When you talk about American muscle cars, it's hard to skip the iconic Dodge Challenger. It's one of the most fantastic looking cars all the way from the first generation to the current generation of the vehicles. While there have been some missteps along the way, the modern Dodge Challengers are fantastic vehicles. Offering both excellent performance in a straight-line while being useful in the corners.

As is the case with most muscle cars, initially, they were always known for being rapid vehicles in a completely straight line. When it came to corners, these vehicles would underperform sorely. However, after years of tinkering, Dodge managed to produce a Challenger that would take turns as well as it would do on the straights. If you're a fan of the Dodge Challenger, then keep on reading. Here's the evolution of the Dodge Challenger throughout the years.

14 1970 Dodge Challenger Deputy

en.wikipedia.org

The first generation of the Dodge Challenger is still much-loved to this day. Its base functions as the E-Body platform, but in this case, it's two inches longer than the Barracuda. Carl Cameron is the exterior designer, and boy did he create a memorable car.

13 1971 Dodge Challenger

1971 Dodge Challenger
Hemmings

The next year the Challenger was mechanically the same, but it underwent a bit of facial reconstruction. It got brand new tail lamps and a new front grille. The base models would feature a silver paint, while the R/T models would feature black color. You could also get the Challenger with stripes for a couple of extra bucks.

12 1972 Dodge Challenger

topspeed.com

The EPA emissions standards hit the Dodge Challenger hard in 1973. As a result, there was a 30% reduction in both horsepower and torque. To mask the lack of power, Dodge gives the front-end a brand-new design. While the car still remains one of the most gorgeous muscle cars of the time, it was underpowered.

RELATED: Here Are The Best Dodge Performance Cars

11 1973 Dodge Challenger

pjsautoworld.com

The next year saw further changes in the Challenger due to government safety regulations. Dodge had to incorporate "5mph bumpers" with a rubber guard that didn't look the most appealing. The only interior material that you could get was grained vinyl. There were several options available that buyers could use to customize their vehicles.

10 1974 Dodge Challenger

hemmings.com

You can attribute the 1974 Dodge Challenger for bringing the car's muscle car pedigree up a notch. It saw the introduction of a new V8 engine that was capable of generating 245-horsepower. Fans were particularly pleased with this model of the car. It offered a strong drive, and in the hands of an experienced driver, you could really get the tail out.

9 1978 Dodge Challenger Second Generation

via Classic Cars

The Challenger lost a lot of fans in the second generation of the vehicle. It's not even considered an actual Challenger because it's based on the Mitsubishi Galant chassis. Also missing were the coveted V8 engines, and customers could choose between a 1.6L I4 engine and 2.6 HEMI I4 that could deliver 104-horsepower.

8 1981 Dodge Challenger

commons.wikimedia.org

Dodge had taken a significant step away from their muscle car roots. The 1981 model saw a significant redesign and completely new headlights. Underneath the hood of these so-called Challengers, you would find an inline-four engine capable of producing 77-horsepower. As a result, the performance of these vehicles was dreary.

RELATED: Watch A Dodge Challenger Hellcat Do A Standing Mile Test

7 2006 Dodge Challenger Comeback

Pinterest.com

After years of no news from the Challenger, Dodge took everyone by surprise by introducing the Challenger Concept at the Detroit Motor Show. The styling of the vehicle is heavily influenced by the first-generation Dodge Challenger. Underneath the hood of this vehicle is a 6.1L HEMI V8 engine that propels it towards brilliant performance.

6 2008 Dodge Challenger

caranddriver.com

The 2008 Dodge Challenger is an exceptional vehicle and marks the official release of the third generation of the car. Thanks to the 6.4L Hemi engine, the performance on these vehicles was on another level. However, the inclusion of luxury features like cruise control and air conditioning really helped elevate the car.

5 2009 Dodge Challenger

supercars.net

Dodge introduced several different trims for the Challenger in 2009. It saw the inclusion of a Challenger SE base model that would offer a 3.5L V6 engine that would produce 250-horsepower. In the Challenger R/T and SRT-8, you would find a fire breathing 5.7L V8 engine that produces 327-horsepower. You'd also get a standard six-speed manual transmission.

RELATED: New Jersey Man Caught Doing 145 MPH In Dodge Challenger

4 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

canadianautoreview.ca

The modern Dodge Challengers have taken performance to a whole other level. Underneath the hood of the SRT Hellcat is a 6.2L HEMI V8 engine that manages to deliver 707-horsepower. The car came with two unique keys, a black one that you could use for daily driving, and a red one for when you'd want to take it out on the tracks.

3 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

Youtube.com

When it comes to muscle cars, the Challenger SRT Demon sits on top of the pile. It features the same 6.2L HEMI V8 engine. However, the power output is now a mind-boggling 840-horsepower. It's capable of jetting from 0-60mph in a blistering 2.3 seconds. For a short time, the Demon was the fastest production vehicle on the market.

2 2019 Dodge Challenger

cnet.com

2019 saw the introduction of an exclusive, all-wheel-drive version of the base V6 engine. Customers can opt for an optional HEMI V8 engine that delivers an impressive 485-horsepower. All versions of the car come standard with a six-speed manual transmission and are available with an optional eight-speed automatic.

1 2020 Dodge Challenger

miamilakesautomall.com

The latest model of the Dodge Challenger hearkens back to the first generation with its custom hood scoops and roaring engine. It'll immediately evoke a sense of nostalgia among fans. While it does hearken back to simpler times, the car manages to tame its performance with advanced luxuries and hardware. It's still just as capable of blazing around a track.

NEXT: 10 Dodge Challengers That Were Modified To Perfection (6 That Were Ruined)