V-6 Dodge Challenger Gains Five-Speed Automatic, New Trim

While the rebirth of the Dodge Challenger happened just last summer, the coupe is already facing stiff competition from a new Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. To keep up with the Joneses, Chrysler has added a new trim level and a five-speed automatic transmission to all V-6 models. They will still be called 2009 models, so make sure to check the car’s sticker to see if it’s equipped with the new five-speed.

Previous V-6 models are stuck with a dated four-speed automatic. The new five-speed automatic — the same one available on the Challenger R/T and SRT-8 — offers better performance and comes with manual-shift functionality. The new transmission doesn’t enhance gas mileage, which remains at 17/25 mpg.

The new trim, called SE Rallye, essentially adds the retro styling package available on V-8 models to the V-6, with seven new color choices. It also features pronounced dual body stripes, a rear spoiler, 18-inch wheels with black-painted pockets, a retro-styled fuel door and micro carbon interior accents.

The SE Rallye will cost $25,765, not including a $725 destination charge. The five-speed SE and SE Rallye will go into production in the next few days. As of now, there’s no announced price increase for the $22,220 base SE with the new transmission.

Comments

I hope they offer it with a 2.7-liter V6 and no ABS so they can sell it to the rental fleets.

they should have made some adjustments to the tranny's gear ratios to try to get the highway mileage closer to the camaros. if people really want peformance, they can buy the v8. oh well.

You mean the 2.7 V6 that had very frequent problems of oil sludge resulting in engine failure?

I think Chrysler used that up 'til '07, too...

Cody, I think you mean axle ratio.
A transmission's gear ratios are pretty hard to change (read $) but the rear ring & pinion is easy as pie.

Finally it gets a 5 speed auto, when the industry is moving to 6 speed autos.
Too little, too late.

george,

thanks. i didn't even think about how easy it would have been for them to change the axle ratio..being a rwd car. either way, they should have found a way to increase fuel economy. seems to be a hot button issue these days and chrysler's losing out every time.

Always a step behind the others. That's how Chrysler's product had been lately.