ALIVE AND KICKING
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Wed, Oct 14, 2009
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
© All photos by Harvey Schwartz
ALIVE AND KICKING
The all-new Dodge Challenger R/T Classic is a real blast from the past, with
vintage flair, modern styling and engineering. It combines the original Dodge
Challenger R/T styling with a new 375 horsepower 5.7 liter HEMI V8 engine,
Tremec 6-speed manual transmission, ZF-Sach's twin disc performance clutch, rack
& pinion steering with a performance gear, sport-tuned, fully independent
suspension, dual exhaust, and riding on 20x8-inch alloy wheels fitted with
high-performance tires. Inside is a modern, comfortable cabin with vintage
accents. Dodge has taken the all-new Challenger to new heights of styling and
performance.
One look and you'll recognize the old muscle car styling with the long, raised
performance hood and dual working scoops topped with the original HEMI badge at
each side. The recessed egg-crate grille sports round dual headlamps, Challenger
and R/T badges, a lower air-intake, a wide splitter to help keep the front end
solidly planted on the pavement and functional design elements to direct air
around the front end to further improve aerodynamics. From the side, a bold
A-line or character line runs from stem to stern and jumps over the rear wheels
as on the original Challenger giving it an instant recognizable muscle car
profile. Door mounted side mirrors from the original, Challenger fender badges,
bold, full-length, double black side R/T graphics, and a cast metal fuel door
are also inspired by the original R/T.
The rear is reminiscent of the original with a recessed full-perimeter
'blacked-out' brake, backup and tail lamp clusters with a clear Dodge in the
center, a full-perimeter spoiler on top of the end of the trunk lid, a straight,
flat bumper and rectangular, polished stainless steel dual exhaust tips nicely
spread down below.
The look is as original as it can get as some people I spoke to had to make a
double-take as they thought they were looking at an original Challenger from
1970.
Under the skin of the car is where modern automotive technology takes over and
gives the Challenger R/T world-class power and handling capability. Under the
hood lies a reworked 5.7 liter HEMI V8 utilizing Dual Variable Cam Timing, dual
spark plugs, a higher compression ratio and performance-tuned dual exhaust
system to increase horsepower from last year's 340 to today's 376 horsepower at
5,150 rpm and a massive 410 pound-feet of torque at 4,300 rpm. The sound of the
dual exhaust is thrilling, throaty, and music to the ears of any muscle car
enthusiast.
The high-output HEMI V8 engine is hooked up to a smooth-shifting, modern Tremec
TR6060 6-speed manual transmission that utilizes a twin-disc, high-performance
clutch from ZF-Sach's.
A 2.92 rear axle and limited slip differential really puts the power down on the
pavement with the giant Goodyear 245/45ZR20 high-performance tires. These
massive tires are wrapped with 'mag' styled 20X8 polished cast aluminum wheels.
A five-speed automatic transmission is optional, but the fun and thrills are
with the six-speed manual as you can really rev the engine close to its 7,000rpm
redline and easily smoke the tires.
Crisp, controlled handling and a smooth ride are assured with a modern,
fully-independent suspension that is sport-tuned. Up front is a SLA (short/long
arm) set with high upper 'A' arms, coil springs over gas-filled shocks, thick
solid stabilizer bar, lateral and diagonal lower links and a recessed,
strut-tower brace to tie everything together. The rear features a 5-link
independent setup with coil springs, link-type stabilizer bar, gas-charged
twin-tube shocks in an isolated suspension cradle to lessen noise, vibration and
harshness. You steer the all-new Challenger R/T where you want to go with quick
response to your inputs due to the unique speed-sensitive rack & pinion steering
system that features a performance gear and variable displacement power steering
pump. Change of direction is instant like a racecar with a solid feel for the
road and great on-center feel.
Large, four-wheel, power-assisted brakes bring the all-new Challenger R/T to a
quick and controlled stop. Up front are 13.6-inch vented clamped with
dual-piston sliding aluminum calipers with performance pads, while the rear are
fitted with 12.6-inch vented discs clamped with single sliding caliper in an
aluminum housing using performance pads.
Standard ABS and brake assist help with your control and braking power while
braking on slick road surfaces. Also helping you remain on your chosen path is
all-speed traction control, and electronic stability control. When the time and
place are correct, you can turn the systems off and let the rear end slide out
during hard cornering. Standard Hill Start Assist makes driving up hills with
traffic signals and stop signs safer and easier when you have the 6-speed manual
transmission. Powerful and modern, the all-new Challenger R/T can blast out to
60 mph from a standstill in under well-under six seconds.
