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The Dodge Challenger muscle car was first re-introduced as a 2008 model, and offers some minor changes for 2009.  The Challenger has a distinctive look that attracts a lot of attention.  This is a vehicle that is all about big presence and big power attitude. Each version of the Challenger will appeal to a different buyer. The V6-powered Challenger SE comes with a moderate price, while the V8-powered R/T is a good performance value. The SRT8 is the ultimate Challenger.  The Challenger will certainly face some competition.  One potential contender is Pontiac's G8 GT, a four-door sedan that offers the same rumbling V8, rear-drive muscle car.  It also has good independent suspension and brakes for about the same price as an R/T.

Challenger Design

The 2009 Challenger is a broad, menacing car. The very wide, horizontal grille, spoilers and tail lamps accentuate the width, as does a turret-like roof and window treatment, and the haunches over the rear wheels where the roof fairs into the trunk and the character line kicks up. The four round headlamps and deeply inset grille of the original are still there, though now the inside lights are turn signals and the outer pair the headlamps.  In the rear are a full-width panel of red lights with a pair of backup lights wedged in the middle of it, along with chrome DODGE lettering.  While only the outer pairs of bulbs light for brake and turn functions, the entire width is used for tail lights. On SRT8 the trunk spoiler is a flat black low-profile piece like that on the original T/A, and of course V8 cars have dual chrome rectangular exhaust outlets in the lower bumper.

2009 Challenger Cabin

The cabin of the ’09 model feels like a quality piece of work and is functional.  Unlike many so-called sport seats the Challenger’s do not feel overly firm or confining.   On the SRT8 the monotony is broken with chrome highlights on door handles, control knobs and gauge bezels, light-faced instruments, semi-glossy carbon-fiber-look center panel trim, a big chrome band around the shifter and a colorful stripe on the seatbacks. The view to the rear is fairly good, too, because the side glass goes well back and the rear windows are as big as the mirror view. Gauges include fuel on the left, which descends progressively more quickly as the tank is consumed, tachometer, speedometer, and numbered coolant temperature. A manual tilt/telescope steering column allows plenty of adjustment and a view of the instruments but its overly generous diameter is more appropriate for a small power yacht than a sporty car.

Driving the Challenger

The Challenger feels just like it looks.  The 2009 Challenger SE drives a lot like the Charger because the Challenger is based on the Charger with just four inches taken out between the front and rear wheels. The Challenger SE comes only with a four-speed automatic. As much as the engine and weight, the automatic is one reason the SE rates only 2-3 mpg better on the EPA City cycle than the R/T models with 50 percent more power. Traction control does a very good job of turning controlled wheelspin into thrust and is easier than launching most high-performance manual transmissions; there's a solid feel to quick upshifts. When cruising, the Challenger is civilized. The Challenger is too big and heavy to merit any consideration as a sports car and isn't ideal for tossing around on tight racetracks or mountain roads.

Dodge Power

The R/T features a Hemi V8 producing 371 to 376 horsepower, along with a firmer suspension, bigger brakes and tires, and a choice of a hefty-shifting six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. Up against a Mustang GT500 with a six-speed manual, the SRT8 with its automatic transmission is just slightly slower, although you can't call 0-60 in the high 4s and a 13-second quarter-mile 'slow' in production $40,000 cars.  SE comes with a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 and four-speed automatic EPA-rated 18/25.  Challenger R/T runs a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 rated at 370 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque with the standard five-speed automatic; power increases to 375 hp and 404 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel with the optional six-speed manual/Track Pak group.

Summary

Somehow the 2009 Dodge Challenger pulls of both a successful interpretation of the classic American muscle car and fuel efficiency, safety, handling, technology and build quality expected in a contemporary coupe.  Read a Popular Mechanics test drive of the new Dodge Challenger  to see how it performs. The SE and R/T trims are new for 2009.  Now available in three trims, this 2009 Dodge offers options and price range that can appeal to a wide crowd. For a closer look, view the official Dodge Challenger photo gallery.