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01/16/09: 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic
- Dodge Challenger R/T Classic features unique throwback design cues
- Legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 delivers zero to 60 mph performance in less than six seconds
- Six-speed manual transmission features performance-tuned dual exhaust with “low restriction” bottle resonators for optimum throatiness
- Functional dual hood scoops are new to R/T Classic and stay true to Dodge Challenger’s heritage
- Original B5 Blue returns from the Chrysler paint code archive
The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger delivers the best of modern American muscle-car characteristics—unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and technology. The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic goes further with even more memorable blast-from-the-past design cues. The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic starts at $34,005 (including $725 destination) and is available for ordering now at Dodge dealerships nationwide.
“Our all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic is more than a modern-day muscle machine, it pays homage to one of the most storied nameplates in automotive history,” said Dan Knott, Vice President—Car / Minivan / SRT Product Team, Chrysler LLC. “With heritage-inspired dual-wide body-side R/T stripes, original ‘Challenger’ heritage badging and the newest generation of our legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine, the new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic delivers the greatness of our pony car past with advanced fuel-efficient muscle.”
Based on the powerful 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T, the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic not only delivers a menacing look and premium equipment—its powertrain delivers an unforgettable punch. With dual throwback A-line body-side R/T stripes, ‘Challenger’ fender badging in classic script, large 20-inch polished-chrome heritage wheels with all-season performance tires, classic egg-crate grille with heritage ‘R/T’ badge, body-color rear spoiler and chromed fuel-filler door—the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic is unmistakable.
“Dodge Challenger has a rich performance heritage and the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic encompasses numerous technologies that allow great on-road performance while delivering proven-quality and refinement to ensure its place in the Dodge pony car history,” said Knott.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic tucks its legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine under a long, raised performance hood with functional hood scoops to increase engine cooling. The newest generation 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine features dual variable-cam timing (VCT) and dual ignition (two spark plugs per cylinder) to increase power and torque, while improving refinement and efficiency.
When paired with the Tremec six-speed manual transmission, the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic features the performance-minded Track Pak’s precision-shift “pistol-grip” shifter, bright pedals, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with defeatable traction control, Hill Start Assist (HSA), four-wheel disc performance braking system and an anti-spin 3.92 differential. A performance-tuned dual exhaust optimizes engine back pressure and exhaust throatiness by replacing the standard under-floor muffler with two low-restriction bottle resonators. The result, a powerful 376 horsepower (280 kW) and 410 lb.-ft. of torque (556 N•m) that can accelerate the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic from zero to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds.
An available five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick provides efficiency and responsiveness in the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic. An aggressive first-gear ratio provides outstanding launch performance, while the transmission’s fully-adaptive electronic control delivers more responsiveness without harshness.
When paired with the automatic transmission, the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 includes the fuel-saving multi-displacement system (MDS) allowing Dodge Challenger R/T Classic to operate economically on four cylinders, or produce 372 horsepower (277 kW) and 401 lb.-ft. of torque (544 N•m) when all eight cylinders are needed.
On the interior, the trapezoidal theme of the door-panel cove and gauge cluster, dark headliner and slanted shifter console are inspired by the original Dodge Challenger. Inspiration from the past continues with a “four bomb” gauge cluster with deep easy-to-read white faces. Premium leather-trimmed bucket seats with heat are well-bolstered and finished with French-seamed stitching. The advanced uconnect gps with voice recognition, navigation with real-time traffic and Universal Customer Interface (UCI) is available on the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic offers exceptional rear seating for a two-door coupe, achieving best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room compared with the competition. Coupled with best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.)—equal to the Dodge Charger—the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic offers comfort and functionality.
The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic is available in Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Bright Silver Metallic, Stone White and three Dodge heritage colors—HEMI® Orange, TorRed and B5 Blue. Dodge dealerships nationwide are now accepting orders for the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic.
2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Production
Production of the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic will start in February 2009 at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. It will be built on the same assembly line as the award-winning and quality-proven Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.
01/16/09 Permalink
- Beats new 2009 Ford F-150 and Subaru Forester
The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram earned the 2009 International Truck of the Year, awarded by International Car of the Year (ICOTY) jurors. The Dodge Ram beat the new 2009 Ford F-150 and Subaru Forester for top honors.
The ICOTY board consists of nationally renowned automotive editors and journalists from a variety of respected publications and broadcast outlets.
"Our all-new 2009 Dodge Ram continues to haul in awards,” said Scott Kunselman, Vice President – Jeep®/Truck Product Team, Chrysler LLC. “We’re glad third-party organizations, including ICOTY, recognize Dodge Ram’s game-changing innovations, functionality, safety and value.”
The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram includes the first-in-segment RamBox™ cargo management system that includes versatile, weatherproof, lockable, illuminated, drainable storage bins, pickup bed dividers, a two-foot bed extender, and a cargo rail system with sliding adjustable cleats. The 2009 Ram also includes the first-in-segment coil-spring, five-link rear suspension fitted to a solid rear axle providing ride and handling not found on any other pickup truck. A new 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with fuel-saving MDS technology provides more horsepower (390 hp) and torque (407 lb.-ft.) and its best-in-class aerodynamics – .387 Cd – helps improve fuel economy and performance.
In addition, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram includes first-in-segment, factory-installed four-inch dual exhaust styled dramatically into the rear bumper, first-in-segment store-in-the-floor storage bins with nearly twice as many bins (42) than the previous model (26) and 35 safety and security technologies. Standard features include side-curtain air bags and Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which includes all-speed traction control, trailer sway control, hill start assist and anti-lock brake system (ABS). Significantly upgraded interiors with segment-first surround-sound audio system and live SIRIUS Backseat TV™ round out the interior.
The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab recently earned 5-star ratings for driver and front-passenger protection in a frontal crash, the highest ratings in the U.S. government’s safety crash test program.
In addition to winning the 2009 International Truck of the Year award, the all-new Dodge Ram has picked up several key awards since its introduction:
- Truckin’ magazine’s Truck of the Year
- Texas Auto Writer's Association (TAWA) – 2009 Full-Size Pickup Truck of Texas
- Edmunds.com – Inside Line Editors Most Wanted 2009
- Autobytel.com – 2009 MyRide/Autobytel Editor's Choice Awards - Truck of the Year
- Maxim – Achievement in Party-Enabling Technology (RamBox)
- Ward's AutoWorld – Ward's 10 Best Engines of 2009 (2009 Dodge Ram 5.7 HEMI engine)
- Automobile Journalists Association of Canada – Best New Pickup
- Sobre Ruedas – Sobre Ruedas Best Pickup Truck for '08
About the International Car of the Year Awards
The ICOTY Awards were founded in 1996. Coined the “Academy Awards of Cars,” ICOTY has become the largest auto awards show production in the United States. For more info, visit www.icotyawards.com.
01/13/09 Permalink





