Story and photos by John LeBlanc
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J.–Going against everything your mother taught you, Dodge served up a healthy portion of dessert first by introducing the top-of-line SRT8 version of its new-age Challenger muscle car last spring.
By now, all 500 Canadian examples of those 2008 high-performance SRT8 Challengers have been gobbled up by enthusiasts and religious Mopar zealots – some having made deposits at dealers as far back as 2005 when rumours of a reborn Challenger started floating around.
But for the 2009 model year, it's time for Chrysler Canada to offer the main course of Brampton-built Challengers with three, more-affordable models to better match the lineup of its only rival so far, Ford's Mustang.
The '09 Challenger SRT8 ($45,995 ) obviously returns. Now, though, there's a newly optional six-speed manual transmission to complement last year's standard five-speed auto, limited-slip differential, the choice to delete the gregarious "carbon fibre" hood stripes, and red joins orange, black and silver as exterior colours.
For the less performance needy, there's also a new $34,995 R/T '09 model with the familiar 5.7 L V8, upgraded this year to 372 hp and the five-speed slushbox. An optional Track Pack adds the same six-speed manual as in the SRT8, LSD, and four more horsepower.
Where Chrysler says its two V8 Challengers respectively line up against the $54,299 Mustang Shelby GT 500 and the $33,716 Mustang GT California Special, the real meat and potatoes portion of the lineup are the new Challenger SE and SXT with a 3.5 L 250 hp/250 lb-ft V6.
Although some may consider the V6 models an afterthought in a segment based heavily on speed and performance, sixes make up the majority of buyers in the market. And instead of weekend toys, owners tend to drive these cars more on a daily basis.
So far this year, Ford Canada has sold about 5,000 Mustangs; 60 per cent of which were V6s. As such, Chrysler thinks they can grab a big chunk of that action as well.
"Right now, all the enthusiasts are snatching up the SRT8 and R/Ts," said Chrysler Canada's Jim Morrison.
"But eventually, we expect over half our sales will come from the V6 models."
One can get a base model '09 Challenger SE for $24,995. That's $81 more than the least expensive V6 Mustang Coupe. But all Challenger V6s come with a four-speed automatic transmission and one-inch larger 17-inch alloys – both extras on the `Stang.
But those low-ball prices are for the automaker's marketing department only.
In reality, the next rung up $26,995 Challenger SXT, that adds 18-inch rims, traction/stability control, ABS and other modern must-haves, is the model most buyers will choose.
So how does Dodge's five-passenger rear-wheel-drive coupe stack up against Ford's 2+2 rear-wheel-drive coupe?
Chrysler made available a comparably equipped $26,164 Mustang V6 Coupe with a four-speed auto and a 4.0 L V6 with 210 hp here at Raceway Park, just south of New York City, in New Jersey.
Its wheelbase may have been shortened over 100 mm from the platform the Challenger coupe shares with the full-size Charger/300C sedans. But parked side-by-side, it's obvious how much bigger the full-size Challenger is compared to the more petite Ford.
Comparatively, this size difference forms both the Dodge's biggest strengths and weaknesses.
First, from a practicality standpoint, the Challenger SXT beats out the Mustang V6 handily.
There's more front shoulder room, over 230 mm more rear legroom, and 90 L more trunk room. The Challenger SXT also accommodates a wider variety of driver seating positions. It's steering wheel telescopes and tilts (Mustang's only tilts) and its cloth seats are more comfortable and offer more lateral support.
Plus interior build quality, recently a Chrysler bug-a-boo, has been improved in the Challenger. It makes the Mustang's cockpit look crude and unsophisticated.
There's no getting around the fact that the Challenger's Mercedes-Benz derived chassis, with its five-link rear independent suspension is a better day-to-day driving solution than the creaky and aging Mustang with archaic solid rear axle.
The extra 170 kg the Dodge carries around, however, negates its horsepower advantage – it's about a half second behind the Ford.
The Challenger SXT's fuel consumption, though, at 11.4 city, 7.9 highway is a near match to the Mustang V6's ratings.
Although less refined and generally a cruder driving affair, the Mustang does have some appeal for those looking for a more sports car style experience.
Its smaller size, which has the driver sitting lower than in the Challenger, and lower weight make it feel more nimble.
Plus there's the available five-speed manual and the convertible roof option that the Challenger doesn't offer, yet.
But the Chellanger looks like nothing else on the road today.
True story: While driving the Challenger, I had one guy in an Accord Coupe pull along side and wave me down in traffic.
"It might cost me my marriage, but I have to get one of those."
And using the vernacular from the era when these two automobiles were born, there's little doubt that the Dodge Challenger, even in V6 form, is the more masculine of these "secretary specials."
Based on the overall driving experience, the newer Challenger SXT is the clear winner here, and a real Mustang alternative to those looking for cheap, rear-drive fun.
2009 Dodge Challenger SXT
PRICE: $26,995
ENGINE: 3.5 L V6
POWER/TORQUE:250 hp/250 lb.-ft.
FUEL CONSUMPTION:City 11.4, hwy. 7.9 L/100 km
COMPETITION: Ford Mustang, next spring's Chevrolet Camaro and Hyundai Genesis Coupe
WHAT'S BEST: Affordable eye-catcher; refined driving experience; a real rear seat
WHAT'S WORST:No stick; big car feel
WHAT'S INTERESTING:Time to trade in the minivan: three baby seats will fit across the rear seats.
