'09 Challenger R/T Gathered Specs / Equipment & Info Related

[SIX-PAK]

For 2009 the R/T model will offer the all-new 5.7L VCT Hemi with MDS (5-speed) and without MDS (6-speed). Both the R/T and SRT8 will offer an optional six-speed TREMEC manual transmission. Production of the 2009 models is set to start early, in June of 2008. Vehicles are expected to start arriving to dealers in late June/July. During the 2009 and later model years Dodge will most likely offer some special edition Challenger models similar to what has been done with other vehicles in the past.

The 5.7L Hemi engine is set for an upgrade, which is why the R/T Challengers will not arrive until the 2009 model year. Chrysler will have variable cam timing in place on these new-generation 5.7 engines, neatly leapfrogging most variable-valve timing systems. In addition to VVT and expanded MDS operating range, the HEMI’s fuel economy (~4%) and performance improvements (~10%) result from an increased compression ratio, an active intake manifold with long runners for low-end torque and short runners for high-rpm power, improved cylinder head port flow efficiency, and reduced restriction exhaust and induction systems. To raise the reliability and durability of the HEMI engine, other updates are crankshaft structural upgrades, a dual-mass crankshaft damper, floating pin piston design, valve spring design and oil pump capacity increase for VVT. The 2009 Dodge Ram will get 380 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque from the new Hemi and the Challenger numbers are expected be somewhat similar.

The expanded Multiple Displacement System (MDS) will be included in the new 5.7 that is offered in R/T automatic transmission models, while 6-speed manual R/T models will feature the same engine without MDS. A 6.4 liter version, with an estimated 500 or more hp, is still expected to be offered in a future model of the Challenger, possibly debuting in the 2010 model year.

Additional features of the 2009 R/T will include a rear body-color spoiler, 4-wheel anti-lock heavy-duty brakes, anti-spin rear differential, chrome pedals, dual rear exhaust, heated front seats, illuminated cupholders and map pockets, power heated mirrors, instrument cluster display screen, performance steering and suspension and 20”x8” chrome-clad wheels. R/T models will have a 19-gal. fuel tank, vs the 18.5 tank on the base models.

All 2009 Challenger models will feature, as Standard equipment, front and side air bags, air conditioning, body-color door handles and fascias, cell phone storage, cruise control, a floor console with sliding armrest, functional hood scoops, non-adjustable pedals, power mirrors, power windows (1-touch down), rear wheel drive, rear window radio antenna, 3-point rear center seatbelts, satin/chrome grilles, Sentry Key anti-theft system and a tilt-telescoping steering wheel. None of the Challenger models will feature a spare tire, a “service kit” will be offered instead.

Other features and options on the 2009 Challenger will include Remote Start, MyGIG Infotainments systems with and without navigation, Sirius Satellite radio, foglamps, and a power sunroof. Base models will have a Tire Pressure warning light while other models will have a Tire Pressure display.

2009 colors will include but not be limited to, Bright Silver, Brilliant Black, High-Performance Red, HEMI Orange, Dark Titanium Metallic and Stone White. Additional colors are still to be determined. For the interior, Dark Slate Gray will be offered on all models. Other interior color choices are unknown at this time.

2009 Drivetrain Specs :

R/T 5.7 V8 VCT with MDS 5-speed Automatic
- Axle Ratio : 2.82
- Hill Start Assist : No
- Trak Pak : No
- Wheels : 18 X 7.5 (Optional 20 X 8)
- Tires : P235 / 55R / 18 ASP (Optional P245 / 45R / 20 ASP)

R/T 5.7 V8 VCT w/out MDS 6-speed-Manual
- Axle Ratio : 3.73 with Limited Slip
- Hill Start Assist : Yes
- Trak Pak : Yes
- Wheels : Same as R/T Automatic
- Tires Same as R/T Automatic

with no spare tires on any models (and no run-flats), tire service kits will be included. Look for chrome fuel filler doors on the R/T and SRT models.

Manual transmission versions of the 2009 Challenger R/T and SRT models will have Hill Start Assist; it helps the driver when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill by maintaining the same level of brake pressure the driver applied for a short period of time after the foot has been removed from the brake pedal. The system will release the brake pedal in proportion to the amount of throttle applied. If the throttle is not applied within a short period of time after the foot has been removed from the brake pedal, Hill Start Assist will release brake pressure. Trivia: Stutz had Hill Start Assist (they called it the Noback) in 1929.

Challenger convertible models are rumored to be added in the 2010 model year, with production possibly starting in the first half of 2009, several months earlier than the 2010 non-convertible models. Convertibles will be offered in the base and R/T models only.

