New Car Previews: 2009 Dodge Challenger

The automotive world is one of the few places where the discontinuation of something does not necessarily mean you will never see it again. Indeed, it seems that the recent trend for many American car companies has been bringing back models from past years. We saw this do great things for the new Mustang design, and recently the Camaro has been scheduled to make a comeback as well. However, it may be the newest addition to this design which is causing some to rejoice. The popular Dodge Challenger, once a muscle car legend, has been brought back to Dodge and designed to provide everything that made the car such a dream to drive so many years ago, but also incorporating the modern conveniences of today.

From the outside, it is easy to notice the inspiration of yesterday peaking through. The distinctive split headlight front design, small foglight openings and two split grills, the top retaining the metal bars from the past, make sure that no one confuses the heritage of the 2008 Challenger. The smooth sides and small windows, as well as the flat back of the car bring back the style of the past with just a hint of modern flare. The R/T addition also includes the traditional dual black stripe down the middle of the car. And the two small scoops on the hood are a modern variation of the scoops present on the original challenger. The 21-inch rims and tires help to add to the aggressive stance of the vehicle, and make it certain that the Challenger is not just another two door coupe. While some may complain that some of the recent muscle car rebirths may not do justice to the models that serve as their inspiration, this can definitely not be said of the Challenger, it is as much a joy to look at as the models of the past, and brings back all of the sporty style with just a hint of modern civility and class.

However, while the outside may remind of directly of the past, the interior is a beast of it's own, and seems to be aimed more at representing the current Dodge trend towards interior styling rather than the styling of the early 1970's. Equipped with charcoal leather and a dark dashboard, the Challenger looks the part of a sports car on the inside. The gauges are going to be illuminated in bright blue, and with simplified air conditioning and heating controls, the aim of the interior of the Challenger seems to be nothing short of providing the driver with the most direct control of the car possible. An optional sound package has been said to include a GPS/DVD system, and provide consumers with the best in sound innovations possible. The shifter is short, and furnished in leather. The seats seem to be geared a bit wide, and it is likely that there will be no problem fitting four adults comfortably into the car.

However, the real question is going to be whether or not the Challenger delivers to the hype that has grown up around it. Powered by a 6.1 liter Hemi V8, the car is expected to put out 425 horse power and 420 foot pounds of torque at 4800 RPM. This is coupled with a five speed automatic transmission with a tiptronic option. Sadly, no manual transmission has been announced yet. With these numbers in mind, the Challenger is sure to be an impressive looker as well as a competent performance vehicle.

Will all of the hype and expectations that are riding on the Challenger, we can only hope that the car will be able to deliver what so many are expecting it to. However, if Dodge keeps on the path they are, we can likely expect one greatly designed and powerful car to appear when the 2009 model year begins.