2017 Dodge Challenger GT release date, specs, price news update: Muscle car with all-wheel-drive offered for $34490

Dodge has finally introduced an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for the 2017 Challenger GT which delivers performance and power regardless of weather conditions. It will be available next year with a starting price of $33,395 and an additional $1,095 for destination charge.

According to Dodge, the 2017 Challenger GT is the first two-door American muscle car to come with AWD. The AWD system is the same one featured in the award-winning Dodge Charger with active transfer case and front-axle disconnect.

With the AWD system, the muscle car is able to perform during all four seasons. The system also transitions between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive seamlessly. The RWD is used when under normal driving conditions, while the AWD is automatically engaged when the car's sensors detect the need for additional traction.

The 2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD will be powered by the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that delivers 205 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. When mated to the TorqueFlight eight-speed automatic transmission, the muscle car offers an EPA-estimated 18 miles per gallon (mpg) during city driving and 27 mpg during highway driving.

The Challenger GT's handling is enhanced by Vehicle Dynamic Control and Electronic Stability Control. There are also paddle shifters, a Sport driving mode, 19-inch aluminum wheels with Hyper Black finish, all-season performance tires, projector fog lamps, a deck-lid rear spoiler, ParkSense rear park assist, and a ParkView backup camera. The 1971-inspired exteriors feature a split grille, a power bulge hood, LED halo headlamps, and LED tail lamps.

Interiors of the 2017 Challenger GT come standard with premium Nappa leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, bright pedals, and Hectic Mesh aluminum bezels. The 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect infotainment system comes with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as six speakers.

For customers looking for more stylish interiors, the GT Interior package is available for an additional $995. It comes with Nappa leather and Alcantara suede seats, nine Alpine speakers including a subwoofer and amplifier, and a Dodge performance steering wheel.

Production of the Dodge Challenger GT AWD begins in January 2017. The muscle car will arrive at Dodge dealerships in the first quarter of 2017.