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By Tom StrongmanKansasCity.com
September 23, 2008
Sometimes a look in the rearview mirror shows us the way forward. Automakers have been doing just that for nearly a decade with new models that capture the essence of previous models. It started with Volkswagen's New Beetle, then came the PT Cruiser, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet HHR and now the Dodge Challenger. Chevrolet is poised to unveil a new Camaro. It's tempting to call these retro cars, but it's more accurate to describe them as heritage vehicles. Buyers have generally responded eagerly, and the current buzz surrounds the Mustang, Challenger and Camaro muscle cars. In spite of the visual similarity, the 2009 Dodge Challenger is considerably different from the 1970s Challenger. It is larger, heavier and, in the case of the SRT8 test car, way more powerful. The new Challenger is essentially a coupe version of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. It has a longish 120-inch wheelbase and a back seat with 37.4 inches of headroom and 32.6 inches of legroom. Pull open the Challenger's relatively heavy door and you'll notice that the exterior door handle seems a bit small for the weight. In wet weather, my fingers often slipped off of the underside of the handle even though it is ribbed for extra traction. Larger door handles would be an improvement. The test car was the top SRT8 performance model from Chrysler's press fleet, and while its 425 horsepower and six-speed manual transmission were entertaining, the price, $39,320, and gas mileage, 13 mpg in the city and 18 on the highway, are bound to give some people pause. The six-speed manual is new for 2009, but frankly I would prefer the automatic. The six-speed has the skip-shift feature that forces the lever to go from first to fourth at leisurely speeds, and fifth and sixth are both overdrive gears. The SRT8 has robust performance. Stomp on the gas and you're greeted with a mellow bellow. If you want to do burnouts at the drag strip, this is the car, but it also cruises on the highway as quietly as a luxury car. The suspension is firm, and the 20-inch wheels do a great job of grabbing the pavement. Giant disc brakes give the SRT8 the stopping power to match its acceleration. If you've got limited resources and want better fuel mileage, there are two other Challengers available. The SE with a 250-horsepower V-6 begins at $21,320, which seems like quite a bargain for the great looks. The 5.7-liter Hemi begins at $29,320. The SRT8 test car had a sticker price of $43,985. Even though this car is larger than the original Challenger, its proportions are so nice that they disguise its size. The simplicity of its lines caused lots of swiveled heads when I drove it in traffic. I answered questions about it wherever I went. The Challenger's cabin feels large because it is. It feels like a sedan when you're seated behind the wheel. The SRT8's deeply contoured bucket seats delivered exceptional support in all of the critical areas. The instrument cluster looks similar to that of the Chrysler 300. The optional navigation unit has a large LCD display that is easy to read and use. Other features, such as a built-in hard disc and Bluetooth connectivity and a keyless ignition system, were on the test car. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, electronic vehicle stability program and front side-curtain airbags. Price The base price of the test car was $39,320. Options included the navigation system, power sunroof and 20-inch performance tires. The sticker price, including the $1,700 gas-guzzler tax, was $43,985. Warranty Three years or 36,000 miles. 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Engine: 6.1-liter, 425-hp V-8 Transmission: Six-speed Rear-wheel drive Wheelbase: 120 inches Curb weight: 4,160 lbs. Base price: $39,320 As driven: $43,985 MPG rating: 13 city, 18 hwy. To reach Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tom@tomstrongman.com.
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