2009 Dodge Challenger

Concept cars have a way of writing checks that the production versions can’t cash. Unfettered by real world demands (cost, safety, practicality), they can take chances with their styling. That often leads to some fine designs, but also raised expectations—and those hopes can be dashed if the street model doesn’t live up to the show version.

All About Style

On this score alone, you have to give Dodge a thumb’s-up for the new Challenger. They got it right, mixing old school styling with modern muscle cues. Seen from the side, Challenger has the classic, long hood/short deck pony car profile. Up front is a collective, tip of the cap to the original Challenger’s look: a horse collar grille framed by quad headlamps and a power bulge hood with a pair of functional scoops. The tail end carries on with tradition, with a full-length light bar above, and rectangular exhaust tips below. All tolled, it’s a fine design, and one that can’t be dismissed as merely retro. Beefy, body-colored bumpers and oversized rims with skinny sidewalls all announce Challenger’s intent to keep the car in the present tense.

More About Performance

Last year, Dodge’s opening salvo was fired big guns first. The only Challenger to hit the streets was the top, SRT8 variant. For 2009, Dodge rolls out the full array—a three model lineup with SE ($21,995), R/T ($29,995) and SRT-8 ($39,995). Three models, three motors. The SE is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6, making 250 horsepower and 250 lb. ft. of torque. R/T’s step up to the 5.7 liter Hemi V-8, rated for this application at 372 horsepower and 401 lb. ft. of torque (376/410 in manual transmission versions). Finally, the SRT8 packs the big Hemi: 6.1 liters, 425 hp, 420 lb. ft. of torque. SE’s are fitted with a four-speed automatic transmission. R/T’s offer a choice of six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic. Ditto for the SRT8, which was only offered with an automatic when it first arrived in late, 2008. Stick shift cars are equipped with an updated version of the classic Mopar pistol grip shift handle. Hill Start Assist is standard equipment on manuals, controlling rollback when you launch on an incline.


All three models roll on a modified version of the Dodge Charger’s chassis, chopped four inches for Challenger. Like all pony cars, Challenger is rear-wheel drive, which will mark it as a candidate for winter hibernation in snow-belt states. Unlike all pony cars, it’s fitted with an independent suspension front and rear. ABS is surprisingly not standard equipment, but is offered as part of the Popular Equipment Package.

The Test Drives

We drove all three Challengers extensively on the road and capped that with 20 laps in R/T and SRT8 models on a road racecourse. SE cars are notably quiet in the cabin, with minimal wind and pavement noise intruding. Ride quality is fine: firm but not harsh. The V-6 is comfortably quick, capable of turning the trip from 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds. The six feels well suited to the car, with enough power to pass, and still return respectable fuel economy numbers (EPA estimates: 18 city/25 highway). Dodge is said to be contemplating a manual transmission for the SE at a future date. It only makes sense for the base car (as would a fifth gear for the automatic), adding another couple of MPGs and a little more driver involvement for the expected volume leader.


With a Hemi under the hood and a pistol grip in hand, the R/T feels every bit the modern muscle car. The 5.7 negotiates the trip from 0-60 in 5.5 seconds, and turns the quarter mile in 14.0 @ 105 mph. There’s a comfortable surplus of power available in any gear, and manual transmission cars also benefit from a specially tuned exhaust system that might be worth the price of admission all by itself. Gas mileage estimates are 15/23 (manual) 16/23 (auto). R/T cars are equipped with a sport suspension. Spring rates, shock damping and steering response are sharpened for quicker responses, with no noticeable loss in ride comfort. On a tight, technical road course, the R/T felt agile and very well balanced.