For V8 enthusiasts with a penchant for making impressive appearances on the drag strip, the Stellantis brand, Dodge, offers two fitting choices: Alongside the four-door sedan Charger, which boasts up to 797 HP, the Americans claim that their two-door Challenger is the fastest and most powerful muscle car in the world, with up to 1025 HP. However, both models are also available in more subdued, yet still very sporty versions.

The Dodge Challenger (front) and Charger, especially in their SRT versions, leave no doubt about their performance capabilities. Photo: Manufacturer

Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger: Tailored for the young America of the 1960s

The names Charger and Challenger first appeared in Dodge's price list during the wild 1960s. The Ford Mustang had created an entirely new market segment for young buyers since 1964, and the parent company, Chrysler, wanted a piece of the pie with these two new designs – just like GM with the Pontiac Firebird or the Chevrolet Camaro. Initially, the concept was successful, but by the 1980s, it seemed the era for the products of the Flower Power generation had passed: The Challenger disappeared from the lineup in 1983, followed by the Charger four years later.

The return of the two legends with the help of Mercedes-Benz

It took almost 20 years before the Dodge Charger could celebrate its comeback in 2005. The technical foundation for the rear-wheel-drive four-door came from the Chrysler LX platform, which in turn was based on numerous technical solutions from Mercedes-Benz's toolkit. At that time, Dodge was part of the DaimlerChrysler conglomerate – hence, there was ample developmental assistance from Stuttgart. For the two-door coupe Challenger, introduced in early 2008, developers utilized the modified and shortened LX platform named LC. The basic concept of these two technically closely related vehicles has changed little since then.

Five seats in both the Charger and Challenger

With its four doors and five seats, the Charger, depending on the version, measures up to 5.11 meters in length, presenting itself as a sports sedan that offers space for the whole family plus luggage. Things are a bit tighter in the Challenger, even though the coupe, with a total length of 5.03 meters, almost matches the sister model. However, the two-door has a 102 millimeter shorter wheelbase compared to the Charger, leading to significantly less legroom in the back seats.

Quality craftsmanship and numerous equipment options

Even in the Dodge Challenger, three passengers can fit in the back seat, but getting in requires some agility. Thanks to the four doors, passengers in the Charger have a much easier time with this task. While the spatial economy of both models generally earns mediocre grades, the quality of the interior workmanship, as well as the lavish equipment with countless options, regularly receive praise from testers.

Classic interior design with an integrated central monitor and intuitive controls. Photo: Manufacturer

V6 and V8 engines across various models

Beyond the striking appearance, it's primarily the drive that contributes significantly to the unique allure of these two cars. With the Charger and Challenger, the top-tier engines, such as the 6.2-liter V8 supercharger, which in certain models delivers up to 797 HP in the Charger and up to 1025 HP in the Challenger, solidify their status as muscle car icons. However, Dodge offers a broad range of engines for both models. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6, which in the Charger delivers between 292 and 300 HP, and in the Challenger, 305 HP. Additionally, there's the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 370 HP in the Charger and 375 HP in the Challenger, as well as the 6.4-liter HEMI V8, producing 485 HP in both models.

Distinct differences in rear design. Dodge Challenger with a pronounced curve towards the rear, larger trunk access, and elongated lines in the four-door Dodge Charger. Photo: Manufacturer

Diverse drive options and transmission variants

The variety of drive options continues with the transmission variants. While the Charger is exclusively equipped with an eight-speed automatic, the Challenger offers both the eight-speed automatic and a six-speed manual transmission in certain models. This provides customers with the opportunity to tailor their driving experience to their individual preferences.

Exciting models at affordable starting prices

In the US market, Dodge offers the Challenger starting at $30,825, while the base price for the Charger is $32,500. Not a lot of money for cars that, with their high-capacity engines, stand for both driving pleasure and a unique lifestyle. However, the end of this era is also looming for Dodge, as from 2024, the brand plans to introduce an electric muscle car.

In our magazine, we take a look at the latest muscle cars in top form and compare the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye with the Demon 170.

The Chevrolet Corvette - or Corvette for short - has been around since 1953. The elegant sports car has been popular from the very beginning and has thrilled more than 1.5 million Corvette fans in its eight editions to date. GM has always been able to adapt the design and equipment to the tastes and wishes of its customers. Thus the Corvette has remained a successful model to this day. This is probably also true for the Corvette C8, the eighth generation of the sporty racer.

Production was originally scheduled to start in the fall of 2019, but a strike at GM's Bowling Green plant in Kentucky delayed the start of construction. Production only started in February of this year. It is likely to be some time before the Corvette will be on sale in our stores, as the official market launch in Germany can be expected in 2021 at the earliest. Those who want to enjoy the car before then will have to buy directly in the USA, and then import their Corvette C8 here, making this to be interesting in terms of price. But, we'll discuss this more later.

