How Cool is the 2009 Dodge Challenger?

To see more photos and information about the 2009 Dodge Challenger, click HERE.

Here's a few interesting facts about the 2009 Dodge Challenger

2009:
Base: 3.5L V6 with 4-speed auto, 3.64 rear axle, 17x7 inch wheels with 215/65/R17, or optional 18x7.5 inch wheels with 235/55/R18 rubber.

R/T: 5.7L Hemi (with new VVT) with 5-speed auto with 2.82 rear axle or 6-speed manual with 3.73 LS rear axle, 20x8 wheels with 245/45/R20 rubber.

SRT-8: 6.1L Hemi with 5-speed auto with 3.06 rear axle or 6-speed manual with 3.92 LS rear axle, 20x9 inch wheels with 245/45/R20 rubber.

Additional interesting information about the future Challenger lineup:

The always-reliable oh20 reported that the LC series Challenger would start production in April 2008 with the SRT8 and 6.1 liter engine. The 2009 Challenger, to be built starting in July 2008, will include a 3.5 liter SXT with the 3.5 liter engine and four-speed automatic, R/T with the second-generation 5.7 Hemi, and the SRT-8. The 2010, to start production in July 2009 - with convertibles starting in early 2009 - will be similar but with SXT and R/T convertibles, and possibly a new 6.4 liter High Output SRT8 option. Finally, the 2011 Challenger will include the 4.0 liter Phoenix engine instead of the 3.5 liter.

Available features and options on the 2008-09 Challengers will be very similar to the 2008 Charger lineup, with the addition of functional hood scoops, Keyless Go ignition and entry (2009MY), and the six-speed manual TREMEC transmission (2009MY). Six-speed SRT models will include a couple of surprise features that will have Challenger enthusiasts talking. Challenger wheel sizes should run from 17" to 20", 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.

The Hemi engine is set for an upgrade, which may be why the non-SRT Challenger will take some time to show up. By 2009, Chrysler will have variable cam timing set up for its Hemi engines, neatly leapfrogging most variable-valve timing systems. The multiple displacement system is expected to remain for most, if not all, 5.7 Hemis. A 6.4 liter version is still expected, with 450-500 hp, though whether this is earmarked for the Challenger or not is still in question.

The official introduction / unveiling is set for February 6, 2008, 11 am, CST. Actual production is reportedly set for April 21, 2008. Availability should be around May-June 2008. We will be in Chicago for the reveal.

The Dodge Challenger will be produced as a coupe, to arrive in dealerships in 2008 (as a 2008 model year car), and to be built on the same line as the 300, Charger, and Magnum. Chrysler assures us that the production car will be practically indistinguishable from the concept. We have been told to expect a price of about $31,000.

Super Stock Challengers:

TripleJackinGA wrote: 2008 factory built Super Stock Challengers will be for sale at Chrysler dealerships, according to a statement made during the unveiling of the Class 8 Baja trucks at the Mopar booth at SEMA 2007. They said these Super Stock Challengers will be very limited in number, and are not street legal, and you should get on the list now if you want one. They sandwiched this info between talking a lot about new block and head castings for old and newer HEMIs, and unveiling the Baja trucks. They also talked about some kind of HEMI block that was made of "Compacted Carbon", which would be in the Mopar parts range.

To see more photos and information about the 2009 Dodge Challenger, click HERE.