First Look: 2009 Dodge Challenger


The Challenger now comes in three grades: the 425 horsepower SRT8, 375 horsepower R/T, and 250 horsepower SE


By Zach Gale
March 19, 2008


2009 Dodge Challenger R/TWe won't harp on how Chrysler may not have the money to create a CAFE-friendly second-generation Challenger. Instead, we'll get right to the goods: the 2009 Dodge Challenger comes in three grades: the 425 horsepower SRT8, 375 horsepower R/T, and 250 horsepower SE, all standard with a healthy dose of retro-modern style.

By now, you probably know that the SRT8 model gets the 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 producing 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque and is good for a 0-60 mph run in less than five seconds when hooked up to a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic with an AutoStick manumatic feature. Hill Start Assist, which helps manual transmission cars launch more securely on inclines, is standard on the SRT8 model and optional on the R/T. The feature holds the brakes for about three seconds and releases when it senses engine torque. Once the manual transmission Challenger driver gets on his way, he can enjoy the sounds of a uniquely tuned dual exhaust that optimizes engine back pressure and exhaust throatiness by using two low restriction bottle resonators instead of a stamped underfloor muffler. Dodge points out that manual Challengers borrow technology from the Viper SRT10 in the form of the clutch, which features a twin-disc design to make the most of the driving experience.



2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8With the Challenger SRT8 serving as the halo model, we guess that means the 375 horsepower, 404 lb-ft of torque Challenger R/T serves as a "midlevel model." The numbers above are achieved when the Challenger R/T driver has the six-speed manual -- the R/T with a five-speed automatic makes do with 370 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. Challenger R/Ts go from 0-60 mph in less than six seconds, Dodge says.

The Dodge muscle car enthusiast on a budget may head to the Challenger SE, which mates a 3.5-liter V-6 with a four-speed automatic to produce 250 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. Dodge's attempts to lower the base Challenger MSRP to within a few thousand dollars of the V-6 Ford Mustang's MSRP of $20,235 (including a $745 destination charge) result in a base Challenger SE whose basic specifications have mixed results in hiding its status in the Challenger food chain.



2009 Dodge Challenger SEYou can tell a Challenger SE from its R/T and SRT8 brethren by its single exhaust pipe out back and its 17-inch steel wheels with bolt-on covers shod with P215/65R17 98T all-season Goodyears. Dodge wisely has not yet provided any pictures of Challenger SE's with the 17-inch bolt-on cover steel wheels, but does show the SE equipped with the Popular Equipment Package, which, most importantly, upgrades the tires to P225/60R18H 99H all-season Continentals. We imagine most enthusiasts interested in a Challenger SE will go for the package, which, besides an eight-way power driver's seat, "luxury floor mats," Electronic Stability Program (with traction control and brake assist) and other goodies, includes anti-lock brakes.

Along with the simple yet attractive five-spoke aluminum wheels pictured at right, the Challenger SE with the Popular Equipment Package forms a respectable but not class-leading package that should comprise a good portion of Challenger sales.



SEs get a 140-mph speedo, R/Ts show 160 mph, and SRT8s have a 180-mph display



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