Finally, the 2011 or 2012 Challenger will most likely include the upcoming 4.0 liter Phoenix engine, replacing the 3.5 liter. This explains the front seat belt mounts, which are normally bolted to the bottom of the B post, then travel up the B post at which point you grab it and place over your chest. In the Challenger, seat belts are set up convertible-style; there is a small bar at the bottom of the B post which the seat belt is attached to. This allows it to slide back and forth to help with getting it out of the way when getting in the back. Then the seat belt travels through a loop at the top of the seats like in a convertible. You grab the seat belt from the top of the seat and then place across you chest. This may indicate that someone is thinking ahead to making a convertible.

[Chris]

Stone White!!

[SIX-PAK]

As we can see a-top & below , this is plenty packing in a car explaining its weight (lbs) and well worth its money (gold)

It remains to be seen what standard and optional equipment will be compared to the SRT8 .
Above post mentions which will find its way in the R/T as safety features . Perhaps more will find its way - time will tell . Anyhoot here's a great description of these :

ALL-NEW 2008 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT8® BOASTS MORE THAN TWO DOZEN SAFETY AND SECURITY FEATURES
• Standard supplemental side-curtain air bags

• Standard advanced multistage air bags

• Standard specially tuned Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control and brake assist
The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is loaded with safety and security features, including standard supplemental side-curtain air bags and advanced multistage front driver and passenger air bags. It also features a specially tuned Electronic Stability Program (ESP), designed for the Challenger SRT8's performance handling characteristics, all-speed traction control and brake assist.
Chrysler LLC employs a two-fold safety approach: passive safety features including pretentioning and load-limiting seatbelt retractors and supplemental side air bags, combined with active accident-avoidance safety features including responsive steering, handling and braking.

FOLLOWING ARE 28 SAFETY AND SECURITY FEATURES OFFERED IN THE ALL-NEW 2008 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT8:
• Advanced Multistage Air Bags: Inflates with a force appropriate to the severity of an impact. Meets FMVSS 208 advanced air bag requirements for small out-of-position occupants

• All-speed Traction Control: Senses drive-wheel slip and applies individual brakes to a slipping wheel(s), and reduces excess engine power until traction is regained

• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions – advanced ABS modulates the four brakes individually for optimum control and stopping performance

• Auto-reverse Window: Automatically engages and reverses the window to the down position when an obstacle that restricts glass movement is detected

• BeltAlert: Periodically activates a chime and illuminates an icon in the instrument cluster to remind the driver to buckle up if a vehicle is driven without the driver being properly belted

• Brake Assist: In a panic brake condition, the system applies maximum braking power, providing the shortest possible stopping distance

• Child Seat Anchor System: Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) is designed to ease installation of compatible aftermarket child seats

• Constant Force Retractors (CFR): Distribute force or load exerted on a seatbelt, and then gradually release the seatbelt webbing in a controlled manner

• Crumple Zones: Designed to compress during an accident in order to absorb energy from an impact, decreasing transfer of that energy to occupants

• Digressive Load Limiting Retractors: A two-stage load-limiting feature to limit the maximum force on the belt webbing in order to help absorb the energy of the occupant's upper torso during an impact

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability under all conditions. Provides the greatest benefit in critical driving situations, such as turns, and is especially valuable when driving on mixed surface conditions including snow, ice or gravel. If there's a discernible difference between what the driver asks through the steering wheel and the vehicle's path, ESP applies selective braking and throttle input to put the vehicle back onto the driver's intended path

• Energy-absorbing Steering Column: The manual-adjust steering column utilizes two hydroformed coaxial tubes that move relative to each other in order to allow the column to move forward for enhanced energy-absorption during an impact

• Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): Makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants in the event of an accident by turning on interior lights and unlocking doors after air bag deployment. Also shuts off the flow of fuel to the engine

• Height-adjustable Seatbelts: Allows the driver and front passenger to raise and lower the shoulder belt. Encourages seatbelt usage by offering a comfortable fit

• High-intensity Discharge (HID) Headlamps: Provide approximately three times the light output of conventional reflector lamps for improved nighttime illumination

• HomeLink® Universal Home Security System Transceiver: Stores three separate transmitter radio frequency codes to operate garage door openers, security gates, security lighting or other radio-controlled devices

• Interior Head-impact Protection: Interior pillars above the belt line and instrument panel, including areas around windshield and rear window headers, roof and side-rail structures and shoulder belt turning loops are specifically designed to limit head impact force

• Inside Emergency Trunk Release: A glow-in-the-dark release handle, which can be activated in the event of an adult or child being inadvertently trapped inside the trunk

• Knee Bolsters: The lower instrument panel and the glove box door are designed to properly position the occupant, enabling air bags to work effectively

• Remote Keyless Entry: Locks and unlocks doors, and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle-theft security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system

