First revealed at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show as a concept car, and having sold out in its first year of production (2008), the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is back due to an overwhelming demand with more impressive features and an even more impressive sticker price.
Coming in at just under $41k (which includes an over $2000 gas guzzling tax), the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 allows drivers to return to the era of muscle cars: V-8 engines, carbon racing stripes, and wide tires. However, this year’s Challenger clearly puts to shame any cars from the earlier Challenger era with its mean, 6.1 liter HEMI V-8 engine that produces 425 horsepower with 420 lb-ft of torque and can go from 0 to 60 in less than 4.9 seconds.
As to be expected, the V-8 engine does tend to affect fuel economy, yet the 2009 Challenger SRT8 has made slight improvements over the 2008 model and fuel efficiency is now allowing the 2009 manual transmission model to get 15 mpg in city driving conditions and 23 mpg for highway driving conditions. Moreover, the 2009 automatic transmission Challenger allows 16 mpg in city driving conditions and 23 mpg for highway driving conditions.
The rear-wheel drive, 2009 Challenger SRT8 sits on a frame that was based off of the Chrysler LX but modified to be four inches shorter. The Goodyear Eagle tires (size 245) help accentuate the unique black grill and racing stripes exclusive to the Challenger. Some other features distinctive to the Challenger include: rectangular tail pipes, chrome fuel caps, and matte-finished trims.
The 2009 Challenger SRT8 is available in the following colors: HEMI Orange, black, and silver. Standard safety features offered on the 2009 model include: ABS, side-curtain airbags, traction control and anti-skid technology. Offered exclusively in a 2-door model, the 2009 Dodge Challenger provides drivers with an authentic Challenger feel, which is carried over to the interior. While not as impressive as the Challenger’s exterior, the simple yet functional interior comfortably accommodates two front and two rear passengers (although it is marketed as seating five) and allows ample head and leg room. The 2009 Challenger still offers a 5-speed automatic transmission but new for 2009, the Challenger SRT8 is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Optional upgrades for the Challenger include: MyGig Multimedia Infotainment System with navigation (approx. $900 extra), sunroof (approx. $950 extra), and a tire upgrade to 245 in the front and 255 in the rear (approx. $50 extra). The MyGig Multimedia System provides a 20GB hard drive for storage, digital media player access, real-time traffic information and navigation.
All of last year’s 6,800 produced Challengers sold out well before production, however, this year fans of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 need not worry, as Chrysler is expected to produce at least 40,000 units of the 2009 Challenger SRT8.
2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Muscle Car Pictures Gallery
the 2009 dodge srt8 is perty awsome but you need to make a dodge charger that looks like the 1969 dodge charger and make it stock with at least a 440 or a 426 hemi
I love the new Charger and Challenger - these cars have an attitude that has been missing in the automobile industry for decades.
Although the Charger doesn’t look like it’s 1960’s ancestors, it’s still a mean, snarling street machine with pleny of musclecar attitude. The fact that it has 4 doors means I can take my family along for the ride. The headlight angle makes this car look downright angry, and the V8’s have the horsepower to back up it’s appearance with 340 - 425 horsepower.
The Challenger is one of the most beautiful cars EVER built - period. For years I wished that Detroit would combine classic musclecar styling, horsepower & torque with modern technology & handling. In a world of tiny wedge- and egg-shaped yawnmobiles, the Challenger stands out with it’s wide, aggressive stance, classic all-business front and rear profiles and monsterous horsepower. Even owners who buy them with the smallest engine will feel like they own a musclecar, but the 2 Hemi V8 choices make this machine irresistable. I love many of the musclecars from the late 60’s & early 70’s. Other than the 86-87 Buick Grand National, I have never wanted a brand new car - until now. I’d love to see all-wheel drive versions of these cars with the 6.1L Hemi (like the Grand Cherokee SRT8). However, the 5.7L AWD Charger is a great performer, and the AWD Challenger can’t be far behind.
COMPARISONS TO THE COMPETITION: Ford had the right idea with the retro-look Mustang, and the new Chevy Camaro will be on the road soon. But these cars are simply too small for me. I don’t want a car that makes me leave my family behind - I want bigger cars like the Charger and Challenger that will provide ample space for front AND rear passengers but still have the performace that makes driving the thrill that it SHOULD be. Thank you, Dodge, for building these awe-inspiring machines.