New 2009 Dodge Challenger

Fast is back. After resurrecting the legendary muscle car in 2008, Dodge is adding more trim levels so that you can quench your thirst for speed. Young and old alike will appreciate the raw American power of the 2009 Dodge Challenger.

One great thing about the new Challenger is the variety of engine options. Last year the Challenger was only available in one trim—the premium SRT8. Two new trims, SE and R/T give consumers more options without sacrificing too much power. The SE has a 3.5-liter, 250-horsepower V-6 yielding 250 lb-ft torque. The R/T has a 5.7-liter, 372-horsepower HEMI® V-8 5-speed AutoStick automatic transmission with 400 lb-ft of torque. The R/T is also available in a 5.7-liter, 375-horsepower 6-speed manual transmission with 410 lb-ft of torque. If that is too soft for you, then opt for the tire-smoking 6.1-liter, 425-horsepower HEMI® V-8 SRT8 rocket with a 5-speed AutoStick transmission and 420 lb-ft or torque.   Not known for its fuel economy, the Challenger isn’t as bad as one would think with 13-17 MPG in the city and 19-25 MPG on the highway.

No matter which trim you go for, there’s no getting around the Challenger’s menacing, retro style. Based off of the original style of the 1970 Challenger, the dual round headlamps, performance hood, menacing grille, 17, 18 and 20-inch wheels and signature full-width taillamp blend old-school muscle with a modern look. Where the Challenger competes with the Ford Mustang, it actually bears a striking resemblance to the Chevy Camaro. An independent front and rear suspension with anti-roll bars and a sport-tuned suspension setup make the Challenger a tight around curves.

Safety features include massive ventilated Brembo® four-wheel disc brakes with an Anti-lock Braking system and Brake Assist. Standard dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and dual curtain airbags offer excellent protection in a collision. Standard Traction Control helps to prevent excessive wheelspin in slippery conditions.

Unlike its barbaric muscle car ancestors, the new Challenger features a host of useful modern amenities. The available Uconnect system handles everything from music, GPS, phone/Bluetooth, satellite radio and internet connectivity. An optional 6-disc in-dash CD player with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, MP3 capability, DVD-audio, and 13 Kicker® speaker, 520-watt sound system might actually be louder than the engine.

Dust off that AC/DC vinyl or simply find the classic rock station on the satellite radio and feel the rumble of youth, power and retro styling. Feel the power of the 2009 Dodge Challenger.