‘Six Pak’ Challenger fun to drive
Reviewer: ‘Six Pak’ Challenger fun to drive
Posted Thursday, Sep 4, 2008 at 12:00 pm in Company News
The Chicago Sun-Times recently published a review of the 2009 Dodge Challenger. Here is an excerpt:
When Dodge reintroduced the Challenger this spring, it was a feeding frenzy. Fortunately the 2009 model year has begun, so the wait for the Mopar® faithful is over as Dodge will gladly make as many Challengers as consumers will buy.
While not an official designation, the “Six Pak” is the term I chose to describe the modern 3.5-liter V-6 engine in the SE version. [sm=loser.gif] [sm=alcoholic.gif] [sm=angrymail.gif][sm=badidea.gif][sm=chairshot.gif][sm=icon_beat.gif]
Dodge recently introduced the entire 2009 Challenger line at Englishtown, N.J., at Raceway Park Dragway and on surrounding roads where I was able to put a variety of Challenger vehicles through their paces, including the “Six Pak” SE model.
While the SE is the base version, it does not look the part. Lined up at the media preview, the exterior differences between the SE and SRT8® are minor. From 10 feet the only thing that would indicate base car status are the wheels and tires.
There is comfortable seating for four, and five will fit if the middle passenger is a child. The rear bench seat is a 60/40 split-folding unit that provides access to the large 16.2 cubic-foot trunk. The 3.5-liter engine features a dual-tuned intake manifold with electronically controlled manifold short-runner valves (SRV). A coil-on-plug ignition system reduces maintenance costs and exhaust emissions while helping to boost fuel economy.
Challenger is built off a modified Dodge Charger platform and as such features the same front short- and long-arm suspension and five-link independent rear suspension system. The SE’s four-wheel disc brakes feature single-piston aluminum calipers and vented rotors in the front and single-piston aluminum calipers with solid rotors in the rear. Nothing fancy but they were very effective during some simulated panic stops.
Acceleration was stronger than I expected and brisk takeoffs are no problem. On the highway there were plenty of horses on tap to pass and you can easily get yourself into trouble if you’re wearing heavy shoes.
This car is fun to drive and a great looking machine to be seen in. The R/T and SRT8 models will grab all the attention, but the affordable SE with its very similar looks, and decent gas mileage will keep the line afloat.