Even sleeker, even sportier - the "new" Chevrolet Corvette C8

The vehicle is powered by a 6.2-litre V8 engine with 495 hp and 637 Nm. An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, developed by General Motors together with Tremec, ensures that the car runs smoothly. Three equipment lines are planned for the Corvette C8: 1LT, 2LT and 3LT. Standard features on all models include: an electrically adjustable steering wheel, a 12-inch diagonal display as a combination instrument, an 8-inch touch-sensitive screen for the infotainment system, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The 2LT and 3LT lines will be equipped with additional features. The Corvette C8 has two luggage stowage areas - one in the front and one in the back - because of the mid-engine. This will not allow for large transports, but that's not what the Corvette C8 is designed for.

A total of 12 colours are offered for the body. Although the Corvette C8 is still brand new on the market in the USA, there are already reports about a possible facelift. Among other things, additional paint colors with the designations "Red Mist Tintcoat" and "Blade Silver" will be available soon. Rally stripes in various colours will provide an even sportier look. Also intended for a particularly sleek exterior: fairings made of visible carbon for the air intakes behind the doors and visible carbon rear wings. In the interior, GM will possibly offer two new two-tone seat covers: suede in yellow-grey and a leather version in black-grey. Infotainment is now also to support the wireless coupling of iPhones via Apple CarPlay.

Earlier, faster, cheaper - that's why it's worth importing

These new features will probably be available within the U.S. in September, and in our country, only immediately with the market launch in the course of 2021. Those who don't want to wait, can already purchase their Corvette C8 directly "on site". In the USA, the car is offered for around 60,000 dollars (converted to approx. 55,600 Euros). When the Corvette C8 comes on the market here, the price should be around 100,000 Euros. So it is worth thinking about importing it, even if you consider the costs for transport and import. As a partner with many years of experience in importing US vehicles, we are happy to help you!

Photo: Chevrolet

The VW Atlas is a five-seater, all-terrain sedan produced at the VW plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee; for the North American market. In Russia, the Middle East, China, and Mexico, the vehicle runs as the VW Teramont. With the VW Atlas Cross Sport, Volkswagen has launched a somewhat "slimmed-down" version which, with its slightly smaller dimensions, is also ideally suited to our domestic roads.

Differences between the "original version" and the Cross Sport variant are largely limited to "looks". With a length of 4.95 meters and a width of 1.99 meters, the VW Atlas Cross Sport is missing only a few millimetres compared to the VW Atlas. The exterior height is also somewhat lower. Nevertheless, the dimensions remain impressive - especially if you compare them with our usual vehicles. In terms of shape, the hatchback stands out in comparison to the Atlas pure version. The seven-seater becomes a five-seater - with plenty of space and seating comfort "in the 2nd row". Also, if the rear seat is folded down, a loading area of around 2,200 litres capacity spreads out. A lot can be stowed away here!

Generosity is the key

The technology is practically identical. Like the VW Atlas, the VW Atlas Cross Sport has two engine versions, buyers can choose between a (TSI) four-cylinder petrol engine (235 PS output) or a VR six-cylinder petrol engine (276 PS output). There is also a choice in terms of drive: front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The interior equipment is functional and without exaggerated luxury, but still appears generously proportioned. What is striking is the comparison to cars from domestic production: due to the larger mass, there is no feeling of confinement, even when fully occupied. Every passenger has enough legroom and freedom of movement - in the front and in the back.

For European car buyers, it might take some getting used to, as there are no extras for the VW Atlas Cross Sport. The vehicle is offered in a total of eight equipment lines, and the buyer must decide which one is best for them. Each equipment line includes a certain spectrum of functionalities. Those who value certain functions, such as parking assistant or digital cockpit, must choose the appropriate equipment line and then, if necessary, accept features that are less in the personal focus.

Inexpensive to have - Import from the US or Canada

The price of the VW Atlas Cross Sport ranges from 30,545 US dollars (entry-level version) to 49,765 US dollars (VR6 engine, four-wheel drive, full equipment), depending on the drive and equipment. Converted into euros (exchange rate 1.125 US dollars/euro), this results in a price range from around 27,150 euros to approx. 44,250 euros. So all in all, a strong vehicle with big interior, a lot of comfort, and a favourable price compared to cars of this class that we offer.

At a normal German VW dealer, you will only yearn when it comes to the VW Atlas Cross Sport. The vehicle is officially intended for the North American market and is only offered there. Good thing that there is the possibility to import cars from the USA. For this, you are exactly at the right place with us. We carry out the import for you at attractive conditions and support you in the purchase - from the conclusion of the sales contract to the delivery of the vehicle directly to your door.

