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Dodge Challenger – Third generation (2008-present)
December 31st, 2009 by admin Leave a reply »
Dodge Challenger. On December 3, 2007, Chrysler started taking deposits for the third-generation Dodge Challenger which debuted on February 6, 2008 simultaneously at the Chicago Auto Show[9] and Philadelphia International Auto Show. Listing at US$40,095, the new version is a 2-door coupe which shares common design elements with the first generation Challenger, despite being significantly longer and taller. The chassis is a modified (shortened wheelbase) version of the LX platform that underpins the 2006-Current Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, and the 2005-Current Chrysler 300. All 2008 models were SRT8s and equipped with the 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi and a 5-speed AutoStick automatic transmission, which outperforms the legendary 1970 Hemi Challenger.[10] The entire 2008 run of 6,400 cars were pre-sold (many of which for above MSRP), and production commenced on May 8, 2008. Chrysler Canada is offering the Canada 500 and Chrysler of Mexico is offering only 100 of this car for that country with a 6.1 liter engine and 425 brake horsepower (317 kW) (SAE); the version is SRT/8. Chrysler auctioned off two 2008 SRT8 for charity with car #1 going for $400,000.00 to benefit the notMYkid non-profit organization, and a “B5″ Blue #43 car fetching a winning bid of $228,143.43 with the proceeds going to Victory Junction Gang Camp.[11] Many of the “first delivery” Challengers were either pre-sold, or sold for above MSRP (as is often the case with a highly anticipated vehicle launch).
At the 2008 New York Auto Show, Chrysler debuted the full Dodge Challenger line for 2009, with three different trims (SE, R/T, and SRT8) to choose from:
2010 models
For 2010 models, the vehicle will cost $515 to $1,010 higher than 2009 cars.[12]The color, HEMI Orange, has been dropped for the 2010 model year. Two new color schemes will be available later for the 2010 model year including the Plum Crazy and Detonator Yellow.[13]
SE
2009 Dodge Challenger SE
The base model Challenger is powered by a 3.5 L (214 cu in) [14] SOHC V6 producing 250 brake horsepower (190 kW) (SAE) and 250 lb·ft (339 N·m) torque which was coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission for the first half of 2009, then was changed to have a 5 speed automatic transmission standard equipment for the second half of the 2009 model year and on.[15] Several different exterior colors, and either cloth or leather interiors are available. Standard features include air conditioning; power windows, locks, and mirrors; cruise control; and 17-inch (430 mm) aluminum wheels. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, sunroof, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and a premium audio system are available as options, as are ABS, and stability and traction control.[16] The Canadian market also sports the SXT trim, similar to the SE, however is even more generous in terms of standard features. Some of these features being ESP, an alarm system, and 18-inch (460 mm) wheels.
Rallye Package
New for 2009 is the Rallye Package for the SE model. Mechanical changes include the 5-speed Autostick automatic transimission that is also found the R/T and the SRT-8 siblings. The new transmission is designed for more aggressive launches when accelerating, and ratioed for top-end speeds which also relaxes the engine. Visual improvements are also another aspect in the Rallye Package. The Challenger SE Rallye Package features design cues including black with red lining dual body stripes on the hood and the trunk, chromed ‘FUEL’ door, deck lid spoiler, 18-inch aluminum wheels and Micro Carbon in the interior accents.
R/T
2009 Dodge Challenger R/T
The mid-level Challenger is powered by a 5.7 L (345 cu in) HEMI V8 coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission or a Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual transmission. On cars equipped with the automatic transmission, the engine features the Multi-Displacement System and produces 372 brake horsepower (277 kW) (SAE) and 398 lb·ft (540 N·m) torque[15]. With the 6-speed manual transmission, the Multi-Displacement System option is deleted and the engine produces 376 brake horsepower (280 kW) (SAE) and 404 lb·ft (548 N·m) torque[15]. The final drive ratio is 3.06:1 on cars with the automatic transmission, 3.73:1 on cars with the 6-speed manual and 18-inch (460 mm) wheels or 3.92:1 with the 6-speed manual and optional 20-inch (510 mm) wheels. Also available on R/T is the “Track Pak” option group, which includes the Tremec manual transmission, a limited slip differential and self-leveling rear shock absorbers.
R/T Classic
The brochure of the 2009 Challenger shows a “classic” version of the Dodge Challenger R/T, with the 5.7 L (345 cu in) HEMI, and retro aspects such as script “Challenger” badges on the front panels and black “R/T” stripes. According to a Chrysler press relase from 01/16/09 it will come with a six-speed-manual transmission (including a pistol-grip-shifter) as standard. It will be available in Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Bright Silver Metallic, Stone White and in three “heritage” colors: HEMI-Orange, TorRed and B5 Blue. Prices start at $34,005 (including destination) and production will start in February 2009.
SRT8
2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8
The 2009 SRT8, while still equipped with the 6.1L Hemi V8, is virtually identical to its 2008 counterpart, with the main difference being the choice of either a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. Standard features include Brembo brakes, a sport suspension, bi-xenon headlamps, heated leather sport seats, keyless go, Sirius satellite radio, and 20-inch (510 mm) forged aluminum wheels in addition to most amenities offered on the lower R/T and SE models such as air conditioning and cruise control.[16] In addition, the 2009 will have a true “limited slip” differential.[17] A “Spring Special” SRT8 Challenger was also offered in B5 Blue, but thanks to rolling plant shutdowns, just over 250 Spring Special Challengers were built before the end of the 2009 model year. For 2010, SRT8 models add Detonator Yellow as an available color (at extra cost), and only with the optional “Special Edition Group”. Yellow Challengers will only be built for a limited time (October/November 2009). A retro color, Plum Crazy Pearl, is scheduled to be available during Spring 2010 production, perhaps as the new color, offered exclusively in the “Spring Special” package.
Super Stock Concept
The Super Stock Concept was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of 392 HEMI engine, as well as showcase Mopar’s new available 392 (6.4L) HEMI crate engine. The body was based on the 2006 Dodge Challenger Concept. The vehicle was unveiled at SEMA show.[18]
SRT10 Concept
A concept vehicle using Dodge Viper SRT-10 engine and Bilstein shocks appeared in 2008 SEMA show.[19]
Drag Race Package
A race model designed for NHRA competition, based on Dodge challenger dva SRT-8. The car is 1,000 pounds (454 kg) lighter than the street vehicle by eliminating major production components and systems. To accentuate the weight savings, they also feature added composite, polycarbonate and lightweight components designed for drag racing that will be part of the new Package Car program. The engine was repositioned to improve driveline angle and weight distribution. The 116-inch (2,900 mm) wheelbase was shortened by ? inch. They also feature a front cradle with bolt-in crossmember and solid engine mounts.
At least 50 Challenger Drag Race Package Cars are being built to meet NHRA requirements. As of 9/28/2009 #24 the car owned by David Wertman and New Hemi Racing has just been completed. Engine options include 6.1L HEMI, 5.7-L HEMI, 5.9L Magnum Wedge. Manual or automatic transmissions are available, although to date only the 6.1 cars have been produced. “Big Daddy” Don Garlits bought the first drag race package car and plans to race it in NHRA competition. [20] The prototype cars shown at SEMA were built by MPR Racing of Michigan, they continue to modify the production cars as delivered from Mopar , currently the “Drag-Pak” cars running in legal A/SA trim are running around the 9.9-10.2 mark at 130-140 mph in the quarter mile.
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