A modern shape based on a classic design, the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is a good looking car.
I was born in the year 1980. This means I was "lucky" enough to grow up around cars like the 1981 Ford Mustang with its three-speed automatic transmission and 120 hp V8 (the lowest ever for a V8 powered Mustang) as well as the 1982 Chevrolet Malibu with its 105 hp V6. I missed the Muscle Car era by quite a few years. I was sad about this right up until I was handed the keys to a 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Limited Edition.
In a world of run-of-the-mill car design, the Challenger stands out and you know what you are looking at.
Dressed handsomely in its red paint (called TorRed), the Challenger looks good whether hurtling itself down a dragstrip, cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway or simply parked on the side of the road. It is instantly clear that Dodge was reaching into their way back machine to pull this modern design interpretation together and they nailed it. Yes the car is large in size, yes it will get left behind on curvy roads and yes it has a base price right around $40,000 ($39,320) – but from the moment you are handed the keys to the time you pull back into your driveway, you have a huge smile on your face. Driving this car just feels good.
This 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 has a 6.1L HEMI V8 that is good for 425 growling horses. Hooking that engine up to the optional six-speed manual transmission is a recipe that works well together. The howl from the engine, the optional 255/45ZR20 rear tires squealing and the 3.92 axle ratio locking everything together will have you blasting from stop light to stop light, while other men and women in Mustangs can only hang their head as you blow past them.
Comfortable and well designed, the interior of the SRT8 is a blend of classic style with modern convenience and technology.
As I open the door and slide into the seat I am shocked at how comfortable this car is. The front seats are supportive and sporty yet clearly built by and for Americans (i.e. my butt fit just fine). The steering wheel is larger than I thought it would be, but this is in keeping with the style of the car as a whole. The manual transmission's pistol grip shift knob feels good in the hand and shifts crisply. However, depending on your speed the car occasionally decides it wants you to skip from first gear into fourth which can get quite annoying. The transmission is designed to save a little on gas, but this is not an econobox, and I want second gear when I feel I need it. If you give the clutch another quick workout you can get it into second.
The interior continues the theme from outside with a mix of old world designs interpreted with modern materials and technology. If I feel like getting comfortable, I play with the power 8-way adjustable leather and suede driver's seat that is also heated. The steering wheel is adjustable both via the tilt and the telescopic directions. Since this Challenger has the manual transmission I also have Hill Start assist in case I feel like taking a detour to San Francisco. When I want to get a little geeky (which is often), I am glad that Dodge checked off SRT Option Group II so I can enjoy the upgraded touch-screen sound system complete with 13 Kicker High Performance Speakers, a 200-watt Kicker Subwoofer and a 322-watt Kicker Amplifier. Hooking my iPod up and I am able to control it directly from the aforementioned screen. Whatever I am feeling, be it a desire for comfort or a need to geek out, the bottom line is that I feel I will enjoy this Dodge Challenger SRT8 from mile 1 to mile 100,000.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 takes some time to reflect on its long day of prowling the Southern California streets…
This car is a modern interpretation of a classic muscle car. I think Dodge managed to put those two aspects together perfectly. It has plenty of power and a great style. This car got more looks, stares and thumbs-up than the 2009 Aston Martin Vantage I tested!
The 2009 Challenger SRT8 is a car you don't want to stop driving and I was honestly sad to see it go. It also has a touch of exclusivity which I like in a car. As equipped, this 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Limited Edition will run you $44,425. This is a price point out of reach for many and is welcome in my opinion. There are already enough Mustangs on the road as it is; at over $40K we will keep this muscle car more elusive and special. Dear Dodge, if you ever want me to review this car again you know where to leave the keys…
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