The 2010 Dodge Challenger includes several things: Two-door sporty coupe, retro-themed mid-life crisis mobile, powered by a big muscle. It’s really hard to resist getting some seat time behind the wheel, when a bright yellow Challenge SRTB with the 5.1-litre Hemi V-8 (425 horsepower) and a 6-speed manual transmission shows up at your door.

The Challenger had a base price of $41,230, which includes the standard features such as ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front-side airbags, curtain-side airbags, 20-inch wheels, air conditioning, heated front seats, satellite radio, a tilt/telescope steering wheel, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, a wireless cell phone link, a spoiler, a functional hood scoop, a dual exhaust, and more.

Among other options, it includes the yellow paint ($225), the Special Edition package ($275, unclear what it includes), the $695 SRT Option Group (white face gauges, upgraded audio), the 6-speed manual transmission (includes 3.92 axle ratio, hill-start assist, and Track Pak, $695), the $590 U connect media center (navigation system with real-time traffic information, 6-disc CD changer with MP3 capability, hard drive, and iPod adapter), and the $1,300 gas-guzzler tax. With the $72 destination fee, the total came to $45,735.

The shifter is on the notchy side, and a skip-shift feature annoys at part throttle, although it’s easily defeated with an extra squeeze of the throttle and brakes are strong and smooth.

Chrysler has revealed that a new logo for its Dodge brand, as well as spinning off a new Ram brand for its pickup trucks which uses the existing Dodge Logo.

New Dodge logo dispenses with the ram head and now has two slanted red racing striped over the E of Dodge, which is all written in capital letters. According to Chrysler, the aim of the new brand logo is to promote an ideal of “forever young”.

According to Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles, “The two slashes (red) were inspired by Chrysler’s SRT range of performance vehicles. It signifies the sporty character of Dodge.” The Dodge name will stand by itself in a new script that will appear prominently but without the red slashes.

Meanwhile, the Ram range of pickup trucks uses the existing Dodge logo of the ram’s head. The first Dodge models to get the new logo will be the Charger sports sedan, due later this year, and the replacement for the 7-seater Dodge Durango off-roader, which is based on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee.