Challenger Road Tests/Reviews

[340EBody]

The downside of the Road & Track numbers is that the Pontiac G8 GT also posts a .85g skidpad and is only 0.7mph behind it in the slalom. Kinda sucks that Chrysler is softening up the suspension on the Challenger so much. Road & Track also got better numbers out of both the Magnum SRT and the 300 SRT. Makes me wonder just what the SRT engineers were thinking.

[Cuda340]

Check out this new Challenger video:

Riverside CA Inland Empire News Is On InstantRiverside.com

[Cuda340]

Chicago Sun-Times article- 7/3/08:
BY JILL CIMINILLO SearchChicago – Autos Editor

I have never been hit on so many times in my life.

It came in the form of a very direct: “You gotta boyfriend?” To the fishing: “Your significant other must love your job.”

My favorite, however, was the guy who kept edging closer during our conversation, then suddenly blurted out as his elbow brushed my arm: “I mean you’re attractive anyway, but the car just seals the deal.”

“The car” was a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. In Hemi Orange.

It didn’t matter where I was, from Michigan Avenue to an Office Depot parking lot, the car attracted a lot of attention.

In fact, after I was late for a meeting on the first day of the test drive, I quickly learned that I had to add in “Challenger Time” whenever I got near the car. This amounted to an extra 15 or 20 minutes for any trip I was going to take because it was guaranteed that someone was going to stop me to ask about the Challenger.

I was on Ontario in traffic when a guy walked up to the car and knocked on the passenger window. I was on the highway traveling 70 mph when an SUV loaded with people honked at me ferociously, rolled down the window and yelled: “I love your car!” I was driving down LaSalle Street travelling 20 mph when a guy in a Mustang paced himself with me and asked: “Is this out yet?”

You get the idea. Sometimes, 15 to 20 minutes wasn’t enough Challenger Time.

And no matter where I was, out came the cameras and picture phones. One guy even held his cell phone out of the sunroof – while trying to drive – to snap a shot of the Challenger on the highway.

I’ve had a smattering of attention in other hot new cars in the past, namely the Ford Thunderbird and the Chevrolet SSR, but the stalkerlike following this car attracted during the test week beat everything I’ve ever seen.

And it’s no wonder since the 2008 model has a limited run of 6,400 units, which were pretty much all spoken for before they were even built. The good news, however, is that the 2009 models are just around the corner, showing up in dealerships this fall.

The even better news is that 2009 brings a full model lineup starting with the base SE that has a high-output 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 250 horsepower and starts at $21,995. The mid-level R/T will start at $29,995 and upgrades to a 5.7-liter, 370 horsepower V-8 Hemi engine. The SRT8, complete with racing stripes and 6.1-liter, 425 horsepower V-8 Hemi engine, will also return as a 2009 model with a price tag of $39,995.

For 2008, the Challenger is only offered as an SRT8 model, and it is cloaked in an aura of collectors’ bliss. In fact, for those lucky enough to get one, each car bears a plaque stating what number it is out of the 6,400.

The 2008 SRT8 test vehicle had a base price of $37,995. But (and that’s a big BUT) the hefty Hemi engine and poor fuel economy necessitate a Gas Guzzler Tax of $2,100. So, the “real” base price of the car is $40,095. The test car was stacked with all the available options, including power sunroof ($950), MyGig multimedia system with GPS navigation ($890) and performance tires ($50), so the final price rang in at $41,985.

The all-new Challenger has an interesting dichotomy of being completely retro in the styling, yet thoroughly modern at the same time. Looking at pictures of the 1970s era Challenger and the 2008 model, you can see the same exterior lines and similar grille and headlight treatment on both cars. I even had a few people come up and ask if the test vehicle was new or old.

But slipping inside, you see the technology of today. The iPod input jack, Sirius Satellite Radio, UConnect Bluetooth hands-free phone pairing and navigation all worked intuitively. The voice recognition on the nav system worked fairly well, but I was annoyed that when speaking the word “Chicago” it only gave me options for Chicago Ridge and Chicago Heights. It wasn’t until I spelled out Chicago that it became an option on my selection list.

The one tech feature I did not like was the smart key. To me, the point of going “keyless” is not only the push-button keyless start but also the keyless entry. That way you can keep the key in your purse, briefcase or pocket the entire time. But with this key on the test car, you had to use the fob to unlock the doors or pop the trunk. Then you had to set it in a cup holder or put it back in your purse to drive because there was no specific key holder in the car. Thus I was constantly rooting through my purse to find the key and then putting it away again.

The overall interior design from the optional navigation system to the HVAC dials was relatively simple. All the vehicle controls were easy to reach, and I was particularly fond of the old-style white gauges behind the steering wheel. The SRT8 sport seats with suede inserts were heavily bolstered and mostly comfortable. Because of my far-forward position, the side bolsters hit my elbows when I turned the steering wheel. I asked male friends to check their comfort behind the wheel, and they were fine.

