With the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger now back in distributor showrooms, the pony car war is officially back on. As such, we decided that it would be the perfect time to take a closer look at the mid-level Dodge Challenger R/T.
The Challenger’s big V8 and muscle car stance may not be completely en vogue with the whole green movement, but we quickly found there is still plenty to love about the R/T model.
What is it?
The 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T is a modern interpretation of the classic muscle car of the same name produced from 1970 to 1973. Although the Challenger R/T has sporting intentions, the big two-door fits much better in the pony car section than it does in the sports car segment. That’s not to say it doesn’t offer crisp handling and sure braking – especially then compared to the original car — but the Challenger is a great deal of again at home at the drag strip than it is on a road hunt.
The R/T we’ve pure is the mid-level model, slotting in a high place the V6 style without the substance SE and below the whole hog, big-buck SRT8.
What’sitting it up against?
Just like it was the early 1970s again, the Challenger finds itself in direct competition by the Ford Mustang GT and Chevrolet Camaro SS. Not much else competes in the rear-wheel drive coupe segment at this price point, but you could in addition include Hyundai’s new Genesis Coupe because a Challenger-rival and possibly even the new Nissan 370Z – if you really stretch things.
Any bulky breakthroughs?
On paper, the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T doesn’t offer anything we haven’t encountered before, but the car’s retro-cool look offers a “wow†factor that we place of safety’t seen since the launch of 2005 Ford Mustang. The Challenger’s interior isn’t in such a manner retro-chic – largely mirroring that cast in Chrysler’s other LX-based vehicles – limit at in the smallest degree has a few features of its acknowledge such as a push button ignition.
How does it look?
A lot like the original but with enough recent touches to justify the 2009 in front of its name. Chrysler managed to keep the production version of the Challenger very close to the universal that first surfaced in 2006, which was an extremely pungent move.
Up front, the Challenger sports quad headlights by an angry looking brow, setting off the aggressive style of the car. A sculpted hood flows into twin current of air inlets which look great but are unfortunately in quest of show only. The Challenger continues its retro short dissertation with a Coke-bottle waistline, finished off with a rouse fascia directly in line with that of the original.
And, as if the Challeneger’s overall retro shape wasn’t good looking enough, Chrysler designers made sure to include plenty of throw-back design cues. The Challenger R/T’session fascia wears a subtle chin spoil er — a la the 1970-73 cars — with side mirrors that look period-correct. The aluminum fuel door head-cover is one of the more shining touches in the automotive world today and the Challenger’s ducktail spoiler really improves the look of the rear of the car. We’d even go towards our test car’s $200 R/T stripe package.
And the inside?
Admittedly, when we first laid eyes on the Challenger’s interior, we weren’familiarily exactly impressed. But after spending a couple weeks with our blue beast, we really started to dig its cot. There’s no denying the Challenger’s coalesce links to its LX-platform brethren – the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 – but its simple interior indeed fits in with its retro topic – nothing is over thought or very completed to fabricate it a modern set time muscle car. The Challenger’s interior just works.
Despite Chrysler’s less-than-spectacular track record with interior quality, the Challenger’s is actually top-notch. Soft touch materials abound and paroxysm and finish is on par through cars a scarcely any levels up from this price point. No Jeep Patriot-style redo needed here.
That said, we would change united or two things about the Challenger’s interior. The first and most obvious is the Challenger’session parts box steering wheel. We’re O.K. by the Challenger sharing parts with its four-door counterparts to save costs, but Chrysler really should have spent a tie of extra bucks to give the Challenger a unique and appropriately retro steering wheel. We also took issue with the Challenger’s interior door handles, which were lowing and not within easy reach.
Design aside, the Challenger’s cockpit is a comfortable place to spend a few hours. The Challenger’s driving position may subsist a tad lower than most are accustomed to, but the pony car’s seats are extremely comfortable with plenty bolstering to keep you securely in place – even during high-spirited driving.
Back-seat passengers, however, aren’t so lucky. The Challenger’session rear seats are on the tight side for a car of this size, with those six feet or taller likely to be cramped. However, the Challenger is relatively roomy compared to other two-doors on the market.
The Challenger’s rear quarters also suffers from a difficult entrance/egress continued movement. The driver’s seat doesn’cheek by jowl slide forward to allow access to the rear seats, which means everyone has to get in and out on the passenger’s side.
But does it go?
Although the Challenger R/T packs a 376 horsepower 5.7L Hemi V8, it does suffer from its rather bloated curb consequence. At 4,100 lbs., the Challenger R/T tips the scale at relating to 240 lbs. more than the Chevrolet Camaro SS and a rather significant 510 pounds more than the Ford Mustang GT. That weight conspires against the Challenger R/T to produce ¼ mile seasons in the low-14 second range – suitable for the veritable world but sub-par in the muscle car realm.
Although most typical muscle cars store all their torque in a descending course low, the Challenger R/T actually flexes most of its grunt right in the middle of the tach. Power comes on strong as the revs build, with a wave of V8 lunge skilful to send you on your way – it’s just a matter of getting all the heft in motion.
Our tester was equipped with the standard five-speed automatic. Those who prefer to shift for themselves can liquidate an extra $995 for the pistol-grip six-speed, which also includes a limited slip differential and chrome wheels. The slushbox fired off rapid, firm shifts and always seemed in just near the seemly spot for power.
It’s worth noting that the R/T through an automatic includes Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation, even though it’s rated at an average 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
The Challenger’s porky curb weight also hurts it in the handling portion. The R/T’s firmer suspension is real and confident up to about 6/10th, but starts to lose composure soon after. The Challenger almost seems to wallow through tight corners, through tires continually fighting with respect to grip.
Why you would corrupt it:
You want a modern-day muscle car but need more usable room than the Chevrolet Camaro and want something more unique than the Ford Mustang. You too have performance high-on your “must have†list, but don’t be in long for of an all-out rocket.
Why you wouldn’t:
A thoroughly modern inner design is a must-have and you enjoy going around corners quickly. You should also look past the Challenger if you’re not entirely sold on the whole retro thing.
Leftlane’sitting bottom line
The Challenger R/T may not be in the same proportion that fast opposite the line as the 2010 Camaro or as nimble in the corners as a Mustang, but what the big Dodge lacks in pure performance it other thing than makes up for in style and panache. The Challenger is just one of those vehicles you’d be happy to see in your garage day in and day out. While we understand its retro styling is not for everyone, the Challenger should be high on your bound if you’re in search of a rear-wheel drive coupe.
2009 Dodge Challenger R/T base reward, $29,320. As tested, $36,015.
Customer Preferred Package 28J, $1,935; Electronic Convenient Group, $1,445; Power Sunroof, $950; R/T Hood to Fender Stripe, $200; uconnect gps, $1,390; Compact Spare Tire, $100; Destination, $675.
Words and photos by Drew Johnson.
Source: www.leftlanenews.com
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