2009 Dodge Challenger | Free Articles Directory

Challenger is all about the in-your-face attitude that’s a Dodge hallmark: big vehicle, huge presence, massive power. Style rules, but asks couple of compromises. Some will opine about the timing of the Dodge musclecar’s return, whilst other people will note Chicken Little was last observed impaled in a Viper grille somewhere. Much as happens with its principal competitor, Ford’s Mustang, every version of the Challenger will appeal to a distinct buyer.

SE owners will probably be swayed by the look, a desire to be observed in some thing a lot more visually amusing than the average V6 sedan or massive coupe, and employing it daily. SE comes with a 250-hp three.5-liter V6 and four-speed automatic EPA-rated 18/25.

R/T buyers may possibly be older and wanting to replace the Challenger they lusted soon after in younger days; some will decide on the new one over a far-more-expensive auction automobile that goes like stink but wants considerable acreage to quit or alter directions. Other people still, not content to leave anything alone, will buy the R/T as the basis for their next hot rod and blow all the income saved on an SRT8 on a lot more power, accessories, and modifications. The R/T could be employed as a daily driver, a minimum of for shorter distances and fuel consumption, and will compete with the Mustang GT, over which it has both advantages and disadvantages. Challenger R/T runs a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 rated at 370 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque with the regular 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. The Hemi uses a numerous displacement feature that switches off cylinders to save fuel, but EPA ratings are 16/23 mpg with the automatic and 15/23 mpg with the six-speed manual.

SRT8 buyers want the ultimate performance model. The SRT8 is quick, stable and ready to go to any track, Dodge’s fastest automobile this side of the twice-the-price Viper. However it’s compliant and controlled just sufficient that it won’t beat you up on every day chores or weekend cruises. At $10/pound, you’ll enjoy it a good deal longer than that sirloin on your barbecue. Challenger SRT8 comes having a 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi (EPA 13/19 mpg), the exact same transmission possibilities as the R/T, huge Brembo brakes, the firmest suspension; and a limited-slip rear differential.

The Dodge Challenger is often a huge two-door, but anticipate it to face some competition from Pontiac’s G8 GT, a four-door sedan. Not Challenger-distinctive in appearance, it does provide the exact same rumbling V8, rear-drive musclecar recipe (without having a manual gearbox option), and again like the Challenger, very good independent suspension and brakes for about the same cost as an R/T.

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