Dodge: Challenger News
01-26-2009, 11:24 AM
#441
2008 Speedfactory Vortech Supercharged Dodge Challenger SRT8 Full Test
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...hotopanel..1.*
Something Wicked This Way Blows
By John Pearley Huffman, Contributor
Date posted: 01-25-2009
These days, carmakers are obsessed with being friendly. Environmentally friendly, kid-friendly, fuel-friendly. This year's Detroit auto show may as well have been group therapy with a big hug at the end.
Then there's this 2008 Speedfactory Vortech supercharged Dodge Challenger SRT8. This car isn't nurturing, it doesn't want to comfort anyone and it looks like it just started a prison riot. This car is loud, thirsty and completely out of sync with the Greenies and the Weenies. It's all the best antisocial tendencies wrapped up in one big black Mopar.
This is what dream cars used to be: all attitude, big damn engine, no recyclable canola bean upholstery. You know, back in the good old bad old days when a 560-horsepower, 4,000-pound, V8-powered rear-wheel-drive muscle car made you the envy of your friends, not the destroyer of Mother Nature.
Yeah, we like it, too. Let's go for a ride.
Badass and Ballsy
Press the Speedfactory Challenger's start button and the car growls into a rumbling idle. Redneck music. Sounds like the pace lap at a North Carolina dirt track. There's so much torque even at this low engine speed that the car rocks on its lowered suspension. Then there's the churning whine of the Vortech centrifugal blower. What that sound lacks in mellifluous beauty, it makes up for with pure grinding menace.
It's that gnarly supercharger that's the star of this car. It's Vortech's V-3 Si-Trim centrifugal blower and it's the only real piece of hardware included in Speedfactory's Stage 1 package, which costs $11,995. In the tested configuration, the supercharger force-feeds 6.5 pounds of boost to the 6.1-liter Hemi V8. That's enough, claims Vortech, to whip output up from 425 to 560 hp with a commensurate increase in peak torque production up to 510 pound-feet.
Aiding in keeping the air-fuel mixture dense and rich in oxygen is an air-to-water "Charge Cooler" (Vortech slang for "intercooler"), while oversize injectors heave in the fuel and the engine control computer's programming has been tweaked using a DiabloSport Predator handheld electronic tool. A JBA cat-back exhaust system provides the basso profundo voice.
The supercharger installation is straightforward in the Challenger SRT8, if not particularly elegant. The well-finished blower hangs off the driver side of the Hemi, while the plumbing snakes back through the Charge Cooler and forward to the throttle plate and stock intake manifold. That's a bit convoluted and it kind of overwhelms the engine bay. This isn't the supercharger system to buy if you expect a lot of future spark plug changes. But there's little problem with oil lines, since the V-3 Si-Trim compressor has its own internal oil reservoir.
All that power goes through the Challenger SRT8's standard five-speed automatic transmission (with AutoStick shifting), then on to a set of Richmond Gear 3.55:1 final gears in a limited-slip differential. Half-shafts from BMR Fabrications handle the additional twist.
Taming the Beast Within and Without
You can throw a bunch more power into any car — even a car as normally composed as the Challenger SRT8 — without some fortification of its handling, but we don't recommend it. Extra-cost options on this black Challenger include KW Variant 2 coil-over shocks, which lower the car over a set of optional Boze alloy wheels — 20 by 8.5 inches in front and 20 by 10 inches in back. In turn, those wheels are wrapped in 245/45R20 front and 275/45R20 rear Yokohama Parada Spec-V tires.
As it is with the untouched Challenger SRT8, the big disadvantage for Speedfactory's car is weight. On Inside Line's scales, the Speedfactory Challenger porked in at a thickset 4,251 pounds — 2 tons and a fat guy — with 56 percent of that plopped atop the front wheels. Newtonian physics being the unforgiving whack jobs they are, that's a lot of weight to kick around, even for 560 hp.
Porcine though it is, the 2008 Speedfactory Challenger is gorgeous. Lowered over those blinding wheels, it looks the way a Challenger should look — nasty, evil and ready to commit multiple felonies. Of particular appeal is the deep dish to the wheels. The rather slab-sided 21st-century Challenger really needs that depth to bring out the character of its otherwise voluptuous 20th-century shape. The wheels also frame and flatter the SRT8's standard Brembo front brake calipers.
Blistering and/or Burning
Yokohama Paradas are among the world's very finest performance tires. But when the Vortech blower kicks in on the Speedfactory Challenger as the tach needle sweeps by 3,200 rpm, they're just hopeless. There have been tsunamis that have struck with less suddenness than the Vortech's boost.
At the drag strip we would really ease the car off the line, walking it away from a stop at under 1,200 rpm. Do this and it accelerates normally for a moment, then the blower erupts, and instantly the rear tires squirm and squirrel as if they've been blown apart by bazooka fire.
