Retrolicious: Chrysler unveils 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye
Challenger SE Rallye – Click above for high-res image gallery
Attention ponycar people: the V6-powered Challenger SE is now available with a pretty slick new dress-up package. The Challenger SE Rallye takes the base car and adds stripes, an R/T-style chrome fuel door, black-accented 18-inch wheels, and a rear decklid spoiler. The Rallye also introduces the 5-speed AutoStick to the six-cylinder Challengers. The 4-speed slushbox is history, and the 5-speed is reportedly geared for more energetic launches. Think of it as a package akin to the killer-looking R/T Classic, only for the entry-level car. Starting price, according to the Pentastar, is $26,490 and it can be ordered immediately. Ridiculously long PR follows the jump.
UPDATE: We did post on the Challenger SE Rallye earlier today, but the focus of that post was mainly the addition of the 5-speed AutoStick, nor did we have the full gallery of high-res images or official press release at that this post contains.
Gallery: 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye
[Source: Chrysler]
PRESS RELEASE:
New 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye Earns Its Stripes
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.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
MemphisNET 1:35PM (3/30/2009)
Alex hustles like a 4spd Challenger changes geras! Sam A. beat you buddy.
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AntBee 1:41PM (3/30/2009)
Yes, but this one has more purty pictures and a long ass press release.
The 3rd picture isn't coming up, BTW. Can you fellas fix it?
Rob 1:45PM (3/30/2009)
Uh, what?
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/30/dodge-finally-adds-a-five-speed-automatic-to-v6-challenger-se/
MemphisNET 2:04PM (3/30/2009)
I know, I'm being a smart-ass -- god bless the internet. :D
Epyx 1:43PM (3/30/2009)
How is this post different than the one by Sam Abuelsamid on Mar 30th, 2009 at 9:57AM?
Both cool but could these have not been combined?
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James 2:51PM (3/30/2009)
"How is this post different than the one by Sam Abuelsamid on Mar 30th, 2009 at 9:57AM?"
As in the famous misquote from the movie, Casablanca...
"Play it again, Sam.."
Mazda FTW! 1:46PM (3/30/2009)
I dunno where my first post went but whatever...
This, ladies & gentlemen, is artwork on wheels. Beautiful.
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Frank 1:54PM (3/30/2009)
I'm really liking those wheels.
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Tommy 2:00PM (3/30/2009)
Is it any faster?
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MikeW 2:37PM (3/30/2009)
If they switched the axle ratio to 3.06 from 3.64, it still is faster.
If they left it the same at 3.64 it is markedly faster
If they shortened the axle ratio to 3.9 (2.7 V6's axle ratio) then it is Camaro rivaling fast! (non-stick, non summer tire version)
That One Person 9:03PM (3/30/2009)
I doubt Dodge could get a V-6 Challenger to be as quick as a V-6 Camaro. Numbers for the Camaro are in the high five second range while the Challenger is in the low to mid 7 second range.
MikeW 6:46PM (3/31/2009)
Why not?
With a 3.9 axle ratio in the Challenger [super gas guzzling configuration], you'd upshift out of 1st at 35, 2nd at 60, 3rd at 100, 4th at 140, 5th 140 drag limited
This compares well against the tall geared (GM could/should use the 3.45 vs 3.27 axle ratio in the Camaro) 1-40, 2-70, 3-110, 4-150, 5-top speed 155mph, 6-super cruise
So even being off 20% in power against the direct injection 3.6, you could be as fast as the Camaro in the 1/4 (assuming summer tires and non open differential)
Farmboy 10:49PM (3/30/2009)
Remember the racing stripes rule. So basically it is a V8!!! :D
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Taglane 2:08PM (3/30/2009)
That is awesome! But why look fast if you can't go fast? Taking notes out of Mitsubishi's Eclipse handbook, are we?
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MajorGeek 2:33PM (3/30/2009)
So people who don't have 50 or 60k plus to blow can have cheap, fast cars? Perhaps your unfamiliar with purchasing many cars, for example the Mustang, barebones and beefing it up yourself. It works for those who can tinker and when parts are readily available. You can buy used 1990+ Corvettes all day long for 10k, for example. Pretty cheap way to get some performance. Of course, the Challenger is new again, so time will tell.
Taglane 2:44PM (3/30/2009)
ok....
MemphisNET 2:20PM (3/30/2009)
This is the part I was looking for :
""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""
Yay!
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Tomac 2:36PM (3/30/2009)
Shed about 800 lb and offer a manual tranny across the board on this behemoth, and you have my attention, Chrysler. Otherwise, I'd sooner tool around in a Grand Marquis. This car is dead along with the the rest of the company.
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Astonman 2:46PM (3/30/2009)
I had the pleasure of looking at, sitting in, and driving a 09 r/t in white with a manual becuase ...... I am buying it. The car is gorgeous, The interior is comforatable, The ride is nice and with some tweeking will be great, and I can fit my drunk brother in the trunk and he;s 6'5 350lb. The only thing about this car that is negative is its mass but thats managable and part of owning muscle. I cant wait till I pick it up.
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Alex Nunez 4:00PM (3/30/2009)
Congrats. That's a hell of a car, and it's downright fun with the stick. The interior's better than people give it credit for, too.