Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge
2009 Dodge Challenger will start at $21,995
by John Neff on Jun 9th 2008 at 10:31AM 
click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SE and R/T
Back in April we reported a top Chrysler executive had leaked to The Detroit Free Press that the 2009 Dodge Challenger SE would start at $23,995. Apparently this executive is not very much in the loop, as Dodge officially announced today that the base model Challenger SE would start at just $21,995, which includes $675 for destination charges. Just to refresh your noodle, the Challenger SE is the base model and comes with a 3.5L V6 producing 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. And for comparison's sake, a 2008 Ford Mustang V6 starts at $19,650, though that's excluding destination charges. The next best Challenger is the R/T model, which Dodge says can be had with a 370-hp 5.7L HEMI V8 starting at $29,995. Finally, the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 that's already been on sale for a year will get a hefty $2,000 bump in its starting price from $37,995 to $39,995. The only new items on the SRT8 for 2009 are a standard limited-slip differential, High Performance Red and B5 Blue paint colors with black hood stripes, and a "pistol-grip" shifter with the Track Pak. Otherwise, the 425-hp muscle car remains largely the same. Does the $2,000 jump in price matter much, though, if you'll never be able to buy the car without a big dealer markup? Regardless, all three models will be available this fall and dealers are already taking orders.
Gallery: 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T and SE
[Source: Chrysler]
PRESS RELEASE
Pricing for All-new 2009 Dodge Challenger to Start in Low $20s
- Three flavors: Dodge Challenger SE, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SRT8®
- All-new five-passenger, two-door coupe available for under $22,000
- Available 5.7-liter HEMI® with five-speed automatic transmission for under $30,000
- Dodge dealerships now taking orders for the 2009 Dodge Challenger
"The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger gives customers a modern-day muscle machine at an incredible value," said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. "For less than $22,000, we've brought Dodge Challenger back and loaded it with head-snapping styling and cutting-edge technology."
The Dodge Challenger is the first five-passenger two-door coupe produced from the Company's proven rear-wheel-drive platform that delivers the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. Developed with Dodge's credo of "bold, powerful and capable," the 2009 Dodge Challenger is available in three models featuring head-turning styling, three available engine options and an automatic or manual transmission.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger has several modern amenities available including uconnect gps with navigation system and real-time traffic, uconnect phone featuring Bluetooth® technology, uconnect studios with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Remote Start and Keyless Go push-button start. In addition, the Dodge Challenger has more than 25 safety and security features including supplemental side-curtain air bags, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist, Traction Control, automatic headlamps, tire pressure monitoring and Hill-Start Assist in Dodge Challengers with the six-speed manual transmission.
Three models are available in the United States: Dodge Challenger SE, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SRT8®.
2009 Dodge Challenger SE
With a U.S. MSRP of $21,995 (including $675 destination), the Dodge Challenger SE comes standard with a 3.5-liter High Output V-6 engine which produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. (339 N•m) of torque. Mated with a four-speed automatic transmission, the Dodge Challenger SE achieves an estimated 18 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Other standard features on Dodge Challenger SE include comfortable seating for up to five adults, best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.), 60/40 split-folding rear bench with arm rests and two cup holders, 17-inch aluminum wheels with P215/65R17 all-season tires, four-wheel disc brakes, side-curtain airbags, remote keyless entry, eight-way power driver's seat, fold-away power mirrors, power locks and windows with express-down, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD radio with MP3 capability and four speakers, cloth low-back bucket seats, manual-tilt and telescoping steering wheel, dual-covered visor vanity mirrors and tire pressure warning lamp.
2009 Dodge Challenger R/T
The U.S. MSRP for the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T is $29,995. Featuring the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, the Dodge Challenger R/T produces an estimated 370 horsepower (276 kW) and 398 lb.-ft. (540 N•m) of torque when paired with the standard five-speed automatic transmission. The 5.7-liter HEMI engine with five-speed automatic transmission is equipped with fuel-saving multi-displacement (MDS) technology which increases fuel economy by as much as 20 percent without sacrificing performance.
Other standard features on the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T include dual chromed rectangular exhaust tips, ABS, ESP, Brake Assist with vented brakes, 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with P225/60HR18 all-season touring tires, fog lamps, body-color exterior mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, rear body-color spoiler and cast-metal fuel door.
The available Track Pak features the Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission with "pistol-grip" shifter for $995. When the six-speed manual transmission is paired with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, it produces an estimated 375 horsepower (280 kW) and 404 lb.-ft. (548 N•m) of torque. The Track Pak also includes Hill-start Assist, limited-slip differential, bright pedal covers and performance steering.
Dodge Challenger SRT8
The U.S. MSRP for the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is $39,995 (including $675 destination). The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers an available six-speed manual transmission or standard five-speed automatic transmission mated to the SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine that produces 425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 N•m) of torque. New for 2009 is a standard limited-slip differential, High Performance Red and B5 Blue (late availability) exterior paint and black hood stripes. A classic "pistol-grip" shifter is included with the available Track Pak which includes the Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission with Hill-start Assist.
Other standard features on the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 include a race-inspired interior featuring performance seats with a red accent stripe and added bolstering which keeps customers in place under spirited driving conditions, four-bomb gauges with tachometer and 180 mph speedometer in the center, "Performance Pages" reconfigurable display that features 0 – 60 mph, 1/4 mile, and 1/8 mile times, uconnect gps, unique SRT-tuned ESP and ABS calibrations, 20-inch fully-forged aluminum wheels, red, painted Brembo brakes, hood with functional dual hood scoops, functional black painted rear spoiler and a unique exhaust note.