Still, despite those severe traction limitations, zero to 60 took just 4.3 seconds (4.1 seconds with a foot of rollout like on a drag strip) and the quarter-mile ripped by in a white-knuckled 12.2 seconds at 119.5 mph. Those are profound improvements over the standard Challenger SRT8's 5.1-second 0-60 time and 13.2 seconds at 107.5 mph quarter-mile performance. But there's more to this story....
Knowing too well that its Challenger would be severely traction-limited, Speedfactory also brought along a set of Nitto 555R drag radials on the standard wheels (and in the same sizes as the Yokohamas). For going in a straight line, the Nitto tires proved a godsend — they provided much more traction, tracked straight and remained stable at speed. And they also proved much quicker.
With the Nittos, the 0-60 time dropped to just 3.8 seconds (an incredible 3.4 seconds with a foot of rollout like on a drag strip) and the quarter-mile blew by in 11.8 seconds at 119.8 mph. That's exotic-car territory — right there with the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Dodge Viper SRT-10 and Ford GT. And none of those machines are anywhere near as big or heavy as the Speedfactory Challenger.
In fact, there's so much frontal area on the heavyweight Challenger that as the Speedfactory example ripped by during testing, it was almost possible to feel the air being pushed aside. It's the sort of sensation one might expect from a rocket-propelled boxcar. That is, if the boxcar was taken off its rails before the rocket was lit.
Evil for Evil's Sake
With its tire-roasting power, fantastic sound and aggressive and provocative looks, there's a lot to love about this Speedfactory Vortech Dodge Challenger SRT-8. But there are also limits to that love.
This isn't a car that is easy to throw around like a Miata or even a Mustang; it's just way too big. The supercharged power obviously makes the car more athletic, but even the largest driver can feel swallowed up in the Challenger's tall sills and restricted greenhouse. The seats are comfortably shaped, but the driver still shifts around too much as the car slews through IL's slalom at a modest 60.2 mph. The 0.80g skid pad orbit isn't much of a bragging point either.
But most unforgiveable is the loss of ride comfort that comes with lowering the Challenger. Frankly, no one here expects the Challenger to be a handling champ — it's not that kind of car — but in stock form, the big Dodge is one of America's greatest ground-gobblers. Losing the ability to comfortably swallow half a continent's worth of interstate highway over an afternoon is a pretty big price to pay for the snarky stance. Speedfactory ought to take a look at alternative methods for achieving the same look while sustaining more comfort.
The brakes are stock. Which means they work. And work well. Best stop from 60 mph was 118 feet. Although the pedal is too soft for our taste, fade is not a problem. Impressive, considering the Challenger's heft.
Evil Costs Bucks
Throw in all the pieces and labor to bolt them on, and Speedfactory will sell you a clone of this Challenger for $23,475 plus one stock Challenger SRT8. Or you could just go for the supercharger system, which is available through Vortech for $6,400 (plus installation if you don't want to do it yourself). And yes, Vortech also has a similar kit for the 5.7-liter Hemi in the Challenger R/T.
Evil, it seems, is like speed. It costs money. How evil do you want to be?
By John Pearley Huffman, Contributor
Date posted: 01-25-2009
These days, carmakers are obsessed with being friendly. Environmentally friendly, kid-friendly, fuel-friendly. This year's Detroit auto show may as well have been group therapy with a big hug at the end.
Then there's this 2008 Speedfactory Vortech supercharged Dodge Challenger SRT8. This car isn't nurturing, it doesn't want to comfort anyone and it looks like it just started a prison riot. This car is loud, thirsty and completely out of sync with the Greenies and the Weenies. It's all the best antisocial tendencies wrapped up in one big black Mopar.
This is what dream cars used to be: all attitude, big damn engine, no recyclable canola bean upholstery. You know, back in the good old bad old days when a 560-horsepower, 4,000-pound, V8-powered rear-wheel-drive muscle car made you the envy of your friends, not the destroyer of Mother Nature.
Yeah, we like it, too. Let's go for a ride.
Badass and Ballsy
Press the Speedfactory Challenger's start button and the car growls into a rumbling idle. Redneck music. Sounds like the pace lap at a North Carolina dirt track. There's so much torque even at this low engine speed that the car rocks on its lowered suspension. Then there's the churning whine of the Vortech centrifugal blower. What that sound lacks in mellifluous beauty, it makes up for with pure grinding menace.
It's that gnarly supercharger that's the star of this car. It's Vortech's V-3 Si-Trim centrifugal blower and it's the only real piece of hardware included in Speedfactory's Stage 1 package, which costs $11,995. In the tested configuration, the supercharger force-feeds 6.5 pounds of boost to the 6.1-liter Hemi V8. That's enough, claims Vortech, to whip output up from 425 to 560 hp with a commensurate increase in peak torque production up to 510 pound-feet.
Aiding in keeping the air-fuel mixture dense and rich in oxygen is an air-to-water "Charge Cooler" (Vortech slang for "intercooler"), while oversize injectors heave in the fuel and the engine control computer's programming has been tweaked using a DiabloSport Predator handheld electronic tool. A JBA cat-back exhaust system provides the basso profundo voice.
The supercharger installation is straightforward in the Challenger SRT8, if not particularly elegant. The well-finished blower hangs off the driver side of the Hemi, while the plumbing snakes back through the Charge Cooler and forward to the throttle plate and stock intake manifold. That's a bit convoluted and it kind of overwhelms the engine bay. This isn't the supercharger system to buy if you expect a lot of future spark plug changes. But there's little problem with oil lines, since the V-3 Si-Trim compressor has its own internal oil reservoir.
All that power goes through the Challenger SRT8's standard five-speed automatic transmission (with AutoStick shifting), then on to a set of Richmond Gear 3.55:1 final gears in a limited-slip differential. Half-shafts from BMR Fabrications handle the additional twist.
Taming the Beast Within and Without
You can throw a bunch more power into any car — even a car as normally composed as the Challenger SRT8 — without some fortification of its handling, but we don't recommend it. Extra-cost options on this black Challenger include KW Variant 2 coil-over shocks, which lower the car over a set of optional Boze alloy wheels — 20 by 8.5 inches in front and 20 by 10 inches in back. In turn, those wheels are wrapped in 245/45R20 front and 275/45R20 rear Yokohama Parada Spec-V tires.
As it is with the untouched Challenger SRT8, the big disadvantage for Speedfactory's car is weight. On Inside Line's scales, the Speedfactory Challenger porked in at a thickset 4,251 pounds — 2 tons and a fat guy — with 56 percent of that plopped atop the front wheels. Newtonian physics being the unforgiving whack jobs they are, that's a lot of weight to kick around, even for 560 hp.
Porcine though it is, the 2008 Speedfactory Challenger is gorgeous. Lowered over those blinding wheels, it looks the way a Challenger should look — nasty, evil and ready to commit multiple felonies. Of particular appeal is the deep dish to the wheels. The rather slab-sided 21st-century Challenger really needs that depth to bring out the character of its otherwise voluptuous 20th-century shape. The wheels also frame and flatter the SRT8's standard Brembo front brake calipers.
Blistering and/or Burning
Yokohama Paradas are among the world's very finest performance tires. But when the Vortech blower kicks in on the Speedfactory Challenger as the tach needle sweeps by 3,200 rpm, they're just hopeless. There have been tsunamis that have struck with less suddenness than the Vortech's boost.
At the drag strip we would really ease the car off the line, walking it away from a stop at under 1,200 rpm. Do this and it accelerates normally for a moment, then the blower erupts, and instantly the rear tires squirm and squirrel as if they've been blown apart by bazooka fire.
Still, despite those severe traction limitations, zero to 60 took just 4.3 seconds (4.1 seconds with a foot of rollout like on a drag strip) and the quarter-mile ripped by in a white-knuckled 12.2 seconds at 119.5 mph. Those are profound improvements over the standard Challenger SRT8's 5.1-second 0-60 time and 13.2 seconds at 107.5 mph quarter-mile performance. But there's more to this story....
Knowing too well that its Challenger would be severely traction-limited, Speedfactory also brought along a set of Nitto 555R drag radials on the standard wheels (and in the same sizes as the Yokohamas). For going in a straight line, the Nitto tires proved a godsend — they provided much more traction, tracked straight and remained stable at speed. And they also proved much quicker.
With the Nittos, the 0-60 time dropped to just 3.8 seconds (an incredible 3.4 seconds with a foot of rollout like on a drag strip) and the quarter-mile blew by in 11.8 seconds at 119.8 mph. That's exotic-car territory — right there with the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Dodge Viper SRT-10 and Ford GT. And none of those machines are anywhere near as big or heavy as the Speedfactory Challenger.
In fact, there's so much frontal area on the heavyweight Challenger that as the Speedfactory example ripped by during testing, it was almost possible to feel the air being pushed aside. It's the sort of sensation one might expect from a rocket-propelled boxcar. That is, if the boxcar was taken off its rails before the rocket was lit.
Evil for Evil's Sake
With its tire-roasting power, fantastic sound and aggressive and provocative looks, there's a lot to love about this Speedfactory Vortech Dodge Challenger SRT-8. But there are also limits to that love.
