Detroit Beware, the 2009 Dodge Challenger Has Arrived

I fell in love with the automotive industry all over again! While driving past the Dodge dealership last Wednesday, a cherry red 2009 Dodge Challenger sat begging me to drive it. A beautiful beast she was, the R/T graphics boldly declaring her muscle. Not an ambush stance, but a full blown, in your face, dead sexy "you're gonna lose if you mess with me" attitude.

Chrysler introduced the all new Dodge Challenger into the Dodge line up in 2008, as a special order muscle car complete with the 6.1 HEMI.

For 2009 the Dodge Challenger is available in several drive trains, the fuel efficient 3.5 liter high out put, single overhead cam (SOHC) V-6, the 5.7 liter HEMI and the new monster 6.1 liter HEMI that keeps 425 horse power on tap.

Dodge brings the Challenger in three basic models, the SE, R/T and the high performance SRT8.

Eight way adjustable electric drivers bucket seat is standard on all models; cloth is standard in SE and R/T versions with leather as an option. Low back and performance buckets are available; the SRT8 comes standard with leather performance buckets.

The interior has a full list of options; each model has differing standard options. The speedometer ranges from 140 mph in the SE, 160MPH in the R/T and 180mph for the SRT8. The interior options list goes on and on...

Several new graphic packages are out to enhance the muscle car appearance; I thought the R/T nose stripes looked especially good! Chrysler has one picture of a T/A stripe package on their site, one can always hope...

One difference between the new Dodge Challenger and the original that I appreciate, the hood retains the built in scoops with all models and is not dropped for the base 2009 Challenger. The original Challengers had a flat hood for the base model.

All models have four wheel disc brakes, the more power available, the bigger the rotors.

The SE has 12.6 single piston vented rotors up front, with 12.6x0.4 single piston solid rotors in the rear. R/T's sport 13.6x1.1 dual piston vented front rotors and 12.6x0.4 single piston vented rear rotors. The mighty SRT8 wears 14.2x1.26 vented and slotted four piston Brembo at the front, 13.8x 1.1 vented four piston Brembo's stop the rear.

Tire and wheels sizes vary as well; the base model starts with 17x 7.0 shod with 215/65R17 98T Goodyear all season radials. The R/T comes standard with 18x7.5 wheels sporting P235/55R18V Michelins. The SRT8 wears 20x9.0 forged aluminum surrounded with 245/45ZR20 Goodyear all season performance tires.

All things considered, any one of the Dodge Challenger models would be a fine addition to your driveway, just keep an eye out for the "kids" who keep driving past gazing in envy!

All information by Chrysler media

media.chrysler.com