The 2009 Dodge Challenger is now available in three trim levels--SE, R/T, and SRT8. All are front-engine, rear-wheel-drive two-door hardtop coupes.
The base SE comes powered by a 3.5L V6, which delivers 250 hp and 250 lb-feet of torque. It is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, and power is put to the pavement through 17-inch alloy wheels.
The SE features amenities like a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 playback, cloth seating, power mirrors and windows, 8-way power driver's seat, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, a/c, keyless entry, 4-wheel disc brakes, and halogen headlights.
The R/T gets its power from a 5.7L Hemi V8, putting out 370 hp and 390 lb-feet of torque. It can be mated to either a 5-speed automatic or Chrysler's 5-speed AutoStick Automatic, which allows for driver-selected shifts and more sport-oriented driving experience. The R/T rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.
R/T trim adds performance necessities like traction and electronic stability control, brake assist, and anti-lock performance brakes. You'll also find a leather shift knob and fog lamps.
The SRT8 coupe comes with a 6.1L Hemi V8 that makes an impressive 425 hp and 420 ft-lb of torque. For 2009, the SRT8 is available with the AutoStick 5-speed or a new Tremec 6-speed transmission. It sits on big 20-inch forged aluminum SRT wheels. According to Dodge, the SRT8 scoots to 60 mph in the low five-second range, does the quarter-mile in less than 14 seconds, and gets from a standstill to 100 mph and back in less than 17 seconds. Equally impressive, it's able to stop from 60 mph in about 100 feet.
The SRT8 is nicely equipped, with a 6-speaker Boston Acoustics stereo with steering wheel controls, hands-free communication, heated leather seating, auto-dimming rearview mirror with microphone, heated power mirrors, special instrumentation, and automatic High-Intensity Discharge headlights.
Carbon-fiber-style hood stripes are part of the SRT8's paint scheme, and it's only available in four colors: Hemi Orange, Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Pearl, and Torred.
Challengers have a back bench seat large enough for three, and the long doors mean access is better than in many coupes. The trunk, at more than 16 cubic feet, is comparable to that of mid-size sedans. A four-wheel independent suspension underpins the Challenger, providing a smooth ride and crisp, capable handling.
Popular options include a power sunroof, upgraded speakers, and the MyGig Infotainment System, which includes a 20-gigabyte hard-drive-based music system, USB interface, Sirius satellite radio with traffic, a navigation system, 6-disc changer, and UConnect hands-free calling interface. On the 5.7L R/T, a Multi-Displacement System is available and switches the engine from eight cylinders to four for improved efficiency.
Three Engine Choices, Competitive Pricing, SRT8 Performance
Nostalgic Muscle-car Styling
The 2009 Dodge Challenger, which borrows its shape and styling cues from the early 1970s muscle car of the same name, is based on the Charger sedan chassis. Last year, the car came only in SRT8 guise and was limited to just 5,000 examples. For 2009, it still retains the 6.1L Hemi V8, and it gains an optional 6-speed manual transmission.
New for 2009 are two more models, the 5.7L Hemi V8 R/T and the 3.5L V6 SE. The base SE starts at $21,320, while the R/T costs $29,320. The SRT8 model has increased by $2,000 to $39,320. A new color, "Torred," is now available
The Dodge Challenger rings a nostalgia bell for muscle-car enthusiasts, especially fans of the original late-1960s and early-1970s machines. In potent SRT8 trim, a loud, torquey, high-power V8 fits the bill for those who want a true American muscle car. With the range expanded for 2009 to include the 5.7L Hemi V8-powered R/T and 3.5L V6 SE, the car's appeal has widened. The Challenger takes a serious stab at reviving the pony war with Detroit's cross-town rivals, and its fresh looks are worth checking out.
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