This isn't a car that is easy to throw around like a Miata or even a Mustang; it's just way too big. The supercharged power obviously makes the car more athletic, but even the largest driver can feel swallowed up in the Challenger's tall sills and restricted greenhouse. The seats are comfortably shaped, but the driver still shifts around too much as the car slews through IL's slalom at a modest 60.2 mph. The 0.80g skid pad orbit isn't much of a bragging point either.
But most unforgiveable is the loss of ride comfort that comes with lowering the Challenger. Frankly, no one here expects the Challenger to be a handling champ — it's not that kind of car — but in stock form, the big Dodge is one of America's greatest ground-gobblers. Losing the ability to comfortably swallow half a continent's worth of interstate highway over an afternoon is a pretty big price to pay for the snarky stance. Speedfactory ought to take a look at alternative methods for achieving the same look while sustaining more comfort.
The brakes are stock. Which means they work. And work well. Best stop from 60 mph was 118 feet. Although the pedal is too soft for our taste, fade is not a problem. Impressive, considering the Challenger's heft.
Evil Costs Bucks
Throw in all the pieces and labor to bolt them on, and Speedfactory will sell you a clone of this Challenger for $23,475 plus one stock Challenger SRT8. Or you could just go for the supercharger system, which is available through Vortech for $6,400 (plus installation if you don't want to do it yourself). And yes, Vortech also has a similar kit for the 5.7-liter Hemi in the Challenger R/T.
Evil, it seems, is like speed. It costs money. How evil do you want to be?
01-26-2009, 04:39 PM
#443
an asshole from florida
has anyone seen the interior on this car yet? is it an improvement from the charger?? Looking at pictures the only thing i dont like is the guages
04-05-2009, 03:23 PM
#444
Senior Moderator
2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye
04-05-2009, 03:27 PM
#445
Senior Moderator
Press release...
With six-cylinder fuel efficiency delivering 25 highway mpg and an adaptive five-speed automatic with Auto Stick—new Challenger SE Rallye builds on the excitement of the new Challenger R/T Classic
-- Dodge Challenger SE Rallye features unique design cues including dual body stripes, chromed ‘FUEL’ door, deck lid spoiler, 18-inch aluminum wheels with black pockets and Micro Carbon interior accents
-- Fuel-efficient 3.5-liter V-6 now features a responsive five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick
Best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room provides spacious rear seat for up to three adults
Best-in-class trunk space (16.2 cu. ft.) equal to the Dodge Charger
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 SE Rallye adds even more pony car excitement with a responsive five-speed automatic transmission and bold accented exterior enhancements. The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye starts at $26,490 (including $725 destination) and is available for ordering now at Dodge dealerships nationwide.
“Featuring the transmission from our HEMI-powered Challenger models, the new Dodge Challenger SE Rallye earns its stripes with a five-speed automatic delivering an exhilarating driving experience and 25 miles per gallon fuel-efficiency,” said Mike Accavitti, Director—Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Brands, Chrysler LLC. “And with eye-grabbing details including 18-inch wheels with black painted pockets, deck lid spoiler, and heritage-inspired chromed ‘FUEL’ filler door—Dodge Challenger SE shows off its pony car bloodlines.”
Dodge Challenger SE Rallye is a unique breed and offers more than head-turning good looks. With its throw-back hood and deck lid dual stripes with accent color outer stripes, chromed ‘FUEL’ filler door, 18-inch rallye wheels with all-season performance tires, body-color deck lid spoiler and Micro Carbon interior accents—the new Challenger SE Rallye builds on the Dodge DNA.
The all-new Dodge Challenger SE Rallye is the first six-cylinder Challenger model to offer accented dual stripes, and the first Challenger model to offer deck lid stripes. With seven exterior paint colors and two-color stripe combinations, Dodge Challenger SE Rallye offers even more muscle-car excitement to the Challenger lineup.
Exterior paint colors and dual-stripe combinations on the Dodge Challenger SE Rallye include:
• Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl — with Dark Gray dual stripes and Red accent stripes
• Bright Silver Metallic — with Dark Gray dual stripes and Red accent stripes
• Deep Water Blue Metallic — with White dual stripes and Red accent stripes
• Inferno Red Crystal Pearl — with Black and Dark Gray accent stripes
• TorRed — with Black dual stripes and Dark Gray accent stripes
• Dark Titanium Metallic — with Black dual stripes and Red accent stripes
• Stone White — with Black dual stripes and Red accent stripes
The 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye model features an aluminum block 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivering 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. With 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (339 N•m), this 24-valve engine delivers efficiency and performance.
The all-new Dodge Challenger SE Rallye marks the introduction of the five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick for all Dodge Challenger SE models. With more responsiveness than the previous four-speed transmission, and an aggressive first-gear ratio, the five-speed automatic transmission provides outstanding launch performance and smoothness at any speed.
