Have you been swept off your feet by the Dodge Challenger SRT8, only to plummet after the thought of feeding its 6.1-litre HEMI V8 with premium fuel? Enter the 2009 Challenger SE, SXT, and, if you still need a HEMI fix, the R/T.
The entry-level Challenger SE is the most retro of the bunch; the four-wheel disc brakes lack ABS and reside behind the line-up's smallest wheels--17-inch steel wheels sporting "sparkle silver wheel covers" (AKA hubcaps). Alloy wheels are an option. Upstream from the single-tipped exhaust is a 3.5-litre high-output V6 motor linked only to a basic four-speed automatic transmission. This engine is rated at 250 hp at 6800 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 3800 rpm. The SE's cloth seats are bolstered, and the standard independent suspension betters that of the Mustang, at least on paper.
Moving up level to the Canada-only SXT model bumps the standard wheels up to an 18-inch aluminum set; however, more important is that anti-lock brake, traction control, and stability control systems become standard, reigning in rear-wheel-drive shenanigans. The Challenger SXT also gets a body-coloured spoiler, fog lamps, anti-theft alarm, power driver's seat, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Leather seating is optional. The Challenger SXT retains the SE's powertrain, which Dodge says is better for maintaining 'more consistent speed'.
The Challenger R/T offers HEMI performance via a 5.7-litre V8 with a multi-displacement system that cuts four cylinders when possible. Linked to a five-speed automatic transmission with Chrysler's lateral-shifting AutoStick, output is rated at 370 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque; however, if selecting the optional six-speed manual transmission, output is increased to 375 horsepower. The stick-shift option also delivers hill start assist, a rear limited-slip differential, a full stability control off switch, and more responsive steering. The R/T features a performance suspension, dual exhaust tips, and standard leather seating. Options include a MyGIG Multimedia System with GPS navigation, steering wheel-mounted controls, and LED-illuminated cup holders.
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| 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 |
The entry-level Challenger SE is the most retro of the bunch; the four-wheel disc brakes lack ABS and reside behind the line-up's smallest wheels--17-inch steel wheels sporting "sparkle silver wheel covers" (AKA hubcaps). Alloy wheels are an option. Upstream from the single-tipped exhaust is a 3.5-litre high-output V6 motor linked only to a basic four-speed automatic transmission. This engine is rated at 250 hp at 6800 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 3800 rpm. The SE's cloth seats are bolstered, and the standard independent suspension betters that of the Mustang, at least on paper.
Moving up level to the Canada-only SXT model bumps the standard wheels up to an 18-inch aluminum set; however, more important is that anti-lock brake, traction control, and stability control systems become standard, reigning in rear-wheel-drive shenanigans. The Challenger SXT also gets a body-coloured spoiler, fog lamps, anti-theft alarm, power driver's seat, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Leather seating is optional. The Challenger SXT retains the SE's powertrain, which Dodge says is better for maintaining 'more consistent speed'.
The Challenger R/T offers HEMI performance via a 5.7-litre V8 with a multi-displacement system that cuts four cylinders when possible. Linked to a five-speed automatic transmission with Chrysler's lateral-shifting AutoStick, output is rated at 370 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque; however, if selecting the optional six-speed manual transmission, output is increased to 375 horsepower. The stick-shift option also delivers hill start assist, a rear limited-slip differential, a full stability control off switch, and more responsive steering. The R/T features a performance suspension, dual exhaust tips, and standard leather seating. Options include a MyGIG Multimedia System with GPS navigation, steering wheel-mounted controls, and LED-illuminated cup holders.
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| 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T |