	Agent009 "If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
	View My AgentSpace

2008 New York Auto Show: Dodge Debuts The Challenger RT & SE

Agent009 submitted on 03/19/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 12:14 AM
from: www.autospies.com

[26] user comments | category: New Cars

Print this Page |

Digg It |

del.icio.us

2008 New York Auto Show: Dodge Debuts The Challenger RT & SE

35 Years Later, Dodge Redefines Modern American Muscle

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.

Dodge Brand

With a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2007, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market.

The Dodge brand's first crossover vehicle - the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey - is available in the first quarter of 2008 and will be available outside North America in both left- and right-hand drive in mid-2008. Arriving this spring is the limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine that boasts 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram with game-changing exterior and interior design, innovations, best-in-class features and craftsmanship will arrive this fall. Also arriving this fall is the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid. Recently, the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan arrived in dealerships with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel 'n Go™ seating system. In 2007, Dodge Avenger and Nitro entered key volume segments outside North America, joining the Dodge Caliber, which launched in those markets in 2006.

Be sure and check out our extensive photo galleries including the 2008 New York Auto Show and catch up on all of the latest news and models on AutoSpies.

2008 New York Auto Show: Dodge Debuts The Challenger RT & SE

Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]

pushrod27 - 3/19/2008 12:45:43 AM

0 Boost

the car is too heavy, both this retro styling and the hemi v8 have lost their novelty (even though both still satisfy)... the interior is typical Chrysler crap.
Chrysler's subpar execution on this concept has paved the way for Chevy's Camaro to outsell it, even though it will be years late to the market.
I predict that the Challenger will sell a few copies up front, then be marginalized into basically a 2-player field, with Ford's Mustang leading the way in sales, while Chevy's Camaro walks all over the Mustang in performance, but sells less copies.

My, how history repeats itself. The Mustang is the most popular, the Camaro will wipe the floor with it in terms of performance (and thus will be popular among enthusiasts), and the Chrysler is an afterthought.

reply to this comment

TTRaceRR - 3/19/2008 1:38:55 AM

-1 Boost

The "afterthought" you speak of is a much desired vehicle by collectors today, unlike the "dime-a-dozen Camaros and Mustangs. Just check the auction block and classifieds to see what 1970-1974 E-bodys (Challengers and Barracudas) go for today. I'd much rather have a more exclusive modern Challenger than a "me too" Mustang or common Camaro.

pushrod27 - 3/19/2008 12:52:03 AM

-3 Boost

theres' only one good thing about the Challenger: it's V8 only. The 5.7 hemi and the 6.1 SRT hemi are your only engine options. there's no underpowered V6 version for the ladies, cheapskates, and posers.

i like that. this is strictly a car for men, which makes it appealing when viewed against the backdrop of this sad modern age of gender role confusion/reversal and universal androgyny.

reply to this comment

Bored - 3/19/2008 1:27:31 AM

+5 Boost

@ pushrod27,

Looks like you overlooked the SE model: 3.5L V6, 250HP, 250 torque, 4 sp. slushbox....

TTRaceRR - 3/19/2008 1:40:36 AM

+2 Boost

He didn't even read the article.

85bmw745i - 3/19/2008 8:18:24 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I look at a 4 spd automatic like a VHS player, Its like Damn they still make those. Exterior is great. interior has no soul.

Bored - 3/19/2008 1:32:59 AM

+4 Boost

@ ToyotaPower,

In just the past 4 months, I've seen about 10 Toyota/Lexus d-bag fanboys like yourself get the boot from this site.

Are you bucking to be next?

No one minds one's mindless allegiance to a brand, but when all you offer is BS, well, then you've got to go elsewhere.

reply to this comment

mini22 - 3/19/2008 1:36:53 AM

+1 Boost

With 375 HP,lighter weight and 6 speed manual you would think the ST's performance would be close to the SRT8.

reply to this comment

TTRaceRR - 3/19/2008 1:46:25 AM

+1 Boost

Looks like the 2009 SRT8 will have the 6-speed manual as well. (See article.)

desertwindauh - 3/19/2008 1:44:46 AM

0 Boost

R/T good. SE bad. "Muscle Car" labels should be limited to at least 8 cylinders.

reply to this comment

EL34 - 3/19/2008 2:04:13 AM

+1 Boost

Killer :-O

reply to this comment

ilmor - 3/19/2008 8:23:41 AM

+1 Boost

These cars are just too heavy and slow considering their big high horsepower engines. This is because the chassis is a slightly downsized Charger chassis.

reply to this comment

MunichRob - 3/19/2008 9:13:48 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

If it wasn't impractical I'd just might by this as my second car. It would look great parked next to my 6er coupe as a testament to auto design of old & new, modern & retro.