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 cloth bucket seats are well bolstered. For a more comforting and luxurious feel, heated leather seats finished with French-seamed stitching are available. The advanced uconnect gps with voice recognition, navigation with real-time traffic and Universal Customer Interface (UCI) for iPod connectivity is available on the Dodge Challenger SE Rallye.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye 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 SE Rallye offers comfort and functionality.
2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye Production
Production of the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye will start in April of 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.
All-new 2009 Dodge Challenger
The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics—unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and technology—to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations. The Dodge Challenger accommodates five passengers in a two-door coupe produced from the company’s proven rear-wheel-drive platform. With three models of head-turning styling, two legendary HEMI® V-8 engines choices, more than 25 safety and security features and modern amenities including uconnect gps with voice-activated navigation system and real-time traffic available—the 2009 Dodge Challenger delivers the brand’s “bold, powerful and capable” credo.
Dodge Brand
With a work-hard, play-hard attitude, the Dodge brand continues to offer a full line of cars, trucks, SUVs, commercial vehicles and sales-leading, fifth-generation minivans in 2009. This year, Dodge will add to the award-winning Ram lineup with the introduction of the all-new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 Heavy Duty and 3500 Chassis Cab.
Dodge introduced several new vehicles in 2008, including the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, the 2009 Dodge Challenger and the 2009 Dodge Ram. Dodge also celebrates the 25th anniversary of the minivan during the 2009 model year. With more than 65 minivan-firsts introduced since 1983 and more than 12 million Dodge and Chrysler minivans sold, Chrysler LLC has solidified its leadership in the segment. The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to set the mark in minivan value with more than 40 new or improved features from the previous generation, including unsurpassed 17 city / 25 highway mpg fuel economy. The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is also the first minivan in the segment to feature the all-new Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path advance safety systems.
Also in 2008, the Dodge Journey entered key volume markets outside North America, joining the Dodge Avenger, Nitro and Caliber. Dodge Caliber was the highest sales volume vehicle for the company outside North America in 2008.
-- Dodge Challenger SE Rallye features unique design cues including dual body stripes, chromed ‘FUEL’ door, deck lid spoiler, 18-inch aluminum wheels with black pockets and Micro Carbon interior accents
-- Fuel-efficient 3.5-liter V-6 now features a responsive five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick
Best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room provides spacious rear seat for up to three adults
Best-in-class trunk space (16.2 cu. ft.) equal to the Dodge Charger
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 SE Rallye adds even more pony car excitement with a responsive five-speed automatic transmission and bold accented exterior enhancements. The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye starts at $26,490 (including $725 destination) and is available for ordering now at Dodge dealerships nationwide.
“Featuring the transmission from our HEMI-powered Challenger models, the new Dodge Challenger SE Rallye earns its stripes with a five-speed automatic delivering an exhilarating driving experience and 25 miles per gallon fuel-efficiency,” said Mike Accavitti, Director—Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Brands, Chrysler LLC. “And with eye-grabbing details including 18-inch wheels with black painted pockets, deck lid spoiler, and heritage-inspired chromed ‘FUEL’ filler door—Dodge Challenger SE shows off its pony car bloodlines.”
Dodge Challenger SE Rallye is a unique breed and offers more than head-turning good looks. With its throw-back hood and deck lid dual stripes with accent color outer stripes, chromed ‘FUEL’ filler door, 18-inch rallye wheels with all-season performance tires, body-color deck lid spoiler and Micro Carbon interior accents—the new Challenger SE Rallye builds on the Dodge DNA.
The all-new Dodge Challenger SE Rallye is the first six-cylinder Challenger model to offer accented dual stripes, and the first Challenger model to offer deck lid stripes. With seven exterior paint colors and two-color stripe combinations, Dodge Challenger SE Rallye offers even more muscle-car excitement to the Challenger lineup.
Exterior paint colors and dual-stripe combinations on the Dodge Challenger SE Rallye include:
• Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl — with Dark Gray dual stripes and Red accent stripes
• Bright Silver Metallic — with Dark Gray dual stripes and Red accent stripes
• Deep Water Blue Metallic — with White dual stripes and Red accent stripes
• Inferno Red Crystal Pearl — with Black and Dark Gray accent stripes
• TorRed — with Black dual stripes and Dark Gray accent stripes
• Dark Titanium Metallic — with Black dual stripes and Red accent stripes
• Stone White — with Black dual stripes and Red accent stripes
The 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye model features an aluminum block 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivering 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. With 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (339 N•m), this 24-valve engine delivers efficiency and performance.
The all-new Dodge Challenger SE Rallye marks the introduction of the five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick for all Dodge Challenger SE models. With more responsiveness than the previous four-speed transmission, and an aggressive first-gear ratio, the five-speed automatic transmission provides outstanding launch performance and smoothness at any speed.
