2009 Dodge Challenger: I can't talk about it
Today I'm in New York courtesy of Chrysler. They've brought me out here to drive the 2009 Dodge Challenger, specifically the new SE, R/T and stick-shift SRT-8 models. Only here's the thing: I can't talk about it. Dodge has put an embargo on driving impressions until mid-August, which basically means they've asked us not to say anything until more journalists have had a chance to drive it. (And I plan to honor that. I've found that automakers don't mind negative reviews as long as they are fair -- witness my Dodge Caliber SRT-4 and Sebring Convertible test drives -- but break an embargo and things start to get very, very chilly.)
I can, however, talk about the lineup, so here it is in a nutshell:
- SE: The base model comes with a 250 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 and a 4-speed automatic. Pricing starts at $21,995, but that doesn't include antilock brakes, traction control, or electronic stability control -- these must-haves are part of a $2800 package that also includes bigger wheels, fog lights, and some other bits and bobs.
- R/T: $29,995 gets you a 5.7 liter V8 and a 5-speed automatic; a 6-speed manual is available as part of a $995 "Track pack", which also includes a limited-slip differential.
- SRT8: The $39,995 bruiser is back, this time with a standard limited-slip differential and two new colors (gloss red and "B5" blue, a gorgeous medium shade from Chrysler's muscle car days). A 6-speed manual is available for $695.
I'll talk more about the new Challenger models (specifically the SE and the R/T) as soon as I can -- meanwhile, you can check out my 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 test drive as well as preliminary photos of the 2009 Challenger SE and 2009 Challenger R/T. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Aaron Gold
Paying extra for a stick shift… and they’ll be worth it! It’s great to see the pistol grip return, I think it may be the first pistol grip shifter from the factory since the old Subaru XT Turbo.
Based on the photo on this page, the car looks pretty lousy in silver. I bet Hemi Orange will be the color to have for a while.
Now, if only it was a little smaller and weighed less…
Too bad ya can’t talk about the SE, cause that’s the only one that could possibly make sense in this $4 @ gal. age. I only buy real world cars at real world prices and at 25k the SE with “must haves” included is at the top of my budget. So as Christian put it: What’s it get for MPG? Chryco better stop holding out before the next retro car comes along or they speed up the Camaro release.
Yes the American sport cars can defeat the all other the sport cars like the European.