Challenger R/T- First Drive
The October issue of Motor Trend had an article on the Challenger R/T (First Drive).
The magazine gave its impressions about the R/T but did not drag test it. It only stated that the manufacturer's estimated 0-60 mph time is 5.5 sec.
Here are some excerpts from the R/T article:
"Reasonable purists will like the optional Tremec T6060 six-speed manual, adapted from the Viper, but with light, smooth, clutch-pedal action."
"The manual-unique exhaust system optimizes backpressure, composing an especially burbly soundtrack, particularly for the 1-2 upshift."
"The R/T forgoes the SRT's high-backs in favor of low-back buckets."
"For a cappuccino short of $30K. the Challenger R/T is a bargain next to its quicker sibling."
"The R/T's just too big and heavy to get around a tight track (like Englishtown, NJ), without scrubbing front tires."
"The R/T's understeer is much more controlled than the Mustang GT's."
"The Challenger R/T's ride and handling flavor is much like former Chrysler patron Mercedes' cars. It's more Interstate/autobahn cruiser than mountain-road slalom champ."
"This is a refined car, a much quieter and better ride than the live-rear-axle Mustang."
"The Challenger is a car for threading through heavy Interstate traffic, where you can leave the six-speed in long-legged third, fourth, or fifth gears to power on and off. The car's presence alone makes fellow motorists gawk, and then make way."
"The 2009 Challenger R/T is an adult's toy for the middle-aged boy who refuses to grow up."
There was also an small insert about the Challenger SE. Here are some of those comments:
"The Challenger SE has much more refinement and better noise, vibration, and harshness characteristics than the Mustang."
"The four-speed automatic is the only transmission choice and the 3.5-liter V-6 has but 250 horses with which to fight 3,750 pounds of big coupe. Dodge has tuned the tranny to be smooth and seamless, so long as you don't floor it and call up a jarring, earnest downshift. If Dodge's performance estimate is accurate (0-60 mph= 7.8 sec.), it's not slow; it's just not fast, either."
"It is cool because, unlike the V-6 Chargers, the Challenger SE isn't completely stripped of Challenger R/T and SRT exterior jewelry and doesn't scream "rental car."
"Perhaps the proper modern, slightly less-politically correct term for the Challenger SE is "soccer-mom's car."