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 cloth bucket seats are well bolstered. For a more comforting and luxurious feel, heated leather seats finished with French-seamed stitching are available. The advanced uconnect gps with voice recognition, navigation with real-time traffic and Universal Customer Interface (UCI) for iPod connectivity is available on the Dodge Challenger SE Rallye.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye 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 SE Rallye offers comfort and functionality.
2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye Production
Production of the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye will start in April of 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.
All-new 2009 Dodge Challenger
The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics—unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and technology—to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations. The Dodge Challenger accommodates five passengers in a two-door coupe produced from the company’s proven rear-wheel-drive platform. With three models of head-turning styling, two legendary HEMI® V-8 engines choices, more than 25 safety and security features and modern amenities including uconnect gps with voice-activated navigation system and real-time traffic available—the 2009 Dodge Challenger delivers the brand’s “bold, powerful and capable” credo.
Dodge Brand
With a work-hard, play-hard attitude, the Dodge brand continues to offer a full line of cars, trucks, SUVs, commercial vehicles and sales-leading, fifth-generation minivans in 2009. This year, Dodge will add to the award-winning Ram lineup with the introduction of the all-new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 Heavy Duty and 3500 Chassis Cab.
Dodge introduced several new vehicles in 2008, including the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, the 2009 Dodge Challenger and the 2009 Dodge Ram. Dodge also celebrates the 25th anniversary of the minivan during the 2009 model year. With more than 65 minivan-firsts introduced since 1983 and more than 12 million Dodge and Chrysler minivans sold, Chrysler LLC has solidified its leadership in the segment. The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to set the mark in minivan value with more than 40 new or improved features from the previous generation, including unsurpassed 17 city / 25 highway mpg fuel economy. The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is also the first minivan in the segment to feature the all-new Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path advance safety systems.
Also in 2008, the Dodge Journey entered key volume markets outside North America, joining the Dodge Avenger, Nitro and Caliber. Dodge Caliber was the highest sales volume vehicle for the company outside North America in 2008.
10-29-2009, 12:06 PM
#446
Senior Moderator
2009 Dodge Challenger 1320
10-29-2009, 12:06 PM
#447
Senior Moderator
Press release...
The Dodge Challenger 1320 began life as a Mopar Drag Pak Dodge Challenger. The current Drag Pak option is a light-weight, stripped-down, race-only, special-order version of the Dodge Challenger designed for competitive drag racing.
For the street-legal design, Mopar's design team took the vehicle back to its roots with styling reminiscent of vintage Mopar muscle, updated with today's technology. The Dodge Challenger 1320 image vehicle, named for the 1,320 feet on a quarter-mile drag strip, features Mopar's 426 cubic-inch, all-aluminum, HEMI® V-8 crate engine that generates 556 horsepower. The engine is equipped with unique Mopar-designed valve covers and a dress-up kit. Mopar's long-tube headers and exhaust system allow the cubic inches to breathe. Electric cutouts allow the exhaust to bypass the muffler system, which exits through custom side pipes for added rumble at the dragstrip. Power is put to the ground via a six-speed manual transmission through a custom Dynatrac rear housing with Mopar Dana 60 internals and a selectable, ARB locking differential. Mopar police wheels, widened in the rear, are strapped with Mickey Thompson street-legal drag radials to provide extra grip at launch. A four-corner, adjustable coil-over kit is provided by Mopar as an option for the Dodge Challenger. This system improves the handling of the vehicle under extreme loads of 556 horsepower and 540 lb.-ft. of torque.
Following Mopar's high-impact color heritage, the design team layered the 1320 in Acidic Hue, a non-metallic yellow paint and added matte black graphics. The body is lightened with the following carbon-fiber components from Mopar's design team and Seibon:
• Bulged hood with HEMI scoop
• Front spoiler
• Grille panel/headlamp surround
The interior is equipped with bare necessities--Dodge Viper seats, a sport steering wheel and a Hurst shifter. The rear seat, center console and radio have been removed in order to reduce vehicle weight and maintain the 1320's no-nonsense theme.
For the street-legal design, Mopar's design team took the vehicle back to its roots with styling reminiscent of vintage Mopar muscle, updated with today's technology. The Dodge Challenger 1320 image vehicle, named for the 1,320 feet on a quarter-mile drag strip, features Mopar's 426 cubic-inch, all-aluminum, HEMI® V-8 crate engine that generates 556 horsepower. The engine is equipped with unique Mopar-designed valve covers and a dress-up kit. Mopar's long-tube headers and exhaust system allow the cubic inches to breathe. Electric cutouts allow the exhaust to bypass the muffler system, which exits through custom side pipes for added rumble at the dragstrip. Power is put to the ground via a six-speed manual transmission through a custom Dynatrac rear housing with Mopar Dana 60 internals and a selectable, ARB locking differential. Mopar police wheels, widened in the rear, are strapped with Mickey Thompson street-legal drag radials to provide extra grip at launch. A four-corner, adjustable coil-over kit is provided by Mopar as an option for the Dodge Challenger. This system improves the handling of the vehicle under extreme loads of 556 horsepower and 540 lb.-ft. of torque.
