2009 DODGE CHALLENGER: Son of the old Challenger

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/06/2009 (6281 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Just as Phil’s pals in the movie City Slickers urged him to embrace his marital and job woes as a “do-over,” carmakers sometimes offer a second opportunity to seize that model you could once only dream about. Sometimes the retro version is a mere imitation and we pass on it.

Sometimes, like with this beefy Dodge Challenger, you simply can’t resist the attraction.

It was introduced in 2008 but there was one feature sorely missed: the manual tranny. It’s here for 2009, complete with the classic pistol-grip shifter provided by Hurst in the early ’70s.

Challenger, the nameplate that ruled the muscle-car era alongside the likes of GTO, Mustang and Chevelle, spent a week with me and it was followed by gawking men and smiling women everywhere, many of them too young to remember the original.

There is no mistaking that this is the son of the old Challenger, which rode the “strips” between 1970 and 1974. One 50-something in a parking lot literally stopped in her tracks: “Wow, that is beautiful,” she said, admittedly unable to exactly identify it. “How old is it?”

“Oh, it’s brand new,” I said. It’s easy to mistake for the classic — the Challenger has the same wide, aggressive grille with fog lamps and attitude, reminiscent of its kin. An expansive hood has twin scoops that actually offer venting for the 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 underneath.

A lower front spoiler also is functional, offering cooling to the brakes. Rear tail-light cover spreads across the entire width of the car. And the rear spoiler works, too, offering significant rear downforce, says Chrysler.

Chrysler figures the 40-something crowd wants this car most, but so does my 26-year-old son. And he’s a pickup-truck kind of guy.
With 425 horses (exactly the same as the 1970 Hemi Challenger) and 420 foot-pounds of torque, the rear-wheel-drive beast charges to 60 mph at 4.7 seconds. And its clear badging reminds you of the power source: a 6.1-liter Hemi.

As Motor Trend magazine points out, it’ll be outgunned by the Mustang Shelby GT500, but only by four-tenths of a second. Hey, who count tenths, really? Top speed is listed at 170 mph — Chrysler does not believe in electronic limitations.

Even at high speeds, the five-speed automatic is game, kicking in when you punch it. But the ’09 six-speed manual truly ignites the driving enthusiast. Wrap your fingers around the pistol-grip and swing it into gear. It has a sweet gearbox, offering smooth shifts and it includes hill-assist. Also new for the ’09 SRT8 is a limited-slip differential for stronger track performance.

Challenger is available in High-Performance Red or what they call B5 Blue, both with wide, black hood stripes.

It sits on the Charger platform but has a somewhat softer suspension. Bad for handling, you say? Let’s call it a compromise, but Challenger is surprisingly agile and will be enjoyed in the twistys.

But keep a close eye on your sides and rear as visibility is hampered by broad rear pillars.

The red Brembo calipers provide swift braking.

Mileage is going to be in the teens, and the low teens if you’re out there getting some kicks. That means an extra couple of grand in gas-guzzler tax.

But with new trims this year, an available V-6 will get a combined EPA-rated 21 mpg. Same great looks, better mileage, tamer ride. Of course, putting a V-6 into a Challenger, to some, may seem like ordering Boone’s Farm with your filet mignon.

Chrysler did a remarkable job with the seats, a perfect combination of support with bolstered sides and comfort, but soft cushions you could enjoy all night. This year a red accent stripe is added as well as accent stitching.

The gauge cluster, dark headliner and slanted shifter console are reminiscent of the original Challenger. Monitor your velocity on the 180-mph speedometer.

Even more juicy details are available on the SRT-exclusive display that offers instant performance figures on 0-60 times, quarter-mile time and even G-forces.

Cargo capacity is surprising with 16.2 cubic feet of space.

The beauty of today’s Challenger, of course, is that it has all the DNA of yesteryear but is laden with today’s technology, including traction and stability control systems, six multistage air bags, MP3 and Bluetooth capability.

Go figure the luck that this sweet Challenger drops by as gas prices became more reasonable. There must be a God.

P.S.: I shouldn’t even mention that Dodge is one-upping the Challenger nameplate this year with an SRT10 Concept, powered by Viper’s screaming 8.4-liter V-10 engine and its herd of 600 ponies. There, I said it. You have to deal with the decision.

— McClatchy Newspapers