Comments
Story and photos by John LeBlanc
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J.–Going against everything your mother taught you, Dodge served up a healthy portion of dessert first by introducing the top-of-line SRT8 version of its new-age Challenger muscle car last spring.
By now, all 500 Canadian examples of those 2008 high-performance SRT8 Challengers have been gobbled up by enthusiasts and religious Mopar zealots – some having made deposits at dealers as far back as 2005 when rumours of a reborn Challenger started floating around.
But for the 2009 model year, it's time for Chrysler Canada to offer the main course of Brampton-built Challengers with three, more-affordable models to better match the lineup of its only rival so far, Ford's Mustang.
The '09 Challenger SRT8 ($45,995 ) obviously returns. Now, though, there's a newly optional six-speed manual transmission to complement last year's standard five-speed auto, limited-slip differential, the choice to delete the gregarious "carbon fibre" hood stripes, and red joins orange, black and silver as exterior colours.
For the less performance needy, there's also a new $34,995 R/T '09 model with the familiar 5.7 L V8, upgraded this year to 372 hp and the five-speed slushbox. An optional Track Pack adds the same six-speed manual as in the SRT8, LSD, and four more horsepower.
Where Chrysler says its two V8 Challengers respectively line up against the $54,299 Mustang Shelby GT 500 and the $33,716 Mustang GT California Special, the real meat and potatoes portion of the lineup are the new Challenger SE and SXT with a 3.5 L 250 hp/250 lb-ft V6.
Although some may consider the V6 models an afterthought in a segment based heavily on speed and performance, sixes make up the majority of buyers in the market. And instead of weekend toys, owners tend to drive these cars more on a daily basis.
So far this year, Ford Canada has sold about 5,000 Mustangs; 60 per cent of which were V6s. As such, Chrysler thinks they can grab a big chunk of that action as well.
"Right now, all the enthusiasts are snatching up the SRT8 and R/Ts," said Chrysler Canada's Jim Morrison.
"But eventually, we expect over half our sales will come from the V6 models."
One can get a base model '09 Challenger SE for $24,995. That's $81 more than the least expensive V6 Mustang Coupe. But all Challenger V6s come with a four-speed automatic transmission and one-inch larger 17-inch alloys – both extras on the `Stang.
But those low-ball prices are for the automaker's marketing department only.
In reality, the next rung up $26,995 Challenger SXT, that adds 18-inch rims, traction/stability control, ABS and other modern must-haves, is the model most buyers will choose.
So how does Dodge's five-passenger rear-wheel-drive coupe stack up against Ford's 2+2 rear-wheel-drive coupe?
Chrysler made available a comparably equipped $26,164 Mustang V6 Coupe with a four-speed auto and a 4.0 L V6 with 210 hp here at Raceway Park, just south of New York City, in New Jersey.
Its wheelbase may have been shortened over 100 mm from the platform the Challenger coupe shares with the full-size Charger/300C sedans. But parked side-by-side, it's obvious how much bigger the full-size Challenger is compared to the more petite Ford.
Comparatively, this size difference forms both the Dodge's biggest strengths and weaknesses.
First, from a practicality standpoint, the Challenger SXT beats out the Mustang V6 handily.
There's more front shoulder room, over 230 mm more rear legroom, and 90 L more trunk room. The Challenger SXT also accommodates a wider variety of driver seating positions. It's steering wheel telescopes and tilts (Mustang's only tilts) and its cloth seats are more comfortable and offer more lateral support.
Plus interior build quality, recently a Chrysler bug-a-boo, has been improved in the Challenger. It makes the Mustang's cockpit look crude and unsophisticated.
There's no getting around the fact that the Challenger's Mercedes-Benz derived chassis, with its five-link rear independent suspension is a better day-to-day driving solution than the creaky and aging Mustang with archaic solid rear axle.
The extra 170 kg the Dodge carries around, however, negates its horsepower advantage – it's about a half second behind the Ford.
The Challenger SXT's fuel consumption, though, at 11.4 city, 7.9 highway is a near match to the Mustang V6's ratings.
Although less refined and generally a cruder driving affair, the Mustang does have some appeal for those looking for a more sports car style experience.
Its smaller size, which has the driver sitting lower than in the Challenger, and lower weight make it feel more nimble.
Plus there's the available five-speed manual and the convertible roof option that the Challenger doesn't offer, yet.
But the Chellanger looks like nothing else on the road today.
True story: While driving the Challenger, I had one guy in an Accord Coupe pull along side and wave me down in traffic.
"It might cost me my marriage, but I have to get one of those."
And using the vernacular from the era when these two automobiles were born, there's little doubt that the Dodge Challenger, even in V6 form, is the more masculine of these "secretary specials."
Based on the overall driving experience, the newer Challenger SXT is the clear winner here, and a real Mustang alternative to those looking for cheap, rear-drive fun.
2009 Dodge Challenger SXT
PRICE: $26,995
ENGINE: 3.5 L V6
POWER/TORQUE:250 hp/250 lb.-ft.
FUEL CONSUMPTION:City 11.4, hwy. 7.9 L/100 km
COMPETITION: Ford Mustang, next spring's Chevrolet Camaro and Hyundai Genesis Coupe
WHAT'S BEST: Affordable eye-catcher; refined driving experience; a real rear seat
WHAT'S WORST:No stick; big car feel
WHAT'S INTERESTING:Time to trade in the minivan: three baby seats will fit across the rear seats.