Inside is a mixture of modern technology and vintage accents inspired from the
original Challenger R/T. Just look at the trapezoidal them of the door-panel
cove and gauge cluster, dark headliner and slanted shifter console brings back
memories of the original Challenger. Inspiration continues with the 'four-bomb'
gauge cluster with deep, easy to read 160 mph speedometer and 7,000 rpm
tachometer with white faces. The 8-way power-adjustable, leather-trimmed,
vintage styled ribbed bucket seats are deeply bolstered and heated then finished
with French-seamed stitching.
The aluminum foot pedals and classic pistol-grip stick shifter are also a
throwback to the original Challenger interior. The center stack and door handles
features carbon fiber-styled trim for a modern touch, and all dials, buttons and
switches are within easy reach. The leather-trimmed steering wheel feature a
tilt/telescoping column for the perfect reach and angle to help control your
direction while cornering and at high-speeds on the freeway or back roads.
The center console features dual cup holders, two storage slots, a 12-volt power
plug and deep storage bin with padded armrest. The rear seats feature the
highest headroom in its class along with a pull-down armrest with dual cup
holders. The bench seat also features 60/40-split fold down seats along with an
easy-sliding seatback to make entry and exit from the rear simple and easy. The
passenger-side grab further handle enhances entry and exit.
Options inside include an advanced U-connect GPS with voice recognition,
navigation system with real-time traffic cues and Universal Custom Interface. My
ride featured an AM-FM/Satellite/CD/DVD/MP3 player with a 368-watt amplifier,
power sunroof,
seven-speaker Boston Acoustic system with a subwoofer mounted in the giant
trunk, illuminated interior door handles, push button start/stop, auto-dimming
rearview mirror, security alarm, steering wheel mounted audio controls/trip
computer, tire pressure monitoring display, iPod interface, universal garage
door opener, cruise-control, thick-cut pile carpeting with front/rear floor
mats, power/heated fold-away side mirrors, dual-lighted vanity mirrors, power
remote trunk release, remote keyless entry, power express front windows/door
locks, illuminated entry, variable, intermittent wipers/washers, rear window
defroster and a powerful air-conditioner/heater.
Keeping you and your passenger safe in the event of a collision include standard
front airbags, supplemental side curtain front and rear airbags, three-point
safety belts for all five seating with front pretentioners and load limiters,
front/rear crumple zones and steel beams in each door.
Dodge brings back the memories of the original Challenger R/T with inspired,
bold good looks combined with modern automotive technology like no other vehicle
from the Big Three American auto makers. If you are looking to drive a stylish
throw-back from the past with modern automotive mechanicals then look to the
all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Heritage. Prices start at just $29,320.00 and
my nicely loaded model came in at just $37,320.00 including destination charges.
I was impressed with the total package and had a ball during my seven-day test
drive turning heads and spinning the wheels.
© Words and pictures supra by Harvey Schwartz
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
Very alive and kicking some tail.
For more information about Dodge products, go to
www.dodge.com
More photos from Harvey Schwartz can be found at www.autofotos.com
SPECIFICATIONS Name of vehicle: 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Price: $29,320.00 base/$37,320.00 loaded Engine type: 5.7 liter Variable Cam Timing, 2-valves per cylinder Horsepower: 375hp at 5,150rpm Torque: 410lb.ft. at 4,300rpm Drive configuration: Front engine/rear wheel drive Transmission type: Standard 6-speed manual/5-speed automatic optional Front suspension: Independent, SLA with high upper 'A' arms, coil springs, gas-filled shocks, stabilizer bar, lateral and diagonal lower links Rear suspension: Independent, 5-links with coil springs, link-type stabilizer, gas-charged twin-tube shocks, Isolated suspension cradle Wheels/tires: 20X8in. cast aluminum wheels, 245/45ZR20in. Goodyear RSA tires Brakes: Front-13.7in. vented discs/dual piston calipers Rear: 12.6in. vented discs/single sliding calipers in aluminum housing Total length: 197.7in. Total width: 75.7in. Total height: 57.1in. Curb weight: 3,995lbs. EPA mileage: 16mpg/city, 25mpg/highway 6-speed manual 0-60mph: 5.0sec.