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First Look: 2009 Dodge Challenger lineup
We 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.
With 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.
You 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.
Power rack-and-pinion steering -- standard on all Challengers -- is tailored to each model's handling capabilities. The SRT8 suspension starts up front with Bilstein shocks, an anti-roll bar, and control arms while you'll find the Challenger's prime advantage over the live rear axle Mustang in the rear: Challenger SRT8s get a five-link independent rear suspension with Bilstein stocks. Challenger R/T and SE models lose the Bilstein shocks but Dodge says it has engineered the R/T to be nimble with increased suspension damping, spring rates, steering responsiveness and the option of 18- or 20-inch tires. The SE is softer, of course, with a "touring-tuned suspension" which should be more civilized than the ride on a V-6 Mustang, although too much civility is not a good thing on a car like this.
Brembo brakes -- with 14.2-inch vented and slotted rotors in front and 13.8-inch vented rotors in the rear -- help stop the Challenger SRT8 from 60 mph in just 110 feet, according to Dodge. The Challenger R/T receives twin-piston calipers and vented rotors in front, and single-piston calipers with vented rotors in back, helping it do the 60-0 mph act in 125 feet while the Challenger SE's single-piston/vented rotors front setup and single-piston/solid rotors in the rear. Ducts in the front fascia of all Challengers direct airflow to the front brakes, reducing their temperature by up to 15 percent during heavy use, Dodge claims.
The Challenger's Achilles heel, of course, is weight. Derived from the Chrysler 300C/Dodge Charger platform, all Challengers are heavy. At 3720 pounds, the SE is 420 pounds heavier than a 2008 Ford Mustang V-6 manual. The R/T hits the scales at 4041 pounds, a full 591 pounds than the V-8 Mustang. Until Ford refreshes the Mustang and Chevy gets Camaros in dealerships, though, the Challenger has the power advantage over its competition. Even with power over the Mustang, the Challenger matches or beats the Mustang in fuel economy numbers: 18/25 mpg for the automatic-only Challenger SE and 15-16/23 mpg for the R/T compare to the V-6 Mustang automatic's 16/24 mpg and the V-8 Mustang's 15/22-23 mpg.
For those who want to customize their 197.7-inch long Challengers -- that's 10.1 inches longer than a Mustang -- Mopar can accommodate with everything from a Ram air hood to a coil-over suspension kit that drops the car up to 1.625 inches and even rear distance parking sensors. Ford has set the interior style bar low, and in that department the Challenger gets a passing grade. Customers who want a more exciting interior can opt for replacement trim pieces finished in Inferno Red or Deep Water Blue.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger, which makes its production debut this week at the New York Auto Show, is, for the most part, a solid package. As long as Dodge limits production to keep demand high, we don't think it will have any problems selling Challengers, even with a refreshed Mustang and new Camaro on the horizon. |
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