The Challenger T/A is back. Taking its name from the iconic model Dodge used to compete in the SCCA?s Trans-Am racing series starting in 1970, the 2017 Challenger T/A will be available in three different variants when the ordering process opens in October: T/A, T/A Plus, and T/A 392.
All three sport a new hood with a massive center-mounted scoop. The hood, as well as the roof, trunklid, rear wing, body-side stripes, and fuel-filler door all are done up in satin black. Inspired by the Hellcat, the T/A has a similar ram-air design that allows air to pass through a headlamp to the engine intake, which gets a conical Mopar air filter. But whereas the 2016 Hellcat uses this airflow solution for only one of its lamps, both of the T/A?s inboard lamps feature the design, following the script written by the Challenger T/A concept from 2014. LED-illuminated T/A logos within the opening are just another reminder that this isn?t any ordinary Challenger. Old-school pins to keep the hood secured are optional. Along with the intake, Dodge also equips each and every T/A with a standard performance exhaust system. Unfortunately, both features make no measurable difference to engine output, with 5.7-liter V-8?equipped T/A and T/A Plus models producing the same 375 horsepower as their R/T kin, while the top-of-the-line T/A 392?s 6.4-liter V-8 makes the same 485 horsepower it does in other Challenger 392s. Nevertheless, we can confirm that the kit makes the car sound a hell of a...