challenger T/A or T/A Plus, Dodge will also produce the 2017 Challenger T/A 392 (shown above in grey). As you might have guessed from the name, the Challenger T/A 392 replaces the 375hp 5.7L Hemi with the 485hp 6.4L Hemi.

Like the 5.7L Challenger T/A, the T/A 392 packages includes the dual air catcher headlights, the satin black hood with the functional air intake, the massive Brembo six piston front brakes and the four piston rear brakes similar to those on the Hellcat Challenger, a uniquely tuned front Bilstein suspension setup, unique lightweight 20 inch wheels wrapped In the Hellcat’s Pirelli tires, 392 fender badges, the T/A fender stripes, the active performance exhaust system, T/A embroidered seats and a 180mph speedometer.

The 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A 392 has an MSRP with destination of $45,090, so this package is less expensive than the similarly powerful Challenger SRT 392, while including a long list of performance and appearance goodies.

The Challenger T/A order banks will open next month and the company plans to have the first examples in dealerships by the end of this year.

Check out the video below for a closer look at the Challenger T/A 392 and the original 1970 Challenger T/A.