The
all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics
- unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and technology
- to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations. Our all-new
2009 Dodge Challenger is a modern-day muscle machine representing the best
from the past and present, said Mike Accavitti, Director - Dodge Brand
and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. Thirty-five years following
the debut of the original, we are bringing Dodge Challenger back and loading
it with essential hardware, styling and technology desired by todays
buyer..The Dodge Challenger is the first five-passenger, two-door coupe
produced from Chryslers proven rear-wheel-drive platform that delivers
the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. Developed with Dodges credo of
bold, powerful and capable, the Challenger delivers a modern
two-door muscle car. Three models will be offered in North America:
Dodge Challenger SRT8®, Dodge
Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SE.
Essential Hardware
The Dodge Challenger R/T features the new-generation 5.7-liter
HEMI® V-8 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission that produces
an estimated 370 horsepower (276 kW) and 398 lb.-ft. of torque (540 Nm).
For 2009, the HEMI engine is upgraded to get an estimated five percent
improvement in fuel economy as well as an increase of 30 horsepower (9 percent)
and 8 lb.-ft. improved torque (2 percent) over a greater range of engine
speeds. The automatic transmission features fuel-saving multi-displacement
(MDS) technology which increases fuel economy by as much as 20 percent depending
on driving conditions without sacrificing vehicle performance. The Dodge
Challenger R/T also offers a precision-shift six-speed manual transmission
- the first for a new-generation HEMI-powered car - that produces 375 horsepower
(280 kW) and 404 lb.-ft. of torque (548 Nm) when running on premium
fuel. The Dodge Challenger R/T can go from zero to 60 mph in less than six
seconds. The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features an SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter
HEMI V-8 engine mated with a new-for-2009 six-speed manual transmission or
a five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick that generates a blistering
425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. of torque (569 Nm). The vehicle
can go from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds. The Dodge Challenger
SE powered by the 3.5-liter High Output V-6 with a four-speed automatic
transmission produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (339
Nm). Patterned off the Dodge Charger architecture, the front suspension
and five-link independent rear suspension system on all Dodge Challenger
models provide excellent ride and handling characteristics.
Essential Styling
The Dodge Challenger design team stayed true to the concept revealed at the
2006 North American International Auto Show, while drawing upon elements
from the original Challenger. The result: a bold, aggressive muscle machine
that blends nostalgia with modern Dodge style. Our designers wanted
to capture the minds-eye view of what people today remember about the
Dodge Challenger from 35 years ago, said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice
President Design, Chrysler LLC. Their challenge was to excite
todays customer by capturing the emotion of the original Challenger,
while offering todays comfort and performance. On the exterior,
the long, raised performance hood with scoops and recessed grille with round
dual headlamps are reminiscent of the original Dodge Challenger. The bold
A-line, or character line, that runs from stem to stern gives the all-new
2009 Dodge Challenger an instantly recognizable muscle-car profile. Retro
dual rectangular exhaust outlets complete the look from the rear. On the
interior, the trapezoidal theme of the door-panel cove and gauge cluster,
dark headliner and slanted shifter console are inspired by the original Dodge
Challenger. The modern interpretation of the Dodge Challenger offers exceptional
rear seating for a two-door coupe, achieving best-in-class rear head (37.4
inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room compared to the competition. Coupled with
best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.) - equal to the Dodge.Charger - the
all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger offers added comfort and functionality.
Essential Technology
The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger offers customers a full range of innovative
technologies including:
-
MyGIG provides a cutting-edge multimedia audio and entertainment
system, with built-in navigation
-
UConnect® Hands-free Communication System provides convenient,
voice-activated communication with Bluetooth® cellular phones
-
SIRIUS® Digital Satellite Radio offers a variety of commercial-free radio
programs and music
-
Keyless Go allows the driver to start the vehicle with the simple push of
a button
-
Remote Start starts a secured vehicle with the key fob
More than 25 Safety and Security Features
Dodge Challenger offers more than 25 safety and security features including:
-
Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags extend protection to all outboard front-
and rear-seat passengers
-
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) modulate the brakes for the driver to provide steering
control while braking
-
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) applies selective braking or throttle
reduction to control oversteer and understeer
-
Brake Assist ensures maximum braking action during panic stops
-
Traction Control reduces the throttle and/or applies selective braking to
optimize traction during acceleration
-
Hill Start Assist (HSA) for Manual Transmission application assists the driver
in launching the vehicle on an incline
-
Automatic Headlamps turn headlamps on at dusk and off in the daylight without
driver intervention
-
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) alerts driver about low tire pressure(s) in
order to facilitate safe handling
2009 Dodge Challenger Production
The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger will be built at the Brampton Assembly
plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. It will be built on the same assembly
line as the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.
Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLCs
best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive
market. In 2007, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global
market. The Dodge brands first crossover vehicle - the all-new 2009
Dodge Journey - is available in the first quarter of 2008 and will be available
outside North America in both left- and right-hand drive in mid-2008. Arriving
this spring is the limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with a 6.1-liter
HEMI V-8 engine that boasts 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. The
all-new 2009 Dodge Ram with game-changing exterior and interior design,
innovations, best-in-class features and craftsmanship will arrive this fall.
Also arriving this fall is the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid. Recently, the all-new
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan arrived in dealerships with 35 new or improved features
including the newest innovation, the Swivel n Go seating
system. In 2007, Dodge Avenger and Nitro entered key volume segments outside
North America, joining the Dodge Caliber, which launched in those markets
in 2006. |