To usher in the new year, Mopar has announced a new package to up the

New taller spoiler adds to the sportier look. (Photo: Dodge)

ante on the already strong retro design of the Dodge Challenger. It is less than creatively entitled, the “Performance Appearance Package”. Ralph Gilles, President and CEO of the Dodge car brand, stated that, “We worked closely with Mopar to further enhance the appearance of Dodge’s modern-day muscle machine.” While the name may not invoke visions of thunder and lightning bolts striking the ground next to a Challenger, the end result of Mopar’s work

How can you not love a shifter that looks like this? (Photo: Dodge)

does enhance the Challenger’s appearance and has achieved the desired goal of making the car look faster without adding any actual performance improvement.

The package adds a body-coloured hood with scoop, a body-coloured “Go-Wing” rear spoiler and strobe stripe performance graphics. Overall, the package not only gives the Challenger a more aggressive profile, but Mopar did very well in maintaining the retro look while adding more aggression. It is interesting to note that, with the addition of the Go-Wing, the back of the Challenger is faintly reminiscent of the

You even get a slick custom car cover to protect your baby. (Photo: Dodge)

original rear body styling of Acura's NSX. Expect to pony up $1,995 for the exterior package.

An interior package is also available that features a Mopar T-handle shifter, a bright pedal kit (automatic only), bright door-sill guards, premium carpet floor mats, as well as a custom vehicle cover to protect your new package. The price of the interior package will set you back $945 if you have an automatic, and $780 if you’ve opted for the manual.

These interior and exterior packages are only available on SE (six-cylinder) and R/T models, and can be purchased through your local Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep dealer.