Street and Racing Technology (SRT) is Chrysler's in-house performance engineering organization that focuses on five pillars for every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
mk 10:43AM (6/09/2008)
Ten thousand dollar jumps between models... that isn't pocket change, at least not for most.
I wonder how much margin each model increases over the previous one... it can't cost $10K or $20k to implement the changes they describe from SE to RT or to SRT.
But if people will pay it, chrysler can sure use the cash-flow.
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Dan 12:36PM (6/09/2008)
Chrysler has stated in the past that the Hemi is cheaper to manufacture than the SOHC 4.7.
Giving up two cylinders and their associated parts might change that.. but then again it might not.
Pushrods for the win.
Xcountryflyer 1:00PM (6/09/2008)
Smart move to bring the volume 3.5L V6 model at a reasonable price. I think this car is better than the Mustang since the base platform is stronger. I still wouldn't drive one, but hopefully it will be successful for Chrysler.
Torrent 1:30PM (6/09/2008)
I know, the price went from affordable to WTF? Maybe they have the price jump to slot in the Convertibles next year?
Kimura 10:46AM (6/09/2008)
Not bad at all...I'll take a black R/T with the 6-speed.
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Torrent 1:10PM (6/09/2008)
Seconded.....But as much as I like the Challenger, I might just wait for the Camaro still.
Kimura 4:15PM (6/09/2008)
I want both...!
Flashpoint 10:47AM (6/09/2008)
I'm glad to see the Challenger will start with the 3.5L at a price lower than the Charger. The 2.7 has no power at all until 5000 RPM and its a poor choice for any of these 4000 lb LX platforms.
I think the Challenger SRT8 is poorly designed. It is simply a Chopped down Charger with the same 6.1 Hemi they've been using since the Magnum.
They shoulda gone back to the drawing board to cut weight down, rather than just cutting the Charger's rear doors off and changing a couple suspension pieces.
Good car design should be about making specific performance/luxury goals and using technology to meet those goals. Not repackaging and rebranding.
That's what Ford's done with the 500 and its an obvious loser.
In fairness, the SRT8 is the fastest full size car under $45,000 (rated by Car & Driver). Even the Supercharged Jaguar XF takes longer to reach 60 (also because it weighs 35 lbs more)
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Kimura 11:13AM (6/09/2008)
So in the same post you first criticize what Dodge has done then acknowledges that it's a hell of a car. It's no where near as simple as lopping off 2 doors. anyway. There's a lot of structural reworking that must be done. As for suspension...while the architectures is the same it's tuned differently than the other LX SRT8's.
LCRacerX 11:51AM (6/09/2008)
This is a quite naive point of view. Virtually every manufacturer uses the same chassis / drive train across multiple platforms. For instance:
Compare the Hummer H2 against the Chevy Tahoe & GMC Yukon. It's the same thing. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hummer_H2)
Compare the Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. the Chrysler Crossfire. It's the same thing. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_Crossfire)
Hell, the Cadillac Escalade was/is just a GMC Yukon.
Whenever a car manufacturer builds a "platform", it is used for that niche of vehicle (full size SUV vs. full size sedan vs. etc). IE: LX = full size for Chrysler & make no mistake about it, the Challenger is a full-size 2 DOOR COUPE. Why would you expect anything else & who would pay the cost for a specially manufactured chassis & drive-train ?? That 30K R/T would be significantly more expensive. The LX platform has been very successful for Chrysler; I'm glad they used a tried & true platform versus designing & manufacturing something new.
Wake up - all manufacturers share platforms across models & "repackage" or "rebrand" those cars & trucks.
Parkerman 12:05PM (6/09/2008)
There are rumors that it will be fitted with a larger engine [the SRT version].. and that the 6.1 was just to pretty much get it out there.
MemphisNET 12:09PM (6/09/2008)
You gotta give Chrysler credit... yes, the LX cars are HEAVY - but they never feel that way. The 3.5 is a very good engine. I would have prefered one more gear in the tranny, but the current 4speeds are at least (finally) reliable and not bad for economy. They're also very smooth.
Hopefully the next-gen V6's and 6speeds will get here soon!
damion 1:19PM (6/10/2008)
you should learn a little about curb weight and crash tests
TriShield 11:01AM (6/09/2008)
Excellent base price for the R/T, that just shot up the list for my next new car. Track-Pack, 20s, skip the navigation/mygig nonsense FTW.
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Kwesi 11:02AM (6/09/2008)
thats an impressive base price. really attractive, im sure
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Level 11:03AM (6/09/2008)
$21,995, starting price for an Icon? not bad at all...and u get the better v6 then the Fords V6 Ranger truck engine lol
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That One Person 5:42PM (6/09/2008)
It may be a truck engine but the base Mustang's performance numbers aren't all that bad. And seeing as a base V-6 Mustang weighs something like 600lbs LESS than the SRT-8 (I have a feeling the V-6 version will weigh in close to 4k lbs), the Mustang will be fine...performance wise.
Level 8:12PM (6/09/2008)
we can both agree the Mustang Deserves the Better V6's that ford has in its portfolio...Atleast the Fusion V6 is better rated....
That One Person 6:25PM (6/10/2008)
Oh, I totally agree. I think the 3.5L would be great in the Mustang. It has a good amount of power (more than Chrysler's 3.5L). And it sounds damn good.
But what I was trying to get at, and I didn't mean to be rude about it, was that a lot of people bash the 4.0L. Yeah, it's a decade old and hasn't been updated. But the engine serves a purpose and actually does it pretty well. The performance numbers of a V-6 Mustang are definitely nothing to scoff at.
srivendel 11:13AM (6/09/2008)
R/T w/6-speed and Track Pack for $31k? Not. Bad. At. All.
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