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Dodge Challenger is an improved blast from the past
Posted: Aug. 2, 2008
Savage dodge big block crate engines on dodge ram front end parts Wheels
Mark Savage
E-MAIL
When Dodge first launched its muscle-bound Challenger, gas was 36 cents a gallon.
The Challenger is back glendora dodge and despite its bright metallic orange paint job, this bastion of 1970s power and style is moving to a slightly different beat. Think of it as relaxed fit jeans with embroidery and patch pockets for the boomers who are waiting to buy it.
Challenger’s dodge caravan window failure power is still massive with dodge dakota high performance throttle body a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 willing to provide a blustery 425 horsepower. But the rumble and grumble are gone. While its sleek tapered nose, dual twin headlamps, full-width tail lights and wide stance are all reminiscent of its 1970s namesake, the car looks a tad chunky.
Riding on thick 20-inch tires, it resembles a Hot Wheels car.
The orange test car was Dodge’s only 2008 Challenger, the SRT8. Tamer versions, with lower price tags, will follow as 2009 models.
2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8
Click to enlarge
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The V-8 is a rocket booster strapped to your fanny. Even with the car’s dodge ram bd diesel valve body considerable weight (4,140 pounds), the SRT8 ramps up to highway speeds and beyond in short order. The SRT8 has traction and stability control to avoid spinning the tires and keeping you headed in the right direction.
Such improvements and Challenger’s modified four-door Charger and Chrysler dodge bumper 300 chassis provide refinement the original never even imagined.
The engine is smooth and doesn’t gargle and spit like in the old days. There’s a roar when you accelerate hard, but the V-8 quiets as soon as you ease off the gas.
The ride also is a nice uaw dodge qualifying blend of sport and comfort. Big craters and railroad tracks give Challenger only a slight jiggle.
Braking from monster 14.2-inch front and 13.8-inch rear discs also fort dodge ford clamps the car to a stop like a racer. I got to drive this around the Road America racetrack and was impressed. With its crisp-shifting five-speed automatic (a buy dodge ram van manual comes in dodge injector pumps 2009), I easily hit 125 mph on two of the long straights.
Inside, the car is all-business black leather community chrysler dodge jeep with a low flat dash. There’s a splash of orange on the seatback, but otherwise this favors function over form.
Four round silver-faced gauges stare at the dodge emblems driver through a four-spoke dodge remove radio tilt/telescope steering wheel with radio and trip computer controls on it. The center stack has a carbon fiber-look trim with three simple round climate control knobs.
But Dodge goes with a more complex set of buttons to control the radio and navigation dodge city kansas system, thanks to an $890 option package.
There’s also a power sunroof ($950 detroit auto show dodge ram option), push button start dodge parts electronic catalog and power seats, although the seatback angle langley dodge adjustment and lumbar are manual. Dodge delivers adding power to dodge truck excellent leather seats with good side and back support, easily the best seat I’ve seen in a Dodge. Head and leg room also are great up front, but foot room is more moderate in back.
For the practical muscle car buyer, there’s sterling heights dodge a large trunk in back, with a bit of a reach over. Plus the rear seats split and fold down. Side air bags are standard, too.
The SRT8 starts at $37,320, and the tester loaded on $4,050 in options, including a $2,160 gas guzzler tax. I got 16.5 mpg in a week’s worth of driving, about 40% on the highway. EPA rates it at 13 mpg city and 18 highway.
Mark Savage welcomes your questions and comments regarding new vehicles at [email protected].
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From the Aug. 2, 2008 editions of the Milwaukee Journal dodge parts diagrams Sentinel
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