2009 Dodge Challenger
Posted by admin on 07 Sep 2007
It’s time for the muscle car to make a comeback, at least if you take a look at the new 2009 Dodge Challenger. It’s pure retro from tip to tail and takes design cues directly off the 1970 Challenger.
“During the development of the concept car,” says Micheal Castiglione, principal exterior designer, “we brought an actual 1970 Challenger into the studio. For me, that car symbolizes the most passionate era of automotive design.”
The main connections to the original are the floating headlights, black trimmed hood, ribbed seat materials, and of course the overall look of the car.
Under that aggressive shape is a shortened LX platform – the same one under the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger, although with the 2009 Dodge Challenger this is called the LY platform.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger concept car is powered by a 425 horsepower 6.1 liter V8 connected to a pistol grip manual transmission, but when the car goes into production in 2009 with a HEMI V8 nestled in the engine bay. It’s not known what displacement HEMI will be used, whether it’s the new 392 HEMI, a detuned version of the 392, or a different HEMI altogether. The current favourite is a choice of two V8s, the 5.7 liter HEMI and the 6.1 liter HEMI, which would make an appearance in an SRT-8 model. A V6 model will appear some time after the car’s launch, with Chrysler appealing to high performance fans first.
A choice of automatic and six speed manual gearboxes will be available, while all models will have the LX platform’s multi link rear suspension. The Challenger will directly challenge the new facelifted Ford Mustang, and Dodge expects to sell between 60,000 to 70,000 Challengers per year.
The change of ownership of Chrysler from Daimler to Cerberus put the Challenger program into contention, but it has since been announced that the car will be built. Initially it was to be sold in Europe as well as the US, but the new management has decided to concentrate only on the US market. Europeans will have to get their cars imported privately.
The production version of the 2009 Dodge Challenger will make an appearance at the Chicago Motor Show next February, with production starting in 2008. Chrysler’s Brampton, Ontario assembly plant has been earmarked for Challenger production. It’s the same plant that builds the Charger, Magnum and 300C and Chrysler intends all four cars to be built on the same line, which will be interesting as the Challenger has a shorter wheelbase than the other three cars.
“Brampton is our first plant to demonstrate the ability to build four models on one line,” says Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President – Manufacturing, Chrysler Group. “As we continue to expand our new model line-up and further implement our flexible manufacturing strategy, other facilities will also have this capability.”
The new challenger is a beautiful car but still I dont understand somthing. The new toyota supra can put out 450 HP on a 5L and the challenger can only do 425HP on a 6.1 and it has the hemi. They should go with the old hemi rather than the new ones cause they actually had real horse power. Unlike the new ones they have out now. Its sad really
The new muscle cars will never be like they used to. The old ones had actual power and torque. The new ones are just another 4 banger. The 70 challenger could smoke almost anything if you had the real hemi in it.
This is the best Retro Muscle Car for the 21st Century. The 1970Challenger was nice, but this should be much better- IF IT GETS BUILT!
Ford better get to work fast. Mopar and GM are crushing them!
wow anyone who says that the new muscle cars are slow needs to look back to actual 0-60 times or 1/4 mile times. the new cars are just as fast and often faster than the old factory muscle cars with smaller displacement, more efficincy, better economy and more weight so don’t knock new technology. it has its flaws but it is a step in the right direction.
Joe and John, we know you are both the same damn person anyways, quit living in yesterday, live in the now brother! This car is pure awesome!
just put the viper motor in the challenger and be done with it
The challenger is going to turn alot of heads on the street, I think it will look good in Black,Red,and two-tone sliver-gray and blue with some chrome wheels, wouldn’t hurt…….I hope, I can get one,(I will)! believe in what you want in life! GOD BLESS.
This is in response to the people that say the old hemis are better. You just have to think about it! We live in 2008 there are emmision laws the car companies must pass…… especially in california! These cars put out very big numbers to be able to pass emmisions. You want an inexpensive sports car go with the challanger, camaro, or the new mustang. If you want an expensive sports car get the new skyline GR-R or the new supra or 350z…..and if you want something that kills everything else and you have enough money….GO WITH THE NEW ZR1 CORVETTE…. that has some major balls supercharged ls9 just boosted the psi and put in some modifications you can get a good amount of HP American cars are great because if you are looking for a quick car for cheap…..you can get…but hey if you can afford anything go for the new supra or skyline…..i would go for the zr1 vette
They should put a shaker hood on it if is going to come out with the 6.1 that will really kick ass
Why does it just have an automatic transmission??? It needs a 6 speed manual. This is just disappointing.
the new challenger is great,but when the hell is the 2 door charger coming back? the 4 door version thats out now sucks i dont car how great they try to make it look a charger just isnt a charger unless it has 2 doors am i right!!!! its a shame really!
