The 2021 Dodge Challenger has more attitude than just about any other vehicle on the road. The muscle car features an iconic, aggressive design, and it’s capable of producing outrageous horsepower. However, it struggles to deliver performance that backs up its intimidating demeanor without the proper configuration.

Dodge offers seemingly endless options for its heavy-weight sports car. However, sifting through the options doesn’t have to be as complicated as it seems. Here’s how you can equip your new Challenger to get one of the most competitive muscle cars on the market.

Standard 2021 Dodge Challenger configurations only win on paper

The Challenger is a straight-line burner, generating enormous amounts of power off the line. Its engine lineup ranges from a standard 303-hp V6 to an available 807-hp supercharged V8, and Dodge offers just about everything in between. But you might struggle to beat out the weaker competition if you take your Challenger to the track – no matter which powerplant you choose.

While this retro-modern muscle car lives up to its hulkish reputation, it lacks the agility of its rivals. For example, the Challenger will appear to the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro in the dust on straightaways. But these vehicles will quickly make up ground through the corners. 

Thankfully, Dodge provides the tools to help you gain an advantage. You simply have to purchase a 2021 Dodge Challenger with the proper body kit, as its standard narrow-body just doesn’t cut it.

The 2021 Dodge Challenger Widebody puts you in control

Consider buying a widebody variant of the Challenger if you don’t want your muscle car to be one-dimensional. The widebody kit gives you more control over the vehicle, but it’s only available on select models. These include the R/T Scat Pack, SRT Hellcat, SRT Hellcat Redeye, and SRT Super Stock. 

What exactly is a widebody kit? This package adds larger fender flares that envelope its 20-inch wheels, and it features an enhanced suspension. Notably, this configuration is 3.5 inches wider than narrow-body 2021 Dodge Challenger models.

According to Car Buzz, adding a widebody kit to your car improves its handling and traction. These enhancements come by way of wider tires that put more rubber on the road and a lower roll center, which improves cornering ability.

Does this widebody muscle car take the podium?

Car shoppers shouldn’t expect a miracle here. This body kit improves the 2021 Dodge Challenger’s biggest weakness, but it still won’t have the nimbleness of a Porsche 911. But would you really expect it to?

In the end, spending a little extra for the widebody kit is worth the money. There’s a noticeable difference when driving the 2021 Dodge Challenger Widebody compared to narrow-body models. However, this muscle car still performs best in drag-race scenarios.  

Motor1’s review of the 2019 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Widebody echoed this sentiment. The publication recommended purchasing a Mustang or Camaro if you want a better-handling American muscle car.

Meanwhile, those who demand extreme straight-line speed will feel at home behind the wheel of the 2021 Dodge Challenger. And adding the widebody kit to this mean machine will just make it more of a challenge for its rivals to keep up.