Following Mopar's high-impact color heritage, the design team layered the 1320 in Acidic Hue, a non-metallic yellow paint and added matte black graphics. The body is lightened with the following carbon-fiber components from Mopar's design team and Seibon:
• Bulged hood with HEMI scoop
• Front spoiler
• Grille panel/headlamp surround
The interior is equipped with bare necessities--Dodge Viper seats, a sport steering wheel and a Hurst shifter. The rear seat, center console and radio have been removed in order to reduce vehicle weight and maintain the 1320's no-nonsense theme.
10-29-2009, 01:47 PM
#448
I drive a Subata.
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Mustang > this
10-31-2009, 04:23 AM
#450
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10-31-2009, 10:13 AM
#453
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10-31-2009, 11:06 AM
#455
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01-13-2010, 11:53 AM
#457
Senior Moderator
2010 Dodge Challenger Performance Appearance Package
Press release...
Mopar is giving Dodge Challenger even more of a muscular appearance.
“Our mission at Mopar is to add value to all of our brands,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and Chief Executive Officer – Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our ‘Moparized’ Dodge Challenger is a great example of how we can further enhance the value of all of our Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles.”
Mopar’s new exterior appearance package is now available as a factory production option. The exterior includes a unique body-color hood with scoop, body-color rear “Go-Wing” spoiler and strobe stripe performance graphics. An interior appearance package is also available and includes a Mopar-branded T-handle shifter, bright pedal kit (automatic only), bright door-sill guards, premium carpet floor mats and a full vehicle cover to protect this prized possession.
“We worked closely with Mopar to further enhance the appearance of Dodge’s modern-day muscle machine,” said Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer – Dodge Car Brand. “Our additional design cues effectively communicate the vehicle’s world-class handling, performance and cutting-edge technology.”
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the exterior package is $1,995. The MSRP for the interior package is $945 for the automatic transmission and $780 for the manual transmission. Both options are available on SE and R/T models in the following colors: TorRed, Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal and Bright White.
“Our mission at Mopar is to add value to all of our brands,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and Chief Executive Officer – Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our ‘Moparized’ Dodge Challenger is a great example of how we can further enhance the value of all of our Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles.”
Mopar’s new exterior appearance package is now available as a factory production option. The exterior includes a unique body-color hood with scoop, body-color rear “Go-Wing” spoiler and strobe stripe performance graphics. An interior appearance package is also available and includes a Mopar-branded T-handle shifter, bright pedal kit (automatic only), bright door-sill guards, premium carpet floor mats and a full vehicle cover to protect this prized possession.
“We worked closely with Mopar to further enhance the appearance of Dodge’s modern-day muscle machine,” said Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer – Dodge Car Brand. “Our additional design cues effectively communicate the vehicle’s world-class handling, performance and cutting-edge technology.”
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the exterior package is $1,995. The MSRP for the interior package is $945 for the automatic transmission and $780 for the manual transmission. Both options are available on SE and R/T models in the following colors: TorRed, Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal and Bright White.
01-13-2010, 11:55 AM
#458
Senior Moderator
01-13-2010, 11:57 AM
#459
The sizzle in the Steak
Kill that wing!!!!
T-shifter is nice.
T-shifter is nice.
02-08-2010, 12:46 PM
#461
The sizzle in the Steak
Dodge's new tough-guy color: Furious Fuchsia
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Furious Fuchsia, a pair of words not often seen together is the the name of a new special edition Dodge Challenger muscle car.
The bright purple cars from the still struggling Chrysler Group, available on V8-powered R/T and SRT-8 versions, will be officially unveiled later this week at the Chicago Auto Show, but the company provided photographs ahead of time
Chrysler Group is trying to better define its various brands and products as it attempts to claw back lost market share following years of slumping sales and financial cutbacks that ultimately ended in bankruptcy.
Dodge products like the Challenger muscle car and the four-door Charger sedan are targeted at male car buyers who want performance and a bold image.
Photographs don't really do justice to Furious Fuchsia, Chrysler spokesman Dan Ried insisted, while acknowledging that fuchsia might seem an odd color choice for a male-oriented car.
"I saw it in person and it actually looks pretty cool," he said. "It's tough to capture how it looks in the daylight."
SRT-8 Furious Fuchsia models will have a white interior as standard equipment. It will be optional on R/T models.