I think we need a no frills muscle car to keep cost down, weight down, performance up, and keep my Mom and 55 year old female math teacher from driving the same car as me (Mustang). I love the new Mustang, but some of the attitude is lost when you see little old ladies driving them. So here is my proposal.
Challenger Stripper. Manual tranny, manual steering, manual locks, manual windows, manual mirrors, no rear defrost. Maybe power assist hydraulic clutch, power disk brakes. No radio.
My options are cool colors, cool wheels, heat/defrost, 300 hp, under 3000 pounds, for under 20,000. Scrap the independent rear end if you need to, solid rear axle.
Why was the Road Runner so popular? Chrysler needs to read up on some history.
By the way, a car under 3000 pounds with a modest 300 hp would be fast and still push 30 mpg.
But instead of this car, we get the 4 door Charger, Magnum, and the Nitro. Wow.
Did the car in Vanishing Point have heated seats??? I couldn’t remember either.
Pure MOPAR. A treat to the eye of an old MOPAR fan. I think when I retire from the Army I’m gonna have to have one… Any chance of digging up the 340 and putting the sticker down the side.
i don’t care who you are if you are truly a car nut you’ll understand whats going on and wish you could own every make and model that comes out that has to do with days gone by.signed a true car lover.
Us old gearheads were spoiled by the old Road Runners, RTs and GTXs those days are long gone my friends.
(wiping a tear with a greasy finger)MOPAR
this looks to much like the 2009 checy camero
It’s been a very long time since I have seen a car that I could say I fell in love with and just had to have it, BUT the new dodge challenger is “the one’……I love that car!
awesome job resembling the 1970 original,
totally awesome!
The 2009 Challenger is a bad@$$ car, It has been built and a friend of ours whom is a cancer survivor has purchased one. THEY ARE FAST!!!! The car has an estimated top speed of 175 Mph and I have no doubts that it will do it. We smoked the tires on our friend for 2 whole blocks and reached a speed of 155 Mph before we had to slow down due to the shortness of the highway. Each dealership had the oppertunity to purchase one Challenger but heresa the catch…Most of the cars were purchased for @ least $5000.00 OVER sticker price not to mention there was also a standard $2500.00 gas burner price tacked on. I had a 77′ Chevy Nova hatchback that I modified to drag race in the street circut and I have to admit that the 09′ Challenger most likely could beat it off the line and win. BTW my friend had to outbid a guy for his car and paid around $67,000.00 but e loves it and wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Being a 70′ Cuda fanatic … it is the closest looking to my altime fav!!! Caught my eye, just not sure if my wallet will be able to catch it.
for a “retro” car, this is awesome!!!! it actually doesn’t put the original to shame like some others do and judging by it’s specs, it should go like stink! can hardly wait to drive one.
I’m not going to lie i dont like Dodge…But i love the new Dodge Challenger! Make more cars like that i will love to have a Dodge!!
this is the best car in the world..period.
The new challenger is a beautiful car but still I dont understand somthing. The new toyota supra can put out 450 HP on a 5L and the challenger can only do 425HP on a 6.1 and it has the hemi. They should go with the old hemi rather than the new ones cause they actually had real horse power. Unlike the new ones they have out now. Its sad really
The 2009 Challenger is a bad@$$ car, It has been built and a friend of ours whom is a cancer survivor has purchased one. THEY ARE FAST!!!! The car has an estimated top speed of 175 Mph and I have no doubts that it will do it. We smoked the tires on our friend for 2 whole blocks and reached a speed of 155 Mph before we had to slow down due to the shortness of the highway. Each dealership had the oppertunity to purchase one Challenger but heresa the catch…Most of the cars were purchased for @ least $5000.00 OVER sticker price not to mention there was also a standard $2500.00 gas burner price tacked on. I had a 77′ Chevy Nova hatchback that I modified to drag race in the street circut and I have to admit that the 09′ Challenger most likely could beat it off the line and win. BTW my friend had to outbid a guy for his car and
These cars are pretty much. kicka$$
well it is about time that chrysler woke up and start to make some real cars the challenger now that a car i have been a dodge man all my life my first car was 1966 dodge cornet with a 383 4 barrel and that my friends had power also thums up for the new challenger i love my dodge and still driving a dodge; Lee
The ‘09 Challenger is awesome – I bought a deep water blue SXT a few mths ago – Everyone loves it; even people that don’t like dodge comment on it – the best one is “it’s pretty nice even if it is a dodge!”
whatever, it’s just one of those cars that when you get out you have to just stare at it -too bad you can’t get the orange in the sxt model.
