A little over a month ago Dodge pulled the wraps off the Challenger SRT8 at the Chicago Auto Show, but with a limited production of 6400 there are likely to be a lot of unhappy punters queuing outside the dealerships. Fortunately the New York Auto Show sees the unveiling of the Dodge Challenger R/T & SE which will slot below the SRT8 although the only changes we see are under the hood.
The R/T model features the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, the five-speed automatic has gained 30hp for 2009 bringing total output to 370hp and 398 lb.-ft.(540 Nm) of torque and for those of you who wish to go for the six-speed manual, output is pumped up to 375hp and 404 lb.-ft.(548 Nm) of torque. The entry level SE model is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 producing 250hp and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (339 Nm).
Production for the Challenger will commence in Ontario, Canada alongside the Chrysler 300c and Dodge Charger with first deliveries to arrive this fall.
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 (32.6 inches) room provides spacious back seat for up to three adults
Best-in-class trunk space (16.2 cu. ft.) equal to the Dodge Charger
New "EZ" entry with high-mounted seat-back lever for easy, one-handed operation; enables second-row passengers to enter and exit with ease
More than 25 safety and security features including supplemental side-curtain air bags, advanced multi-stage air bags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and anti-lock brakes
Equipped with cutting-edge technology including MyGIG™ radio/navigation, UConnect® Hands-free Communication System, Keyless Go push-button start and Remote Start
To ensure quality, Dodge Challenger engineers logged nearly 3.2 million customer-equivalent miles in the development process
All-new 2009 Dodge Challenger to arrive this fall
The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics - unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines, and technology - designed to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations.
"Our all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger is a modern-day muscle machine representing the best from the past and present," said Mike Accavitti, Director, Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. "Thirty-five years following the debut of the original, we are bringing Dodge Challenger back and loading it with essential hardware, styling and technology desired by today's buyer."
The Dodge Challenger is the first five-passenger, two-door coupe produced from Chrysler's proven rear-wheel-drive platform that delivers the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. Developed with Dodge's credo of "bold, powerful and capable," the Challenger delivers a modern two-door muscle car.
Three models will be offered in North America: Dodge Challenger SRT8®, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SE.
Essential Hardware
The Dodge Challenger R/T features the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission that produces an estimated 370 horsepower (276 kW) and 398 lb.-ft. of torque (540 N•m). For 2009, the HEMI engine is upgraded to get an estimated five percent improvement in fuel economy as well as an increase of 30 horsepower (9 percent) and 8 lb.-ft. improved torque (2 percent) over a greater range of engine speeds. The Dodge Challenger R/T also offers a precision-shift six-speed manual transmission - the first for a new-generation HEMI-powered car - that produces 375 horsepower (280 kW) and 404 lb.-ft. of torque (548 N•m) when running on premium fuel. The Dodge Challenger R/T can go from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features an SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine mated with a new-for-2009 six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick that generates a blistering 425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. of torque (569 N•m). The vehicle can go from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds.
The Dodge Challenger SE powered by the 3.5-liter High Output V-6 with a four-speed automatic transmission produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (339 N•m).
Patterned off the Dodge Charger architecture, the front suspension and five-link independent rear suspension system on all Dodge Challenger models provide excellent ride and handling characteristics.
Essential Styling
The Dodge Challenger design team stayed true to the concept revealed at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, while drawing upon elements from the original Challenger. The result: a bold, aggressive muscle machine that blends nostalgia with modern Dodge style.
"Our designers wanted to capture the mind's-eye view of what people today remember about the Dodge Challenger from 35 years ago," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler LLC. "Their challenge was to excite today's customer by capturing the emotion of the original Challenger, while offering today's comfort and performance."
On the exterior, the long, raised performance hood with scoops and recessed grille with round dual headlamps are reminiscent of the original Dodge Challenger. The bold A-line, or character line, that runs from stem to stern gives the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger an instantly recognizable muscle car profile. Retro dual rectangular exhaust outlets complete the look from the rear.
