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.

Two Guys and a 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T

Our demographically appealing duo of car nuts take on a car that is squarely aimed at a completely different age group. Boomer appeal aside, Eric and Joe found a lot to like about the manual-transmission muscle car.

Dodge Challenger SE for the Young, Convertible for None

Youth will be served — with a V-6 engine.

Mike Accavitti, director of Dodge brand marketing, says the new-for-2009 Challenger SE, which has a 250-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, is aimed at younger buyers who have less cash for a new car than their Boomer counterparts.

"We showed the Challenger to some youth in focus groups when we were creating it, and they said, 'What the hell is that?' They didn't know what it was,” Accavitti said. “But when we told them it would offer a V-6, it changed their perception. The SE, at $21,195, will be for younger folks with limited incomes who can't afford a V-8."

Image-conscious 20-somethings might want the sports car looks along with the 18/25 mpg city/highway they can't get with a Hemi V-8. That engine is found in the $29,995 R/T, which makes 372 hp and has a 16/23 mpg city/highway rating, which really isn't that bad compared with the V-6.

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.

2009 Dodge Challenger Expert Review

First Drive: 2009 Dodge Challenger SE, RT

Fun as the tire-pulverizing Challenger SRT8 is, Dodge cannot survive on 425-hp cars alone. (Or trucks, apparently.) For 2009, the automaker expanded its Challenger lineup to include a full crop of trim levels and drivetrains, and not a moment too soon: Ford has an upgraded Mustang in the works for 2010, and, um, we hear there’s this new car from GM...

Dodge held a press preview of the ’09 Challenger in New York early this month, where we drove the full range — SE, R/T and SRT8 — along with a couple ’08 Mustangs to compare. As you might expect of a car built off Chrysler’s 300/Charger LX platform, the Challenger is big, but balanced. Refinement can be a double-edged sword: Though the R/T feels quicker than a Mustang GT — and all trims remain unfazed when the road gets rough — the Challenger lacks the Mustang’s brash, hang-the-tail-out demeanor. This design might have more staying power, though: It garners more attention than the current ‘Stang did in late 2004. Provided Dodge doesn’t flood Hertz with V-6 models, it could draw stares for some time.

Stay tuned for a full review. Below is our two-minute rundown for each trim; prices exclude a $675 destination charge. There’s also a full photo gallery.

2009 Dodge Challenger Starting Under $22,000

Dodge’s entry-level version of its new Challenger muscle car — the SE — will start at $21,320 (not including the $675 destination charge) when it goes on sale this fall. The 2008 version, which only came in the high-powered SRT8 trim level, is pretty much sold out, and it hasn’t even reached most dealerships yet. For 2009, there are three trim levels, all priced below.

Through Ian's Lens: 2008 Dodge Challenger

Dodge went out and created one of the most retro car designs that the industry has seen, and man did it hit the nail on the head with the exterior look. The 2008 Dodge Challenger debuted at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, but last week was the first time I had a chance to take it out for a spin on the streets. This car gets better-looking every time I see it. Its lines are straight out of 1970, from the pinched grille and round headlights to the slight spoiler and wide-tail backside. The rear pillar angle frames the short, wide front window, and the low (and very tall) bumpers make the back and front of the car stretch on forever. My only beef? The interior is decent but pretty bland. Too much hard plastic on the dash and not enough metal and wood. I’m also amazed at the depth of the front seats and their side bolsters. But forget about the inside. The long hood with racing stripes and air vents adds a snarl that will make any other car on the road look like a kitten.

There’s a full set of photos below. Make sure you let me know what you think of the Challenger’s design in the comments section.

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

This might be the first review Cars.com has ever run of a car that is completely sold out. If you haven’t already put down money on a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, you probably won’t be able to find one – without a huge markup, anyway. Still, senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder’s review is a great read right from the start, and the car will remain virtually unchanged for 2009. And yes, you can sign up for a 2009 now and expect delivery in the fall.

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Expert Review

2008 Challenger SRT8s Officially Sold Out

Chrysler says all 6,400 copies of its Dodge Challenger that will be built and sold for the 2008 model year have been spoken for: The return of the '70s muscle car is totally sold out.

Now that the 2008s have all been snarfed up, it's time to get in line to get your hands on a 2009 model, which will arrive this fall.

If you're dying for a 2008, though, and don't mind shopping on eBay, 28 of those 6,400 sold-out 2008 SRT8 Challengers just happen to have come out of hiding and are listed for sale — 24 of them by dealers — on the site.

Dodge Expects V-6 to Power Almost Half of Challengers

Spurred by high gas prices, Dodge unexpectedly sped the introduction of a V-6 version of the 2009 Challenger, a model that could account for 40% or more of Challenger sales. The Challenger SE, powered by a 3.5-liter V-6, joined the much-anticipated 2009 Challenger R/T — which uses a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 — on stage at the New York auto show. Come fall 2008, those versions will join the current Challenger SRT8, which has a 6.1-liter version of the Hemi V-8 and is the sole trim level available as a 2008.

While Dodge expects the R/T trim level to be the volume seller, Bryan Zvibelman, Chrysler Group's manager of car, minivan and truck product communications, says the model's appeal is broad enough to attract buyers who are less interested in speed. "The look of the car is a big part of its appeal, and people will be happy to have that for just over $20,000," he said. That rough price refers to the base SE trim level; the SRT8 stickers for $37,320.