The New 2009 ChallengersNostalgia now comes in four flavours
Malcolm Gunn, Special to The Star
Published: Thursday, November 20, 2008

Amidst the current economic gloom and helter-skelter financial turmoil, there's genuine four-wheeled fun to be had from Dodge's Challenger lineup. If these cars won't lift your spirits, put a skip in your stride and paste a toothy smile on your kisser, nothing will.

The Challenger is Chrysler's revivalist answer to the Ford Mustang and up-coming Chevrolet Camaro that's due to arrive in early 2009. All three will battle for supremacy just as they did nearly 40 years ago during the so-called "ponycar wars."
The Challenger actually returned earlier this year, but only in premium SRT8 form and sporting a $45,000 pricetag (plus destination charges).

Now the base Challenger SE, SXT and "Hemi" V8 R/T have arrived to spread enough goodness and cheer for all.

These two-door, five-passenger rear-wheel-drivers are built at the same Brampton, Ont., plant that spawned the full-size Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. In fact, they all share the same basic platform, however 10 centimetres have been removed between the front and rear wheels of the Challenger. The combination of full-size width and coupe-sized length means the Challenger is a nimble handler when the pavement begins to curl, while at the same time delivering generous rear-seat and trunk space so the whole gang can share the experience.

On the outside, the Challenger remains fairly true to the original's (circa 1970) long-hood, short-deck styling. The headlights are round, the full-width taillamp is retro-cool and the body is a virtual chrome-free zone that gives off a mildly modified "Kustom Kar" vibe.
The base SE and second-tier SXT are the most fiscally painless Challengers, but are in no way devoid of features. Both models come with a 3.5-litre V6 that delivers 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, connected to a four-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include air conditioning, eight-way power driver's seat, cruise control, keyless remote entry, tilt and telescopic steering wheel and a basic audio system, beginning at about $25,000.

Beg, borrow or scrounge another $10,000 for the R/T and you'll get a 5.7-litre "Hemi" V8. The engine has been given some significant refreshment for 2009 and, in its Challenger application, puts down 372 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque when connected to a five-speed automatic transmission, or 376 horses and 410 pound-feet torque with an optional six-speed manual. It also features a more efficient cylinder deactivation technology that shuts down half the cylinders when idling, coasting or running under light loads. Yet, when the whip is cracked, the R/T's Hemi will push the car to 60 mph (96 km-h) in less than six seconds. In addition to the SE/SXT gear, you get quicker steering, limited-slip differential (with the manual transmission), leather seats, fog lamps, and a body-coloured rear spoiler.

You'll now need to shake more than $46,000 worth of loose change from your pants pockets to snag an SRT8, but bragging rights don't come cheap. And there's certainly nothing cheap or cheesy about this car's already legendary 425-horsepower 6.1-litre V8 that's capable of breaking the five second barrier to 60 mph (96 km-h). This speedy steed also packs a lowered ride height, Brembo-brand front disc brakes, quick-ratio steering, 20-inch wheels and the gruffest song ever to emanate from a dual-exhaust system. The SRT's luxuries include an electronic driver information centre, leather-trimmed seats (heated sport buckets in front), keyless start and a 276-watt up-level sound system.

Nostalgia now comes in four flavoursMalcolm Gunn, Special to The Star
Published: Thursday, November 20, 2008

There's a lengthy options list that will considerably inflate the Challenger family's base prices, but there appears to be no shortage of basic enjoyment built into the entire range, regardless of how thick your wallet might be.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: 2009 DODGE CHALLENGER

TYPE Two-door, rear-wheel-drive mid-size sport coupe.
ENGINES 3.5-litre SOHC V6 (250 hp); 5.7-litre OHV V8 (372 hp); 6.1-litre OHV V8 (425 hp)
TRANSMISSIONS Four-speed automatic; five-speed automatic; six-speed manual (opt. on V8s)
MARKET POSITION After bowing out in 1974, the Challenger returns to compete with the upcoming Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang in a Ponycar revival.
POINTS * Challenger is a modern take on the good ol' days. * Independent rear suspension tops Mustang's solid rear-axle setup. * The 250-horsepower base Challenger still packs plenty of punch. * R/T Hemi nearly as quick as SRT8 for thousands less. * All-wheel-drive option, if offered, would attract significant traffic.
* Will the Challenger (and Mustang) hold their own once the Camaro arrives?
SAFETY Front airbags; side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes (opt.); traction control (opt.); stability control (opt.).
THE NUMBERS L/100 km (city/hwy): 12.2/8.1 (V6) Base price: $25,000 (excluding destination)

BY COMPARISON

FORD MUSTANG
Base price: $24,800
The one that began it all is treated to a makeover for 2010.
CHEVROLET CAMARO
Base price: $26,000
Strong V6, but Corvette-powered SS should be formidable.
PONTIAC G8
Base price: $32,450
Aussie-built sport sedan looks sharp, V8 versions are quick.

© The Windsor Star 2008