The SRT8 model also comes with “Performance Pages” that can clock your 0-to-60 mph times, your quarter mile and your 60-to-0 braking among other things. Unfortunately the test period didn’t provide an opportunity to submit these gauges to testing as I was on regular streets with regular cars the entire time.

Since I couldn’t claim it was the other Hemi Orange Dodge Challenger SRT8 doing the damage, I was overly careful in observing all laws and speed limits … give or take a few mph. And believe me, that bright orange paint was like a beacon that not only said “Give me a ticket” but also called out to all your would-be hot rodders who wanted to challenge me to a race.

The one thing that surprised me about the 6.1-liter Hemi in the test vehicle was the sound of the engine. It was more of a quiet purr than the loud roar I expected. When driving at a constant speed, you’re hard pressed to hear any engine noise at all, especially with the windows up. When you really floor it, however, the gratifying, heart-thudding sound kicks in.

And when the sound kicks in, the Challenger begins to fly. The best part of my daily commute was getting on the interstate from Kedzie, stopping at the bottom of the onramp and then pushing the pedal to the floor. The roar of the engine and the pure free flight of the car was beautiful.

I had the test car for five days and did a lot of driving, including a couple of long highway treks. While the EPA estimates city/highway fuel economy of 13/18 mpg, I actually averaged 20.2 mpg.

With an overall length of 197.7 inches, the Challenger is no petite little roadster. And even though the power height-adjustable driver’s seat allowed me to get a great driving position, it was still a little difficult to see over the front end. The bumper is also a bit deceiving because it sticks out a couple inches over the hood. So, when I was parking next to a wall, I had to be very careful not to get too close.

With the large length comes a very large turning radius. I have a very tight parking area at home, and it was with great care that I pulled into the lot and maneuvered around the other cars each day. When getting into or out of my spot, I very often had to do a three-, four- or five-point turn to maneuver without hitting anything.

Turing radius aside, the Challenger was a blast to drive. And the entertainment value of watching people who were watching the car was priceless. I knew the Challenger was going to get looks and double takes, but I was completely unprepared for the absolute following it would have.

While I would absolutely say this is a man’s modern muscle car, I would also put it out there for the ladies to consider. Not only is it a sweet ride, but it also appears to be a bit of a date magnet.

[Cuda340]

The October issue of Motor Trend had an article on the Challenger R/T (First Drive).

The magazine gave its impressions about the R/T but did not drag test it. It only stated that the manufacturer's estimated 0-60 mph time is 5.5 sec.

Here are some excerpts from the R/T article:

"Reasonable purists will like the optional Tremec T6060 six-speed manual, adapted from the Viper, but with light, smooth, clutch-pedal action."

"The manual-unique exhaust system optimizes backpressure, composing an especially burbly soundtrack, particularly for the 1-2 upshift."

"The R/T forgoes the SRT's high-backs in favor of low-back buckets."

"For a cappuccino short of $30K. the Challenger R/T is a bargain next to its quicker sibling."

"The R/T's just too big and heavy to get around a tight track (like Englishtown, NJ), without scrubbing front tires."

"The R/T's understeer is much more controlled than the Mustang GT's."

"The Challenger R/T's ride and handling flavor is much like former Chrysler patron Mercedes' cars. It's more Interstate/autobahn cruiser than mountain-road slalom champ."

"This is a refined car, a much quieter and better ride than the live-rear-axle Mustang."

"The Challenger is a car for threading through heavy Interstate traffic, where you can leave the six-speed in long-legged third, fourth, or fifth gears to power on and off. The car's presence alone makes fellow motorists gawk, and then make way."

"The 2009 Challenger R/T is an adult's toy for the middle-aged boy who refuses to grow up."

There was also an small insert about the Challenger SE. Here are some of those comments:

"The Challenger SE has much more refinement and better noise, vibration, and harshness characteristics than the Mustang."

"The four-speed automatic is the only transmission choice and the 3.5-liter V-6 has but 250 horses with which to fight 3,750 pounds of big coupe. Dodge has tuned the tranny to be smooth and seamless, so long as you don't floor it and call up a jarring, earnest downshift. If Dodge's performance estimate is accurate (0-60 mph= 7.8 sec.), it's not slow; it's just not fast, either."

"It is cool because, unlike the V-6 Chargers, the Challenger SE isn't completely stripped of Challenger R/T and SRT exterior jewelry and doesn't scream "rental car."

"Perhaps the proper modern, slightly less-politically correct term for the Challenger SE is "soccer-mom's car."

[Cuda340]

Aaron Gold of About.com, reviewed the Challenger R/T and SE. See:

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T - Test drive and new car review - 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T

Here are some of his comments:

"Chrysler gave me a chance to try both automatic and manual R/Ts. I took a brief drive in the automatic -- zzzz! -- and spent most of my time with the stick-shift. That's the one to have. The shift lever is a modern-day interpretation of Chrysler's classic pistol-grip shifter. Shift feel is stellar and the clutch effort is just right -- heavy enough to make you feel manly, but not so heavy that you'll rue the day you bought the car every time you get stuck in a traffic jam.

The R/T's suspension, steering and brakes are a bit more tame than those found on the SRT8; that said, unless you're going wheel-to-wheel on a racetrack, you're not missing out on much. And the difference in acceleration doesn't feel anywhere near as great as the 50ish-horsepower gap would lead you to believe -- the R/T produces great noises and big grins, and enough power to flick the tail sideways, if you're into that sort of thing. (And trust me, if you buy a Challenger R/T, you may find yourself very much into that sort of thing.)

The R/T has all the foibles of other Challengers -- dreary interior, lousy sightlines, cave-like back seat -- though it does get antilock brakes and electronic stability control as standard (as it should). Besides, with the pistol-grip shifter in my hand and the HEMI V8 answering my beck and call, I had no problem forgiving every one of the Challenger's sins. In my Challenger SE test drive, I said I'd take a six-cylinder Ford Mustang over a six-cylinder Challenger -- but for V8 power, I wouldn't think twice about passing up a Mustang GT in favor of a Challenger R/T. No question, the R/T manual is the jewel of the Challenger lineup. I want one!"

[bwbike]

". . . No question, the R/T manual is the jewel of the Challenger lineup. I want one!"


Yea, me too!

[Cuda340]

The Sept. 19 issue of the Washington Post had this to say about the 2009 Challenger:

"Challenger Back for Another Go at It"
BY Tom Keane MOTOR MATTERS

Dodge brings back a famous rear-wheel drive coupe to challenge some of the fastest cars on the road. It's the return of the muscle car - Challenger.

The original Challenger debuted almost 40 years ago. Today there's a vast difference between the original car and the all-new 2009 coupe. There are three trims: the Challenger SE ($21,995), Challenger R/T ($29,995) and the Challenger SRT8 ($39,995).


The R/T is rated 16 city and 25 highway for both the automatic and manual.

The Challenger model I spent most of my test-drive time in was the R/T, powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI engine that produces 376 horsepower mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. It's so enjoyable shifting through the gears and I much preferred it to the five-speed automatic transmission, which returns 4 less horsepower at 372 hp.

The 250-horsepower SE comes with an automatic transmission only. The SRT8 generates 425 horsepower when mated to either an automatic or six-speed transmission. The thrill of that power is worth the additional $10,000 over the R/T model.

The EPA mileage ratings vary on the Challenger lineup with the SE getting 17 city and 25 highway. The R/T is rated 16 city and 25 highway for both the automatic and manual, and the SRT8 is rated 13 city 19 highway in the automatic and 14 city 22 highway for the manual.

The all-new Challenger has dramatic retro styling with front-end design cuts reminiscent of the original Challenger. From the side profile a line carries the eye from the front to the tail. In the rear are dual stainless steel exhaust pipes. Even the fuel tank door is made of stainless steel. Challenger sits on 18-inch wheels with 20 inchers on the SRT8.

The interior has best-in-class head- and legroom in the backseat and the trunk is surprisingly large, boasting 15.2 cubic feet.

Coupe buyers seek quality and pay close attention to styling, image and driving attributes. In these areas the Challenger is a winner. On my drive, I experienced great acceleration and the handling was enjoyable whether I was in traffic or zooming around a racetrack. Yes, I had the opportunity to take laps around a closed course.

Giving the Challenger its tuned handling character is a short- and long-arm front suspension system. The Dodge guys explained it's tuned for a dramatic reduction in road noise. Regardless of the road surface, the interior noise level was very low.

Part of the R/T enjoyment is revving up through from first to second to third gears and finally shifting into sixth gear. The engine speed is electronically limited to 5,800 rpms. And although this muscle car had a nice sound system, it was the loud brumm-brumm sound as I shifted through each gear that was music to my ears.


2009 Dodge Challenger

I was told Challenger comes with standard supplemental side curtain airbags, side-impact plus multi-stage front airbags. The 2009 coupe also has an electronic stability program, all-speed traction control and brake assist. And of course, the five-passenger, two-door coupe has crumple zones and an energy absorbing steering column.


The 2009 Challenger has best-in-class head-and legroom

On the Dodge introductory event the racecourse was filled with only Challengers. The race I'd like to see would be between the Ford Mustang, the upcoming 2010 Camaro and the Challenger SRT8.

And if there were a betting window, I put my money on the SRT8.