On the interior, the trapezoidal theme of the door-panel cove and gauge cluster, dark headliner and slanted shifter console are inspired by the original Dodge Challenger. The modern interpretation of the Dodge Challenger offers exceptional rear seating for a two-door coupe, achieving best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room compared to the competition. Coupled with best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.) - equal to the Dodge Charger - the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger offers added comfort and functionality.
Essential Technology
The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger offers customers a full range of innovative technologies including:
MyGIG™ provides a cutting-edge multimedia audio and entertainment system, with built-in navigation
UConnect® Hands-free Communication System provides convenient, voice-activated communication with Bluetooth® cellular phones
SIRIUS® Digital Satellite Radio offers a variety of commercial-free radio programs and music for enhanced listening enjoyment
Keyless Go allows the driver to start the vehicle with the simple push of a button
Remote Start starts a secured vehicle with the key fob
More than 25 Safety and Security Features
Dodge Challenger offers more than 25 safety and security features including:
Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags extend protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) modulate the brakes for the driver to provide steering control while braking
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) applies selective braking or throttle reduction to control oversteer and understeer
Brake Assist ensures maximum braking action during panic stops
Traction Control reduces the throttle and/or applies selective braking to optimize traction during acceleration
Hill Start Assist (HSA) for Manual Transmission application assists the driver in launching the vehicle on an incline
Automatic Headlamps turn headlamps on at dusk and off in the daylight without driver intervention
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) alerts driver about low tire pressure(s) in order to facilitate safe handling
2009 Dodge Challenger Production
The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger will be built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. It will be built on the same assembly line as the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.
What a piss poor car...crappy colors, crappy interior, no progressive or creative input went into this car...essentially a horrible copy of what was a fairly nice car. Another reason Chrysler is going down the drain. Too bad it fools so many dumb consumers who eat up anything put in front of their eyes. Come on, wake up, you want a half decent Challenger? Get an original!
Same could be said regarding the new Beetle, the Mini, or the Fiat 500, yet they sell like crazy, especially the latter two. The interior is pure crap, but this kind of vehicle is usually the second or third car in the family garage, and the exterior design is cool.
True, but those remakes have only been influenced by features of the original cars, they haven't been blatantly copied like the Challenger. The Challenger is essentially the same car, with pretty much the same features (slight changes to rear lights), but the proportions are worst than the original. The Camaro is an example of design...it's influenced by the original, but it doesn't just copy the original. Same with the Mustang, although it falls somewhat between both models.
What do you mean this car 'blatantly copies' the original. And can you specifically explain how the Beetle, Mini and the FIAT are only "influenced by the originals" whilst this is just a "blatant copy"?
Well, I presume you have eyes, and a brain, so I'm not going to take the time to answer that in great detail. It should be obvious to you. Actually, if you know anything about design and designers, than you would probably know what I was talking about. This would also help: find a picture of the original Challenger, and one of the new Challenger, stick them side by side, and you have your answer. Do you know the Ford GT?? Did you know it exists because of a certain car called the GT40? Yeah, the GT is completely "different" than the GT40, but it is a "blatant" copy of it. Why you ask? Because the company who made it couldn't find a way to "design" a new one, and decided that remaking the original with adjustments would accomplish what they wanted. Ok, now fast forward to Dodge...its the same exact story. Copy the original to recapture the EXACT same consumer, but simply update bumpers and minor details to make it "modern". So there you have it, a blatant copy of the original. If you are a designer, or know any designers who work in the automotive industry, my comments would come as no surprise to you....
yeah, he basically means that mini, fiat, vw, etc have made a modern reinterpretation of the original concept while ford's gt and the challenger look more like faithful replicas, but the sad part is that they could have cloned the old cockpit as well (including kitsch fake wood, vivd colors other than mining black and so on...), meaning it would be just another niche segment.
Nice low grade interior...way to go dodge