Photo: Volkswagen

The 65th IAA from September 15th to the 22nd of 2013 is casting it's shadow. At the Frankfurt trade fair, Chevrolet will officially present the revised Camaro as a convertible and for the first time in Europe, the coupé. Both vehicle models will be presented in an innovative aerodynamic exterior with many new details.

A powerhouse with over 400 hp

Engine cooling and driving stability have been further improved on the Camaro. This was achieved by reducing lift at the front end - made possible by additional air vents that allow engine heat to dissipate more easily. A 6.2-litre V8 engine with variable valve timing VVT and cylinder deactivation used to power the Camaro. In the six-speed automatic transmission, the engine delivers 405 hp, and while combined with a six-speed manual transmission, up to 432 hp. Thus the Coupé accelerates within 5.2 seconds, and the convertible within 5.4 seconds to 100 kilometers per hour.

Facelift provides even more aesthetics

There are also some changes to the external appearance of the Camaro. The headlights are narrower than before, while the rear is now equipped with one-piece wide lights. The antenna - previously an aesthetically unattractive stub - is now completely recessed into the tailgate. These changes in detail make the Camaro even sleeker and, with its clear contours, powerful bodywork and balanced proportions, it presents itself as a sports car in a class of its own.

More comfort and technology

Inside both models offer additional equipment for more driving comfort. An engine start function integrated into the remote control is available at extra cost, while coupé owners can order Recaro leather sports seats as an optional extra. There are also a number of innovations in the technical interior equipment. The Camaro is equipped with the new My-Link technology, this makes it possible to connect smartphones with corresponding compatibility much better. A seven-inch touchscreen colour monitor displays content such as address directories, music, and photos in a clearly arranged form. The text-to-speech function is also innovative as it allows text messages to be read aloud by the system.  As well as a head-up display that projects important driving data directly and clearly onto the windshield.

Pleasantly affordable: Camaro via US direct import

Especially pleasing is the price for the Camaro remains the same. The convertible costs 44,990 Euros, and the coupé, 39,990 Euros (prices in conjunction with the six-speed manual transmission). Whether as a coupé or a convertible, the Camaro thus remains affordable for men who love a sporty driving style in a vehicle with a correspondingly professional design. The new Camaro is scheduled to be available from dealers at the end of 2013. It is likely to be even more affordable if it is directly imported from the USA. The cost advantage of a direct import may outweigh any downside of the Camaro- such as it's considerable fuel consumption despite improved aerodynamics, variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation. But, necessary for a car with this kind of engine power!

The Chevrolet Corvette has stood for innovation and power in the world of sports cars for decades. With the C7 Stingray, Chevrolet continues this tradition and sets new standards in the affordable high-performance segment. The name “Stingray,” last used in the 1970s, makes a triumphant return with this model.

The impressive 6.2-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine (LT1) promises fuel consumption of less than ten liters per 100 kilometers. This makes the Corvette a potential “fuel-efficiency miracle” compared to some German sports cars. With an impressive 450 horsepower and 610 Nm of torque, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in under four seconds. This positions it as a serious rival to the Porsche 911. American sports cars have often proven that top performance doesn’t always come with a high price tag.

The C7 brings more than just a new engine. It also features a modern six-speed automatic, a seven-speed manual transmission, rev-matching technology, and advanced lightweight construction. Chevrolet clearly learned from Chrysler and the relaunch of the Viper. The C7 is equipped with a highly sophisticated chassis, dynamic driving controls, and a luxurious interior featuring carbon fiber, aluminum, and premium leather.

More Power, More Options: The C7 Stingray Engine Variants

The Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray is available in multiple engine options. For every driver seeking a unique driving experience, Chevrolet offers a range of configurations from efficient to extremely powerful.

• Stingray: The 6.2-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine (LT1) delivers 450 horsepower and 610 Nm of torque. With fuel consumption below 10 liters per 100 kilometers and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds, it strikes the perfect balance between performance and efficiency.
• Z06: The 6.2-liter V8 supercharged engine (LT4) produces 650 horsepower and 881 Nm of torque. The Z06 sprints to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and is built for the track.
• ZR1: The ultimate version, equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 supercharged engine (LT5), offers an astonishing 755 horsepower and 969 Nm of torque. With a top speed of over 340 km/h, it’s a masterpiece of engineering.

Comparison of Engine Variants:

Are you interested in importing a Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray? At USCar Trader, we provide all the information you need to bring this legend to your driveway. We assist you every step of the way, from ordering to delivery.