This 1 Car Is the Only American AWD Coupe
With the rising popularity of SUVs, EVs, crossovers, and trucks, cars are fighting to stay relevant. American automakers like Dodge and Chevrolet are producing fewer coupes and sedans, and even fewer of those cars are available with all-wheel drive (AWD). In fact, the Dodge Challenger is the only mass-produced American coupe on the market with optional grippy, weather-friendly AWD.
What coupe has AWD?
Since 2017, Dodge has released the Challenger and Charger with AWD. The models wear the badge GT and SXT and feature the option for AWD. Furthermore, both cars are true coupes, with no convertible variant and a torquey 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine.
Is there an AWD V8 Challenger?
Unfortunately, Dodge never produced the Challenger GT or SXT AWD with a V8 option. The lack of a V8 is a disappointment, given the library of high-horsepower engines available to Challengers and Chargers. It would have been wild to see a 5.7L Hemi, 6.4L V8, or supercharged 6.2L Hellcat engine with grippy AWD. As a result, consumers who want an AWD coupe will have to settle for around 300 horsepower instead of upwards of 800 from other Dodge powerplants.
Will there ever be a V8 AWD Challenger?
It is unlikely that there will ever be a Dodge Challenger with a V8 and AWD. While there may not be a factory option, determined builders could make their own V8 AWD Challenger. Despite not having a factory V8 AWD variant, the Challenger still outshines rivals Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Neither the Ford nor the Chevrolet offer AWD at any trim level. However, the Camaro and Mustang offer a convertible, which the Challenger does not.
Are there any other options?
Unfortunately, there aren’t any domestic mass-produced AWD coupe options other than the Dodge Challenger. However, if you’re willing to shop used, there is another option. As recent as three years ago, Cadillac produced an ATS two-door coupe.
According to TrueCar, Cadillac offered the ATS coupe with a choice of 2.0L four-cylinder and 3.6L six-cylinder engines. If the storied Cadillac badge isn’t enough to sway you, the 3.6L option produces 335 horsepower, making it more powerful than a new Dodge Challenger with AWD.
Will there be any American AWD coupes in the future?
Although Dodge announced that the company’s future is electric, and Challenger is on the way out, all might not be lost. The next generation of muscle cars will likely feature partial and complete electrification and some AWD offerings. Frankly, recent glimpses into the upcoming Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 handling in snow and ice suggest that the mid-engine supercar will gain AWD.
The next generation of electric vehicles will likely include some AWD coupes. For instance, Tesla plans to release another Roadster, and many California-based EV companies are contemplating AWD cars.
Scroll down to the following article to read more about the Dodge Challenger and Charger.