I have had Dodge trucks since 2000. I originally had a love for Chevy, but a dealer told me in 2000 he could not go lower than sticker, so I went to a dodge dealer and bought my first Dodge. I just woke up one morning a couple months ago and told the wife I was headed to pick-up a new challenger. I got to the dealer/guy who sold me my first truck and told him what I wanted, and bought it. I do wish I would have got the stick, but it being a SRT8 with 425HP it is still plenty fast. Just goes to show you greasy sales guys…don’t judge a guy by his cover, he may be a long time loyal customer.
I was chosen for a drawing to win a 2009 Dodge Challenger,
according to our grades on our report card we had the chance to
submit 4 chances for each “A”, and I had 5, and 2 chances for each “B”, and I had 2. The point is I was the only one chosen from my school, and this
25th of June I will find out whether I win it or not, its me, against 7 or 8 other ppl. Wish me luck because I fell in love with this car even before I knew what it was called.
Has anyone out there had problems with the paint on the new 2009 Dodge Challenger? I have been having all kinds of problems with the clear coat and also not enought paint under the clear coat. The primer was coming thru at 1,800 miles. I was just curious if anyothers are having the same problem.
Having MAJOR issues with my new 09 Challenger SXT. Purchased in Nov-08, this car has been in the dealership over 14 times with a reoccurring mechanical misfire. Dealership alwasy sends me back on the road stating they cannot duplicate or see any codes or log infoprmation pertaining to my claim. I drove the car back into teh dealership literally 20mins after leaving the dealership with eth misfire occurring. Techline was never called initially when I brough the car in with the issue, computer would not store codes, log any problem info, and no check engine light. Recent accident where vehicle misfired, and then again after restart at highway speeds but his time, the engine shut down, no injuries just front end damage as a result of putting the car into the ditch to avoid head on collision, now Chrysler will not have anything to do with my car, insurance won’t insure the car as it has the mechanical issues, so I’m over the barrel for a $7000 repair on a car I can’t drive safely and is no longer insurable…. I don’t have the money to go after this legally, nor can I afford to have no car. I own this car outright as I bought it cash in hand. I have no recourse with this whatso ever, and have been told by dealerships I have a substanial claim….. but they can’t help.
slow, car. i was cruising the freeway the other day in my 350z at 130 mph i began to outrun this so called muscle car. the dodge ch. is a slow sled.
these cars are rated at 112 mph in the qaurter mile?????????? not fast face the facts folks looks good but not a super car my 350z does 160 mph in the mile and thats just from the factory.my car is not a super car either just saying that read the stats.
i have had problems with the paint. dried my car and the shammy turned black (the color of my car). the fender under the hood on one side is not painted all the way. i’m having no luck getting it fixed either
i noticed…i’d call them blisters. where if i dont dry it all the way it will leave spots that are somewhat raised like your skin with a sun burn.
To Mike with the misfire issue, what is going on with your car now? any luck getting those issues resolved? Being a fan of all american cars the 3.5 v6 has been a great engine, did you have any bolt on’s? some american v6’s are “sensitive” to the back pressure mainly from after market exhuast systems was just more curious about this than anything.
Oh and to you 350z guys, remember there are a few engine setups in these only the 6.1 (rarest) has 425 hp. v6 models(most common) only have one third the power. Your Z has more top end but the 5.7 and 6.1 challengers kick your ass in torque and 0-60 times on the track.
cool
I have a Daytona Charger and the paint is looking a little rough on the drivers side quarter panel. I am about to take it up to the dealership and see what they can tell me about the issue. I have only 1758 miles on this bad ass car
I have a 2009 challenger rt and i know that you guys with imports that thinks they are so fast wont touch a stock 5.7 challenger onless you have some extras added on.My challenger is 5.7 with 5speed auto and at 100mph when you kick it down it will shift down to 4th gear and set you back in the seat well over 140mph. this is were my car realy starts to work realy good. I have had older muscle cars they were fast but they were basicly ment for a quick strait line. Any thing over 100mph they are userly reving prety high. And mike if your 350z will do 160mph in a mile stock you better start racing for money.I have raced a 350z with my 4.7 dakota which i had the speed limiter off.The 350z was left way behind but at high speeds the dakota gets realy light.But back to the challenger there is nothing like american muscle.