New 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic: $33,280
Now that Chrysler has its bailout money, the automaker is trying to go back to business as usual. Though its factories are set to “off,” the automaker unveiled a few new concepts at the 2009 Detroit auto show. Hidden beneath those drab displays was a diamond in the rough: a new trim level for the Dodge Challenger.
Dubbed the R/T Classic, the new Challenger will be available in February for a just-announced price of $33,280 (destination tacks on another $725). That’s $3,460 more than a standard R/T. They're not at dealers yet, but you can order one now.
The R/T Classic steals even more styling cues from the 1970s Challenger, including new dual body racing stripes, original Challenger badging and the original “B5 Blue” paint job. Additionally, all R/T Classics come with functional dual hood scoops. Twenty-inch wheels replace standard 18s as part of the package. They’re a $1,350 option on a standard R/T.
The R/T Classic is available with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. Like the regular R/T, opting for the six-speed manual will give you a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 that packs marginally better power and performance numbers than the automatic V-8 — which features a fuel-saving multi-displacement system.
There’s also performance-tuned dual exhaust — deleting the muffler for two low-restriction resonators – which enhances engine back pressure and exhaust throatiness, Chrysler says.
With Chrysler sales down 30% for the year, the automaker has been hurt more by this recession than other automakers thanks to its lackluster lineup of vehicles. The Challenger remains one of the automaker’s few sales successes, racking up 17,423 sales in 2008. The Challenger only went on sale in the spring of 2008, and initially only in limited numbers as an expensive SRT8 model. So the pony car has the potential for continued success in 2009, despite the bad economy.
Adding a nostalgic trim level that panders to Baby Boomers — a buyer who traditionally buys this type of car — can only help the Challenger’s prospects in 2009.
Detail specs:
Challenger R/T Classic
- 376-hp, 5.7-liter V-8 with 410 pounds-feet of torque w/Tremec six-speed manual transmission
- 372-hp, 5.7-liter V-8 with 401 pounds-feet of torque w/five-speed automatic transmission
- Performance-tuned exhaust
- B5 Blue paint R/T racing strips
- “Challenger” fender badging in classic script
- Body-colored rear spoiler
- Chromed fuel-filler door
- 20-inch polished chrome wheels w/all-season performance tires
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It really is a nice looking car!
Now if you promise great fuel economy and back it with a service plan from Toyota I'll buy one! Yes I know it applies to a niche market Jack Ask - now maybe you'll think twice at buying a supposed big 3 product when they're crying the blues and getting Gov handouts. Boy this spiffy new fuel saver should really pull them out of the red and put your tax dollars back in your wallet - right!?! CAW CAW CAW says the crow! Entitlement is our right! CAW CAW CAW!
This is in response to the FIZBIT comment about the Big 3 auto makers. Toyota would not be as profitable as they are if they were required to pay an import tax for their product. Why is it that the USA allows foreign manufacturers of any product to come in here without paying excise taxes yet if our businesses go out of country to prosper their governments tax the hell out of us so that we cannot compete. Make Toyota pay a comparable excise tax and they would not be able to compete with the big 3. It's not about quality. It's about money. It always has been and always will be.
Well said Todd Wilson!! Toyota is getting the market handed to them on a silver platter by our govt.! They claim to be American made, every bit of the profit from their vehicles goes directly back to JAPAN!!! Thats about as un-american as you can get! WAKE UP AMERICA-- BUY AMERICAN!!! Help out the American economy instead of the Japanese economy!! 50% or more of the people that are crying and whining about the U.S. economy are driving foreign made vehicles, GO FIGURE!!!
I went to buy a 2009 Challenger SRT8 because of the Goverment money till I got there and found out there is nothing done for this car No employee pricing supplyer discount No real warenty they say they need the Goverment money to bail them out if I was having money problems I would want any customer that I could get I own Mopar now but may have to look at the new camaro this fall hate to do it but maybe they may want to sell some scrap Iron