Add as Favorite.

[Cuda340]

Today's Colorado Daily had this review of a 2009 Challenger SRT:

"New York does not seem like the kind of place where one would want to experience the 2009 Dodge Challenger. When you ring out a historically branded muscle car, you want open highways, no cops, and plenty of room to rev. Lower Manhattan doesn't seem quite right. Or, maybe it does.

Our drive began at Statue of Liberty State Park in New Jersey, which provided the perfect backdrop of one American icon against another. It was there that we had time to look at the car's modern-retro body. Calling the Challenger retro is not quite fair. It definitely echoes the original 1970 model, now nearly 40 years old if you can rationalize that, but is completely contemporary.

Front and rear overhangs are shortened to better highlight 17-20" wheels.

Quad headlamps on either side of a chrome collar grille design were lifted from the original, but squashed to make one's first view terrifying. A kick-up in the beltline right after the doors is a definite nod to the Challenger's ancestors. R/T and V6 models break wind with a full-width splitter while SRT models have holes to allow air through for brake cooling. A rear spoiler - body color on R/T, black on SRT - keeps the car planted to the ground at high speed.

That won't be a problem as we roll out of the park towards the New Jersey freeways. It's late enough in the morning that we won't face the worst traffic, but that makes signs no less confusing. My driving partner and I roll off the wrong exit, which only serves to test the car's suspension. A Mercedes E-Class-derived four-wheel independent suspension system is beyond anything ever installed in a muscle car. It rides heavy and stable on the highway, athletic in corners, and solidly planted no matter how rough the pavement. On rough New Jersey on-ramps, the Challenger served notice that a new level of sophistication has arrived in its class.

Accelerating onto the fast-paced freeway proved to be no problem. Base models come with a 3.5-litre V6 engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque, put to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Step up to the R/T package for a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 that produces a ground shaking 376 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque, linked to either a Mercedes-designed five-speed automatic or Tremec six-speed manual transmission. SRT8s pound the stratosphere with a 6.1-litre V8, churning out 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, put down through a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. Any way you option a Challenger, power will not be an issue.

Many people only think of New Jersey as a dirty suburb of New York City.

Only a few miles outside of NY, New Jersey is beautiful in its rolling greenness. Our route takes through almost 100 miles of two-lane New Jersey blacktop, along farms and through quaint towns. That gave time to appreciate comfort and style within the Challenger. Given a relatively large cabin for a sporty coupe, Challenger provides comfort with large and comfortable seats (leather and heat optional), a thick four-spoke steering wheel, white-faced analog gauges, huge cupholders, optional in-dash navigation, Sirius Satellite Radio, and MyGig music hard drive. SRTs grip with thick side bolsters. For the most fun, select a manual transmission with pistol grip shifter. A push button starter highlights the car's powerful intentions. Unlike many sports cars, you can drive the Challenger every day, and could drive from NY-LA in total bliss.

Any way you measure it, the Challenger is a big and heavy car - essentially a two-door version of the full-size Dodge Charger. At a road coarse, we had a chance to see the car at speed. It corners well, accelerates like a champ, and can romp through curves that would send classic muscle cars into the weeds. The chassis and transmissions are superb, although the automatic sometimes finds its own time.

Our course back to the hotel took us near the World Trade Center site - at 5:00pm. I thought these people were out of their collective minds. On top of that, I was in the SRT8 with a six-speed manual trans. Fortunately, the clutch was relatively light and crept through rush hour traffic easily.

People stopping to take photos of us with their cameras were the biggest impediment to progress.

Dodge taking a bunch of journalists to New York to drive an ultra-powerful muscle car seemed nuts. But, it turned out to be the perfect place to discover all the car offers. It was undeniably created in the spirit of the original, but with technology and refinement that rivals European sport sedans. Get ready for the new Challenger. All models will be widely available this fall. Competitors include the Ford Mustang and 2010 Chevy Camaro."

[Cuda340]

The Hartford Courant reviewed the Challengers. Here is an excerpt from the review:

"Much good news surrounds the arrival of the 2009 Dodge Challengers. First of all, it turns out that this retro design ain't just a turn-on for the baby boomers who remember the original.

Based on public reaction to the red Challenger R/T that Dodge loaned us recently, the car strikes a chord among drivers of all demographics, not to mention males not yet 16.

It would appear that by going back to 1970 for inspiration (1970 saw the first Challenger; 1974 the last), Chrysler has come up with a winning design.

It has also come up with a vehicle that delivers a winning performance."

To read the full article, see:

Just Arrived In A Showroom Near You... -- Courant.com

[Cuda340]

Commercialappeal.com reviewed the three Challenger models. Nothing special, but I thought that I would add to the collection of reviews.

2009 Dodge Challenger : Automotive : Memphis Commercial Appeal