Dodge Challenger

Dodge Challenger was the name of two automobile models marketed by the Dodge Division of Chrysler Corporation in the 1970s.

Second model

:See Mitsubishi Sapporo for more information

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The name was revived in 1978 for a version of the early Mitsubishi Galant Lambda Coupe, also sold overseas as the Mitsubishi Sapporo, sold through Dodge dealers as a captive import and identical except in color and minor trim to the Plymouth Sapporo. Although mechanically identical, the Dodge version emphasized sportiness, with bright colors and tape stripes, and the Plymouth one luxury in more subdued trim. Both cars were sold through 1983.

Related Topics:
Mitsubishi Galant - Mitsubishi Sapporo - Captive import - Plymouth Sapporo

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The car retained the frameless hardtop styling of the old Challenger, but had only a four-cylinder engine and was a long way in performance from its namesake. Nevertheless, it acquired a reputation as a reasonably brisk performer of its type, not least because of its available 2.6 liter engine, exceptionally large for a four-cylinder. Fours of this size had not usually been built due to inherent vibration, but Mitsubishi pioneered the use of balance shafts to help damp this out and the Challenger was one of the first vehicles to bring this technology to the American market; it has since been licensed to many other manufacturers.

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