• Safety Cage Body Structure: Protects occupants by managing and controlling energy in the event of an impact

• Seatbelt Pretensioners: During a collision, impact sensors initiate front seatbelt pretensioners to immediately remove slack from seatbelts, thereby reducing the forward movement of occupants' heads and torsos

• Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer: Utilizes an engine key that has an embedded transponder with a pre-programmed security code to discourage vehicle theft. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the controller sends a random number to the transponder and the engine is allowed to start. If an incorrect key is used, the engine will shut off after only a few seconds

• Side Guard Door Beams: In front and rear doors, provides occupant protection during a side impact

• Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags: Extends protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor in order to autonomously trigger the air bag on the side where an impact occurs

• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM): Pressure-sensor modules within the valve stems of all four road wheels send continuous radio frequency signals to a receiver and the system informs occupants when tire pressure is too low

• UConnect® Hands Free Communication System: Uses Bluetooth® technology to provide voice-controlled wireless communication between the occupants' compatible mobile phones and the vehicle's onboard receiver

• Vehicle Theft Security Alarm: Deters vandalism and theft, frequently lowering insurance premiums. System protects the vehicle from theft by monitoring door-ajar switches and the ignition circuit for unauthorized entry

[SIX-PAK]

Now as to what I want to see from either Mopar or the aftermarket in the '09 R/T additionally heheh to make this perfect IMO :

1) The/or similar to the Concept steering wheel
2) Wrap-around Console my biggest pet-peeve missing (plz take out cup holders)
3) Pistol Grip similar or better than Concept (true to '70's shape but in metal matching accents)
4) The Concept's Rippled Retro Leather Seats
5) Reconfiguration of the front lighting assembly :
... have only the HID Lo's in the outer lamps only
... have the inner lamps match in color when lit
... have the flasher in the bottom bumper and used as RDLs (Running daytime Lights) exactly like the '70 model

PS , I will , if they don't for :
4) Go to a custom shop and have them build me Rippled Retro Leather Seats
5) Since the outer beam is a Hi/Lo HID and I want matching illumination - I would buy another HID Hi/Lo set and swap them with the inner lamp housing completely (hopefully circumference allows) , and have my DRL wiring + flashers moved to the lower bumper lights

Now I just can't wait to see if the R/T will get a different hood (hope not) with its functional Air Traps like the SRT8 , and some different type of graphics (again I'm not sure what would look good on this specific body architecture which is very differently sized on the flank compared to the '70's original body)

I might in the end go with the more expensive SRT8 6-speed-manual for the hood / striping !??

If any of you obtain NEW Information (compared to above) on the '09+ Challenger R/T 's (Automatic and/or Manual) , please post here in this specific thread exactly created for this model .

[M3SMG02]

A couple of interesting, and logical restrictions:

SRT will NOT be offered in a Convertible, which makes sense.

No Trak Pack with 5.7 Hemi and 5-speed Automatic. Only with a Manual.

Anybody notice (or know) whether the SRT8 will get a Track Pack option? Also, will it be offered with the Manual as well as the Automatic?

Also, will the '09 6.1 Litre get VVT and a HP boost? I believe it will.

LJB

PS: Maybe the Red might be the color choice....no....Black....I mean....Hemi Orange.

[JonW]

I, too, would like to see the pleated seats. Those look nice

[SIX-PAK]

Originally Posted by M3SMG02

A couple of interesting, and logical restrictions:

SRT will NOT be offered in a Convertible, which makes sense.

No Trak Pack with 5.7 Hemi and 5-speed Automatic. Only with a Manual.

Anybody notice (or know) whether the SRT8 will get a Track Pack option? Also, will it be offered with the Manual as well as the Automatic?

Also, will the '09 6.1 Litre get VVT and a HP boost? I believe it will.

LJB

PS: Maybe the Red might be the color choice....no....Black....I mean....Hemi Orange.

You can find some of your SRT8 questions answered in my 2 other posts in another non-R/T thread : Anticipated Quarter mile times?

[SIX-PAK]

Originally Posted by JonW

I, too, would like to see the pleated seats. Those look nice

They sure give you that Retro feels those Pleated/Rippled seats and are sorely missed !
What ! Wait a minute hahahaha you forgot to mention the wrap-around Console as well (see pics esp. with passenger side view)

[quicky4JR.]

I wanted to get an 09 plum purple (manual 6speed) but i may just have to hold off until 2010 for the 6.4L with 500hp.

[ResumeSpeed]

Originally Posted by M3SMG02

Also, will the '09 6.1 Litre get VVT and a HP boost? I believe it will...

No VVT, (no MDS either) same hp, same engine, might be a slight difference between auto and manual models.