Nuts & Bolts
2009 Dodge Challenger R/T
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Complaint: The new Challenger R/T is so true to form -- wide, aggressive stance; mean face; muscular rear -- it also contains many of the deficits of the 1970s muscle cars, such as uncomfortable rear seats. But buyers of the new Challenger are not likely to care.
Ride, acceleration and handling: From the driver's perspective, it's all good, particularly on a long, deserted stretch of road, assuming you can find one. This, make no mistake about it, is a driver's car.
Head-turning quotient: It turned heads everywhere -- easily the most attractive car we've driven in months.
Body style/layout: The 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T is a front-engine, rear-drive, retro-sports coupe hearkening back to the muscle car days of yore. Available are a V-6 model, the R/T with the tested 370-horsepower, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8; and the 425-horsepower, 6.1-liter SRT Hemi V-8.
Engine/Transmission: In the tested 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 R/T, the engine developed 370 horsepower at 5,800 revolutions per minute and 398 foot-pounds of torque at 4,200 revolutions per minute. The engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. A five-speed transmission that can be shifted automatically or manually is available.
Capacities: There are seats for five people. But rear-seat space is tight. Luggage capacity is 16.2 cubic feet. The Challenger R/T can be equipped to tow 1,000 pounds. Fuel capacity is 19 gallons of recommended regular unleaded gasoline.
Mileage: We got barely 15 miles per gallon in the city and 22 on the highway. But no one will buy this one for fuel economy.
Safety: Standard equipment includes antilock brakes, side air bags, and electronic stability and traction control.
Price: The base price is $29,320. Dealer's invoice price on that model is $27,168. Price as tested is $35,075, including $5,080 in options (onboard navigation, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, power glass roof, premium sound system, 20-inch diameter aluminum chrome clad wheels, five-speed automatic transmission) and a $675 destination charge. Dealer's price as tested is $32,516.
Purse-strings note: As improbable as it might sound in an era of high fuel prices, this one is likely to sell. The people who like it, and there are many, are fanatics. Bring on the Chevrolet Camaro.
