New York '08 Preview: Dodge Challenger R/T and SE ready to roll

Posted Mar 19th 2008 12:02AM by Chris Shunk


The Dodge Challenger SRT8 has graced the cover of just about every major automotive rag these past couple months, and muscle car-loving Baby-Boomers are emptying their 401Ks for the chance to own one. If your budget can't take the blow of a $40,000 coupe, however, the folks at Chrysler have debuted a couple more models at the 2008 New York Auto Show that will cost quite a bit less. The Challenger R/T will take the stage later today in NYC and it offers a good portion of the SRT8's power, as well as nearly every design cue seen on its more expensive big brother. Dodge is also unveiling the base SE model (right) for those who want a good looking RWD coupe on a budget.

Since the SRT model was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show over a month ago, we already know a lot about the Challenger in general. For the R/T model, the real story lies under its hood where an upgraded 5.7L Hemi V8 engine has received a 30-hp bump to 370 ponies, while torque also increases by eight to 398 pound-feet. Opt for the new pistol grip six-speed manual tranny – a first for any LX-platform model – and power jumps to 375 hp and 404 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm, but premium fuel is recommended if you want that third pedal.

BONUS: Dodge also released new pics of the Challenger SRT8 in silver, which you can check out in the gallery below.


Chrysler pumped up its famous powerplant by adding variable valve timing, which helps increase its compression ratio from 9.6 to 10.5, and by adding a second spark plug per cylinder for a cleaner burn and higher peak power. Besides providing extra grunt, technology enhancements improve fuel economy by 5% versus the previous generation HEMI while also improving the quality of its tailpipe emissions.

The Challenger R/T features a long list of standard equipment including 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, dual exhaust, ABS, ESP, traction control, vented brakes and an eight-way adjustable power driver seat. Buyers can also check off options like Remote Start, Keyless Go push-button start and heated leather seats. Dodge will also make available a special Classic R/T version that wears Richard Petty B5 Blue with black side stripes and unique script badging later in the 2009 model year. The Classic R/T will also feature five-spoke 20 inch rims that won't be available on any other Challenger model.



For RWD Coupe-lovers on a budget, Dodge will also offer a base Challenger SE (above is the only pic we have so far). The car will be given the well-traveled 250-hp 3.5L V6 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. As you can see from the photo above, the SE model also looks very much like the more upscale R/T model, save for its 17-inch steel wheels.



The R/T and SE Challenger will be available in fall of 2009, with the Classic R/T arriving late in tn the 2009 model year. Stay tuned to Autoblog throughout the day today for more info on these models, as well as video of their unveiling and live shots from the show floor.


PRESS RELEASE

Introducing the All-New 2009 Dodge Challenger

35 Years Later, Dodge Redefines Modern American Muscle


Re-creation of vintage American muscle car blends nostalgic flair with modern engineering and technology
First five-passenger, two-door coupe produced from proven Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger platform
First modern-day, HEMI®-powered car offered with precision-shift six-speed manual transmission
New-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 delivers increased fuel economy (an estimated 5 percent) with more horsepower (30 hp) and improved torque (8 lb.-ft.)
5.7-liter HEMI goes from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds
SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine goes from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds
Best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (

 

OK boys there it is, on paper. 370 ponies for the R/T autostick. 375 for the 6-speed. All the whining and crying can stop... unless you found something new in the post Patience my friends and now all the comparisons are just speculation. This puts a wrinkle in your shorts for those who have thought to use Charger data and compare it to other numbers known about other cars. Nows the time to refigure those numbers and compare them when we have hard numbers on the R/T. 375 ponies from the R/T now that will make you slap your mama. Well don't really slap your mama... thats just a colorful southern saying. But its still really good numbers Thank you Dodge I knew you would'nt dissapoint... so to all the naysayers if the R/T was your choice happy birthday and heres 20-25 more HP. and some more torque to boot.

 

Waaahhh! I wanted more than 404ft-lbs, the Ram got that and more hp, why can't I have more.[sm=boohoo.gif][sm=morning.gif]

Just kidding, I'm quite please to hear these results, even if it wasn't as high as I was hoping, it is still very significant. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the 5.7L already had dual spark plugs per cylinder. I think that was a mistake the writer made. The compression is now at 10.5 to 1, that's higher than the 6.1L (10.3 to 1). I guess the reason for the different output and grade of fuel is most likely due to the way of thinking that a automatic buyer wants performance but doesn't expect the best performance, whereas a manual owner wants to peak performance and will pay for the price of premium.

Now that the manual has been confirmed I feel that I can happily say to the pessimistic people, See I told you. Great news.

 

Of course, if they're gleaning more horses out of the stick for the Challenger, one would hope/expect Chrysler to make this more potent offering available to the Charger.

4 doors and a stick sounds like a hell of an offering. :-)

 

We can hope, but don't hold your breath is my advice on the manual. They haven't had consistent luck with the manuals in sedans (Stratus sedan for example).