Cars.com Reviews 2009 Dodge Challenger
Kelsey Mays had the good fortune to test-drive all three trim levels of the 2009 Dodge Challenger, which include the SE, R/T and SRT8. You can't underestimate the Challenger's appeal, as Kelsey discovered during a run-in with a state highway patrolman who just wanted some photographic evidence of his find. Does the Challenger deliver the goods? How will it stack up against other examples of American muscle, like Ford's Mustang and GM's Camaro? Read Kelsey's full review to find out.
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Why doesn't Dodge use the 6-speed auto from the Avenger/Sebring for the Challenger's 3.5L unit? Is it not the same engine, or am I wrong?
Firstly the Avenger/Sebring are front wheel drive with transverse engine, and secondly it really isn't a 6 speed automatic.
It is still the same four speed automatic with a secondary planetary gearset giving 8 forward gears (but two of them are direct drive)
http://www.allpar.com/mopar/transmissions/62TE.html
Is it that heavy? The orginal ran just fine with a 140hp slant 6. It should be able to take a 2.7L or better yet bring back the 4cyl and adapt it for RWD. The company need to bring back a 4 banger badly. It was what saved them last time. How about a V4 based on the 3.7L V6? That should be a piece of cake for them.
The 2.7 V6 would be acceptable if it had the Mercedes 7g-tronic transmission connected to it.
As it stands, the 3.5 V6 & 4 speed automatic accelerates marginally quicker than most 4 cylinder sedans.
V4 engines are for motorcycles.