cars news 10: 2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD Packs V-6 Engine, Goes for $34,490

Although it won’t arrive quite in time for the holiday season, Dodge has finally confirmed an all-wheel-drive option for the Challenger lineup. The 2017 Dodge Challenger GT goes into production in January and heads to dealerships sometime during the first quarter of 2017.

The all-wheel-drive Challenger GT packs a 305-hp 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 18/27 mpg city/highway, down from 19/30 mpg in a comparable Challenger equipped with rear-wheel drive. A Fiat Chrysler spokeswoman confirmed there is no V-8 or manual transmission offered on the all-wheel-drive GT.

Sharing its all-wheel-drive system with specially equipped Chargers, the Challenger GT has an active transfer case and front-axle disconnect to achieve a balance between all-weather traction and fuel economy. In normal driving, the front axle disengages and all of the engine’s torque heads to the rear wheels; all-wheel drive activates only when it’s needed.

Prices for the Challenger GT start at $34,490. For that money, you get a host of standard features including Nappa leather seats with heating and ventilation functions, a Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six Alpine speakers, and Hectic Mesh aluminum bezels. Also look a parking assist feature, 19-inch aluminum wheels finished in Hyper Black, and all-season performance tires. An extra $995 will buy you the GT Interior package, which features upgraded performance seats with Alcantara accents, as well as a special performance steering wheel and a nine-speaker Alpine audio system.

Source: FCA