Pricing has been released for the 2009 Challenger with the SE model MSRP starting at $21,995 which includes the $675 destination charge. The Challenger SE comes standard with a 3.5-liter High Output V6 engine that produces 250 horsepower and 250 ft-lb of torque. Gas mileage for the SE will be an estimated 18 miles in city driving and 25 highway.
The Challenger R/T model features the 5.7-liter HEMI with a five-speed automatic transmission producing 370 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. The MSRP for the R/T model is $29,995.
The Challenger SRT8 features the 6.1-liter HEMI V8 with either a five speed automatic or six speed manual transmission producing 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. MSRP for the SRT8 model is $39,995.
For more on all three models check out the press release after the jump…
From a previous post you know 2008 Challengers have started making thier way into customer hands this week and one of them is Late Night Television host Jay Leno who got his first at Valley Dodge in Van Nuys, California. Jay Leno ordered his 425 horsepower HEMI powered 2008 Challenger SRT8 in Black. If you think this is his first Challenger think again as the orange 1970 Challenger next to him is also his. We are unsure why he did not get a HEMI orange one to match the 1970 model but I am sure there is a very good reason. Check out the photos after the jump… Continue reading ‘Challengers Get To Customers, Jay Leno Gets His First’
The 2009 Dodge Challenger has not even hit the streets yet and it’s already getting a televison role on TNT’s Summer microseries ‘Lucky Chance’, a series about an undercover DEA agent who drives a new Challenger to complete his mission.
If you are wondering when the 2008 Challengers will be at Dealerships, your answer is very very soon as they have been shipped to Dodge dealerships across the country today. According to RedLetterDodge.com 1,000 Challengers have been built and more are on the way with production of the 2008 models to continue into the first part of July. So keep your eye out, you may just see a Challenger roaming the streets by the end of the week.
Steve Saleen and his newly formed company SMS have unveiled plans to produce their first Signature Series ultra-high performance vehicles based on the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T. The SMS 570 and 570X Dodge Challengers will feature a SMS Supercharged 5.7L Hemi with respective power ratings from 500 to over 700 horsepower. Both models will be fully equipped with a compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components including drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.
Each of the limited edition SMS Dodge Challengers will be personally signed by Steve Saleen as part of the SMS Signature Series product line complete with unique badges and graphics. Production numbers will be limited so act fast and contact SMS to get yours ordered.
Just an FYI for those of you who would like to order a 2009 Challenger. As of May 12 the ordering process is under way for 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T and SRT8 models. Yes you heard me right, you can order a 2009 Dodge Challenger at your local Dodge stealership. If you are curious about price most dealers are selling them for MSRP and even cheaper. Below I have added the .pdf file for the 2009 order guide. Let me know in the comments if you place your order.
I found this sweet video for the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 about the “Brains” display under the speedometer. The new option will display your performance numbers including 0-60 mph times and lateral G’s. This is definately a nice option for 2009. Check out the video above.
The first 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 models rolled off the line at the Brampton Assembly Plant on Thursday, May 8th marking the return of a muscle car. Chrysler employees and guests joined Chrysler executive Vice Presidnt Frank Ewasyshyn for all the launch festivities as brand-new Challengers rolled off the line. With the limited run of about 7,000 SRT8 Challengers for 2008 the full line-up of Challengers will begin in 2009 model year that includes a RT and V6 model.
Check the press release after the jump for all the news…
Looks like some of the major Auto Magazines got there hands on a few production 2008 SRT8 Challengers recently to test them out and see what kind of performance numbers they could get. Car and Driver was among those magazines documenting quarter mile time, 0-60 mph and top speed. Check out Car and Drivers performance tests below with a few others.
Car & Driver
Quarter Mile - 13.3 @ 108, 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, Top Speed of 168.
Edmunds - 13.2 @ 107 mph
Motor Trend - 13.1 @ 108
To me these numbers seem a little slow given the 425 horsepower rating, I guess the 4200 pound beast is just sluggish. Lets hope the tuners can shed some wieght, add horses and get this thing in the low 12’s.
If you are looking for more performance numbers check out Car and Driver’s Road Test article here.
At the Road America event the Vanishing Point Dodge Challenger SRT8 was going into turn 1 at the end of a long straightaway and the car got loose, went into the infield grass, and then hit the tire-pile. Driving the car, Erich Heuschele, Vehicle Dynamics Supervisor for SRT was unhurt. Damage to the car looks worse than it really is as the car was seen driving around with the front fascia off later in the day. The Challenger was taken out of the race and maybe all the events. More photos of the wreck after the jump…
