Dodge Challenger taps into nostalgia

• Article
• Comments ()
• Click-2-Listen
• Videos

By THE WASHINGTON TIMES

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. | The 2009 Dodge Challenger delivers the best of modern American muscle-car characteristics: unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and technology. The 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic goes further with even more memorable blast-from-the-past design cues. The 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic starts at $34,005 (including $725 destination) and is available for ordering now at Dodge dealerships nationwide.

"Our all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic is more than a modern-day muscle machine; it pays homage to one of the most storied nameplates in automotive history," said Dan Knott, vice president of the Car/Minivan/ RT Product Team, Chrysler LLC. "With heritage-inspired dual-wide body-side R/T stripes, original 'Challenger' heritage badging and the newest generation of our legendary 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine, the new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic delivers the greatness of our pony car past with advanced fuel-efficient muscle."

Based on the powerful 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T, the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic not only delivers a menacing look and premium equipment - its powertrain delivers an unforgettable punch. With dual throwback A-line body-side R/T stripes, "Challenger" fender badging in classic script, large 20-inch polished-chrome heritage wheels with all-season performance tires, classic egg-crate grille with heritage "R/T" badge, body-color rear spoiler and chromed fuel-filler door - the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic is unmistakable.

"Dodge Challenger has a rich performance heritage and the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic encompasses numerous technologies that allow great on-road performance while delivering proven-quality and refinement to ensure its place in the Dodge pony car history," Mr. Knott said.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic tucks its legendary 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine under a long, raised performance hood with functional hood scoops to increase engine cooling. The newest generation 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine features dual variable-cam timing (VCT) and dual ignition (two spark plugs per cylinder) to increase power and torque, while improving refinement and efficiency.

When paired with the Tremec six-speed manual transmission, the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic features the performance-minded Track Pak's precision-shift "pistol-grip" shifter, bright pedals, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with defeatable traction control, Hill Start Assist (HSA), four-wheel disc performance braking system and an anti-spin 3.92 differential. A performance-tuned dual exhaust optimizes engine back pressure and exhaust throatiness by replacing the standard under-floor muffler with two low-restriction bottle resonators. The result, a powerful 376 horsepower (280 kW) and 410 lb.-ft. of torque (556 Nm) that can accelerate the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds.

An available five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick provides efficiency and responsiveness in the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic. An aggressive first-gear ratio provides outstanding launch performance, while the transmission's fully adaptive electronic control delivers more responsiveness without harshness.

When paired with the automatic transmission, the new-generation 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 includes the fuel-saving multi-displacement system (MDS) allowing Dodge Challenger R/T Classic to operate economically on four cylinders, or produce 372 horsepower (277 kW) and 401 lb.-ft. of torque (544 Nm) when all eight cylinders are needed.

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. Inspiration from the past continues with a "four bomb" gauge cluster with deep easy-to-read white faces. Premium leather-trimmed bucket seats with heat are well-bolstered and finished with French-seamed stitching. The advanced Uconnect GPS with voice recognition, navigation with real-time traffic and Universal Customer Interface (UCI) is available on the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic 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 with the competition. Coupled with best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.) - equal to the Dodge Charger - the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic offers comfort and functionality.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic is available in Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Bright Silver Metallic, Stone White and three Dodge heritage colors - Hemi Orange, TorRed and B5 Blue. Dodge dealerships nationwide are now accepting orders for the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics - unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and technology - to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations. The Dodge Challenger accommodates five-passengers in a two-door coupe produced from the company's proven rear-wheel-drive platform. With three models of head-turning styling, two legendary Hemi V-8 engines choices, more than 25 safety and security features and modern amenities including Uconnect Global Positioning System with voice-activated navigation system and real-time traffic available - the 2009 Dodge Challenger delivers the brand's "bold, powerful and capable" credo.

With a work-hard, play-hard attitude, the Dodge brand continues to offer a full line of cars, trucks, SUVs, commercial vehicles and sales-leading, fifth-generation minivan in 2009. This year, Dodge will add to the award-winning Ram lineup with the introduction of the 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 Heavy Duty and 3500 Chassis Cab.

Dodge introduced several new vehicles in 2008, including the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, the 2009 Dodge Challenger and the 2009 Dodge Ram. Dodge also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the minivan during the 2009 model year. With more than 65 minivan-firsts introduced since 1983 and more than 12 million Dodge and Chrysler minivans sold, Chrysler LLC has solidified its leadership in the segment. The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to set the mark in minivan value with more than 40 new or improved features from the previous generation, including unsurpassed 17 city/25 highway mpg fuel economy. The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is also the first minivan in the segment to feature the all-new Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path advance safety systems.

Also in 2008, the Dodge Journey entered key volume markets outside North America, joining the Dodge Avenger, Nitro and Caliber. Dodge Caliber was the highest sales volume vehicle for the company outside North America in 2008.

The Dodge Challenger R/T Classic features unique throwback design cues.

Its legendary 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 delivers zero to 60 mph performance in less than six seconds.

A six-speed manual transmission features performance-tuned dual exhaust with "low restriction" bottle resonators for optimum throatiness.

Functional dual hood scoops are new to R/T Classic and stay true to Dodge Challenger's heritage.

Original B5 Blue returns from the Chrysler paint code archive.