Dodge Challenger Adds All-Wheel Drive

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV confirms that it will offer an all-wheel-drive variant of its Challenger coupe next year, a feature it describes as a first for American muscle cars.

The package was widely anticipated following last year’s Dodge Challenger GT AWD concept car. The Challenger shares a rear-wheel-drive platform with the Charger sedan, which previously added an awd option.

The Challenger GT will be available only with FCA’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, which makes 305 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque, and an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Dodge says the awd Challenger GT will have a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy rating of 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The car’s electronic stability control has three settings, including an off mode.

Pricing will start at $35,000 when the car is launched next February. An optional “GT Interior” package with high-end seats, Alpine audio unit and performance steering wheel will be available for $1,000.