Unfortunately as mentioned it isn't practical so I went down to my Jeep dealership yesterday & ordered a fully loaded Black SRT-8 instead. All together a $63,145 package Canadian compared to the 92 grand I would have spent on a new well-equipped X5 4.8i. Needless to say I'm a pretty happy guy.

reply to this comment

LACMAN - 3/19/2008 10:55:09 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Im trying to figure this out: Mustang and Camaro = Modern Retro (interior and exterior). Challenger is Modern Retro when it comes to its exterior but what is the definition of its interior? The concepts interior was MUCH more promising. Wasnt Chrysler the best, at one point in time, when it came to the "concept to production" transition?

reply to this comment

xlr8 - 3/19/2008 10:58:55 AM

+1 Boost

man thats a lame excuse for an interior...Ill take a camaro please....or a g8 =)

reply to this comment

w209w114 - 3/20/2008 2:24:58 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

dugit,

YOu like that dont you? Perhaps yo could put it to some good use

reply to this comment

mini22 - 3/19/2008 12:01:27 PM

+2 Boost

Look the performance will probably be class competative with the Camaro and Mustang. It's the SE I have an issue with.Why no manual. It has the least power.So is the point of buying an SE to make a staement that your driving a Fake Challenger? Dugit I must say I've never seen a "Robots Penis". Perhaps thats the bright spot in the Challenger's interior which I think needs a redo.

reply to this comment

TTRaceRR - 3/19/2008 10:19:36 PM

0 Boost

It won't be long before you'll see after market "pistol grip" shifters reminescent of the original available for the new Challenger. Personally, I don't think the interior is that bad, although I'd like to have seen them put in a "sidewinder" tach like the original. It looks functional and complete. The Camaro, on the other hand, tries too hard to copy the original and puts gauges in hard to see places.

mini22 - 3/19/2008 12:42:30 PM

+1 Boost

Look...Don't feel bad. It's time to come out of the closet.Perhaps next yr there may be the Robotic St. Patricks Day Parade.....

reply to this comment

FerrarisR4me - 3/21/2008 11:13:07 AM

+1 Boost

I'm excited to see this in person this weekend at an Autoshow, but for me, it looks to bulky and the interior looks terrible. I hope it does more for me in person than it does in pix. I like the styling, and I love the Hemi and the stick, but I remember being more excited before it came out. We'll see how it does for me when I see it in person. If I like it enough... who knows...

reply to this comment

To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

Most Recent Stories

Capital One Cuts Off Dealer Financing For Inventory Purchases In New York And New Jersey Toyota iQ will be badged as a Scion in the U.S.F1 boss’s daughter posses in a checkered flag for a cause Next-generation Mazda MX-5 could go hybrid or diesel Toyota Says It Has Credit To Give, Just Fewer People Are Buying Their Cars Toyota Readies To Extend 0% Financing Program Nissan Already Using Black Box Data To Void GT-R Warranty Claims Electric Porsche 911 by Ruf breaks cover GM Shares Tumble to 58-Year Low as Credit Ratings Under Review Guess Which One Of These Cars is the Most Aerodynamic...Porsche considers a convertible version of the Panamera BMW considering X4 as a baby BMW X6 MotorTrend tests new 2009 Infiniti G37s Sport Sedan 7-speed Auto......Match's BMW 335i performance times now. Report: Lexus will likely become a hybrid-only brand Who Has The Greenest Cars In The Land? The SGI Green Index Tells All Aston's Lagonda brand will build a Mercedes S-Class rival Daimler won't sell Maybach luxury brand Audi takes Q7 3.0 TDI from NY to DC, gets 32 mpg Unofficial Camaro Z28 renderings Nissan offers Porsche free driving tips Toyota Predicts 40% Profit Shortfall and Will Miss Lowered Sales Targets Mazda Unwraps The Mazda3 Ahead Of Los Angeles Debut 2010 Ford Mustang dashboard teaser Spy Shots: 2010 Nissan 370Z, the so-called 'baby GT-R'Bugatti to build large sedan with Bentley 2009 Ford F-150 Lariat by SSE to debut at SEMA BMW M5 UTE - Australian made El-Camino!BMW Ranks The Best Across The Board In Automotive Financing For 2008 Chrysler won't build a Dodge Challenger Convertible Toyota won't compete with Big 3 in the pickup segment this year Audi's dedicated electric car to take on Lexus' dedicated hybrid BMW-Mercedes alliance: the latest news Mercedes-Benz Cars with Four Percent Sales Increase for year to end of September leads the pack.Is THIS VW Based Entry Level Porshe The REAL Reason They Want Control of VW?Are Politicians Steering Us Towards Vehicular Communism?BMW Deliveries up 1.7% to 1.11 million automobiles for the year to end of September.Ford unveils radar-based Collision Warning with Brake Support system Hyundai introduces new high-performance V6 Lambda RS engine 2008 Peugeot HYmotion3 Compressor 2009 BMW 3-Series And X5d Photo Gallery: Even MORE to Like!2009 BMW 335d No mid-engine for Corvette C7, V6 considered Limited Edition 2009 BMW 7 Series Individual for Neiman Marcus GM Considers Selling Headquarters To Raise Cash 2009 Ford Flex SEL AWD Review 2009 Subaru Legacy 3.0R Premier Package Review Somebody Tell Audi There Is A Recession Going On - Sales Up 12.3% Globally EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Did 001 Spy The Next BMW 5-Series, Progressive Activity Sedan Or Both?No Paris Motor Show for the Nissan GT-R V-Spec Volkswagen Outstrips Toyota To Be Worlds Biggest Market Value Automaker

More Recently Added News

Join AutoSpies

Photo Galleries

AutoSpies presents the best Auto Show Photos, Automotive Videos, Car Reviews and Hot Rides.

Latest Galleries

Cars

Auto Shows

More Galleries