The Last of the American Pony Cars?
Pony cars are seeing a resurgence of interest here at the end of the decade. With sky-high gas prices and the near death of the American car makers it looks like the Challenger and it's sister car the Chevrolet Camaro may the the last of a dying breed. If so the 2009 Challenger is a great last hurrah. Plenty of horsepower and an abundance of style this pony car is a great way to end an era.
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Overview of the Dodge Challenger
The newly-released Dodge Challenger joins the Camaro and the Mustang as the Last of the Pony Cars. With changes in the American car diet and spikes in fuel costs these seemingly impractical cars will probably be the last stab at the pure muscle car market American automakers will take. And if there is going to be a finale the Dodge Challenger definitely is a car that sums up what's good about the pony car.
Performance
The restyled Challenger SRT8 is equipped with a Chrysler 6.1-liter 8-cylinder engine that utilizes a total of 16 valves. The HEMI engine is paired with a Chrysler 5-speed transmission. This configuration has proven to be a successful design for Dodge.
The Challenger uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The car uses coil and coil springs front and rear respectively.
The fuel system for the 2008 Challenger is a SFI design, running on gasoline fuel. The fuel flow is regulated by a electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The storage capacity of the fuel tank is 19.00 gallons.
Challenger SRT8 Statistics
The dimensions of the Challenger SRT8 are 75.70 inches wide by 197.70 inches long. It sits a comfortable 57.00 inches off the ground. It seats a standard five passengers, with 2 doors. The wheelbase of 116.00 allows for limited leg room for the backseat passengers.
There is a 36,000 mile, 36 month warranty with this vehicle, including a powertrain warranty of 36,000/36 miles/months. This is normal for this price range.
The listed retail price in 2008 (MSRP) was an industry-average price, with an invoice cost of an industry-average price. This price is slightly higher than the industry average price for a two-door Coupe.
Fuel Efficiency
The Challenger SRT8 received a miles-per-gallon rating of thirteen in-city driving and eighteen when it came to long-distance. Being a gas-powered non-green car, this was subpar.
In 2007 and 2008 the Challenger SRT8 was availble in the exterior colors of several colors.
In Summary
The 2008 model year was unsuccessful for the Dodge Challenger. The introduction of several trim levels (along with the SRT8 version) meant that buyers had several options to choose from..
Performance
The restyled Challenger SRT8 is equipped with a Chrysler 6.1-liter 8-cylinder engine that utilizes a total of 16 valves. The HEMI engine is paired with a Chrysler 5-speed transmission. This configuration has proven to be a successful design for Dodge.
The Challenger uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The car uses coil and coil springs front and rear respectively.
The fuel system for the 2008 Challenger is a SFI design, running on gasoline fuel. The fuel flow is regulated by a electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The storage capacity of the fuel tank is 19.00 gallons.
Challenger SRT8 Statistics
The dimensions of the Challenger SRT8 are 75.70 inches wide by 197.70 inches long. It sits a comfortable 57.00 inches off the ground. It seats a standard five passengers, with 2 doors. The wheelbase of 116.00 allows for limited leg room for the backseat passengers.
There is a 36,000 mile, 36 month warranty with this vehicle, including a powertrain warranty of 36,000/36 miles/months. This is normal for this price range.
The listed retail price in 2008 (MSRP) was an industry-average price, with an invoice cost of an industry-average price. This price is slightly higher than the industry average price for a two-door Coupe.
Fuel Efficiency
The Challenger SRT8 received a miles-per-gallon rating of thirteen in-city driving and eighteen when it came to long-distance. Being a gas-powered non-green car, this was subpar.
In 2007 and 2008 the Challenger SRT8 was availble in the exterior colors of several colors.
In Summary
The 2008 model year was unsuccessful for the Dodge Challenger. The introduction of several trim levels (along with the SRT8 version) meant that buyers had several options to choose from..
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Images of the Dodge Challenger
The Challenger on YouTube
Mopar Fans Speak Out
People are fanatical about their Mopars, especially their Challengers! Watch these videos as fans share their passion about their cars.
Reader Feedback
Tell us your experiences with the Challenger!
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AndyPo
Nov 17, 2011 @ 5:17 pm | delete
- Great lens and a proper American muscle car. We don't see many of these here in England, partly because the steering wheel is on the left, which is inconvenient here, although I suspect this latest breed of muscle cars will be popular.
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gottalovetoys
Feb 18, 2009 @ 8:33 pm | delete
- Yep, that is one sexy car!
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Debt_Man
Feb 18, 2009 @ 12:10 pm | delete
- I love American muscle cars, my first car was a 93 Camaro Z28 the car was fast as hell. Always wanted a challenger too.
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Feb 18, 2009 @ 7:41 am | delete
- Wow! This is a nice looking car...thanks for sharing this with us.
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