Dodge Challenger R/T Classic: Yesteryear's Road Warrior Is Back!

Fluctuating gas prices and tight supply of the same hasn't kept America's three major automakers with going ahead with plans to reintroduce the pony car segment to consumers. Sure, the Ford Mustang has been continuously produced since 1964, but the Dodge Challenger (reintroduced in 2008) and the Chevrolet Camaro (reintroduced in 2009) are new entries, filling out the field for classic car enthusiasts.

The Dodge Challenger, like the Camaro and Mustang, hearkens to the design cues of earlier generation models, a car that effectively blends traditional road prowess with modern technology. Now, a new model, the Challenger R/T Classic has been introduced, perhaps the best example of yesteryear's style blending with today's technology.

"Our all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic is more than a modern-day muscle machine, it pays homage to one of the most storied nameplates in automotive history," said Dan Knott, Vice President-Car / Minivan / SRT Product Team, Chrysler LLC. "With heritage-inspired dual-wide body-side R/T stripes, original 'Challenger' heritage badging and the newest generation of our legendary 5.7-liter HEMI(R) V-8 engine, the new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic delivers the greatness of our pony car past with advanced fuel-efficient muscle."

The new model is based on the current Challenger R/T and offers a dual throwback A-line body-side R/T stripes, 'Challenger' fender badging in classic script, large 20-inch polished-chrome heritage wheels with all-season performance tires, classic egg-crate grille with heritage 'R/T' badge, body-color rear spoiler and chromed fuel-filler door.

"Dodge Challenger has a rich performance heritage and the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic encompasses numerous technologies that allow great on- road performance while delivering proven-quality and refinement to ensure its place in the Dodge pony car history," said Knott.

Equipped with a legendary 5.7-liter HEMI(R) V-8 engine under its long, raised performance hood with functional hood scoops to increase engine cooling, the Challenger R/T Classic Track Pak's precision-shift "pistol-grip" shifter, bright pedals, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with defeatable traction control, Hill Start Assist (HSA), four-wheel disc performance braking system and an anti-spin 3.92 differential. A performance-tuned dual exhaust optimizes engine back pressure and exhaust throatiness by replacing the standard under-floor muffler with two low- restriction bottle resonators. The result, a powerful 376 horsepower (280 kW) and 410 lb.-ft. of torque (556 N*m) that can accelerate the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic from zero to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds.

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic starts at $34,005 and is being produced on the same Brampton, Ontario assembly line as the Dodge Charger and the Chrysler 300C. chrysler LLC hasn't said how many of the limited production R/T Challenger Classic models will be built, but in typical Challenger fashion drivers can expect that they'll secure a low volume vehicle, one that should retain its value compared to other models.