Dodge has a history of outrageous color names for its performance cars dating back to the original muscle car era of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Some colors, like Top Banana (yellow) and Sublime (green), and Go Mango (metallic orange) have also been reintroduced in recent years. Furious Fuchsia is an all-new shade.
Only 400 of the 425-horsepower Furious Fuchsia SRT-8 Challengers will be made, the carmaker said. The 400-horsepower R/T version will also be built in limited numbers, but no figure has been announced.
The bright purple cars from the still struggling Chrysler Group, available on V8-powered R/T and SRT-8 versions, will be officially unveiled later this week at the Chicago Auto Show, but the company provided photographs ahead of time
Chrysler Group is trying to better define its various brands and products as it attempts to claw back lost market share following years of slumping sales and financial cutbacks that ultimately ended in bankruptcy.
Dodge products like the Challenger muscle car and the four-door Charger sedan are targeted at male car buyers who want performance and a bold image.
Photographs don't really do justice to Furious Fuchsia, Chrysler spokesman Dan Ried insisted, while acknowledging that fuchsia might seem an odd color choice for a male-oriented car.
"I saw it in person and it actually looks pretty cool," he said. "It's tough to capture how it looks in the daylight."
SRT-8 Furious Fuchsia models will have a white interior as standard equipment. It will be optional on R/T models.
Dodge has a history of outrageous color names for its performance cars dating back to the original muscle car era of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Some colors, like Top Banana (yellow) and Sublime (green), and Go Mango (metallic orange) have also been reintroduced in recent years. Furious Fuchsia is an all-new shade.
Only 400 of the 425-horsepower Furious Fuchsia SRT-8 Challengers will be made, the carmaker said. The 400-horsepower R/T version will also be built in limited numbers, but no figure has been announced.
02-08-2010, 03:48 PM
#463
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02-08-2010, 03:49 PM
#464
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Next color will most likely be Sublime green. Possibly with the introduction of the 6.4L Srt model, if/when it gets announced.
02-08-2010, 04:07 PM
#465
The sizzle in the Steak
Good thing they are only making 400....they're gonna be tough to sell.
Purple is one thing...."pink"...no thanks.
Purple is one thing...."pink"...no thanks.
02-08-2010, 04:11 PM
#466
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This color is coming out for the collectors and car show junkies.
02-08-2010, 04:29 PM
#467
The sizzle in the Steak
^^ I can see purple...but pink?
BWT in this economy, is their really that big of a collector market for 800 pink Dodge Challengers?
I would think the lime green would sell better...but still...800 total?
BWT in this economy, is their really that big of a collector market for 800 pink Dodge Challengers?
I would think the lime green would sell better...but still...800 total?
02-08-2010, 04:31 PM
#468
Fahrvergnügen'd
I'd buy one in that color.
That color says (to me at least), "Fuck you, I'll do what I want. I don't care what you think. Laugh when I leave, that's fine by me. I'm going to bang your sister/mother/girlfriend while you stand here and think you're better than me"
That color says (to me at least), "Fuck you, I'll do what I want. I don't care what you think. Laugh when I leave, that's fine by me. I'm going to bang your sister/mother/girlfriend while you stand here and think you're better than me"
02-08-2010, 04:47 PM
#469
The sizzle in the Steak
^^ You should be in the marketing dept. for Fiat. 
02-08-2010, 05:49 PM
#470
Plum Crazy 
Furious Fuchsia
Furious Fuchsia
02-08-2010, 05:58 PM
#471
I drive a Subata.
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Plum Crazy
Furious Fuchsia Pink
I usually love pretty much everything about Challenger, but no, not this one.
Furious Fuchsia Pink
I usually love pretty much everything about Challenger, but no, not this one.
02-08-2010, 06:22 PM
#472
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This color is to hit home with the old school mopar fans.
And when sublime green hits, it will be huge, people are dying for that color. I dont think it will look so great...but hey, yellow looks better than I thought it would.
And like charliemike said...it will be amazing when some highly modded fuscia challengers whip up at the drag strips and shame some people
02-08-2010, 06:33 PM
#474
The sizzle in the Steak
@ doms av
02-08-2010, 06:36 PM
#476
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02-09-2010, 07:07 AM
#478
Senior Moderator
LOL. I think I saw two of these purple Challengers on the truck on the way to work this morning. If they were in fact that color, Sarlacc is right about it being darker than it looks in those photos.
I tried building an R/T on-line and don't see a purple option so that must have been the color?
I tried building an R/T on-line and don't see a purple option so that must have been the color?
02-09-2010, 09:39 AM
#480
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LOL. I think I saw two of these purple Challengers on the truck on the way to work this morning. If they were in fact that color, Sarlacc is right about it being darker than it looks in those photos.
I tried building an R/T on-line and don't see a purple option so that must have been the color?
I tried building an R/T on-line and don't see a purple option so that must have been the color?
