see article at the bottom of this page recommending
For more information on Prices and Availability, please call us on +44 (0) 20 8889 4545 or e-mail us at sales@americancarimports.com
American Car Imports is a Dodge Challenger Dealer and UK Importer. Looking like a modern reincarnation of the 1970 Challenger made famous in the film Vanishing Point, this new Dodge Challenger is arguably the most authentic of the American muscle car makeovers manufactured to-date. For 2009, The Dodge Challenger is available in 3 different models and engine sizes. We import the 6.1 Hemi version known as the SRT8, the 5.7 Hemi engined model called the R/T and the 3.5 V6 Model known as the SE. Every Challenger we import undergoes the most ingenious modifications to keep the car looking original whilst still able to meet the SVA lighting regulations.
Just over two years after featuring as a concept at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, the Dodge Challenger is now being sold all over the US, albeit in limited numbers. The Challenger is reviving an iconic name and shape made famous by the Mopar muscle car of 1970. Dodge has seen how popular the retro looking Mustang has been for Ford and they are trying to go one-better. Being buit as a big muscular rear-wheel-drive coupe, initially available exclusively with a 6.1L HEMI V8 that powers the new Challenger to 60 mph in the low 5-second range, it shares the Chrysler LX platform with the Charger and Chrysler 300. In its final production form, the car has changed remarkably little from the concept, and looks quite awesome! When you get inside this car and start to drive it, you really feel that you are in a muscle car. It has quite a different feeling to being in the Mustang, which althoughvery impressive, does not feel like a muscle car.
Compared to the concept car, the bumper is now more prominent and the detailing of the taillights has been revised. A flat black lip spoiler is now mounted on the trailing edge of the boot lid while the Challenger badges on the rear fenders have been dumped. The rear driver side fender now also features a prominent chrome fuel filler cap. The wheelbase of the LX platform has been shrunk from an enormous 120 inches for the Chrysler sedans to a merely large 116 inches for the Challenger. That puts the span between the axles at 9 inches longer the Mustang, which provides more interior space.
Vanishing Point (1971) helped make the Challenger famous and highly desirable-see how the new Challenger stacks up!
For the shortened 2008 model year run, Dodge is only manufacturing 6,400 Challengers, all in SRT8 form. That means all examples will be powered by the the same 6.1L HEMI with 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque as other Chrysler SRT8 variants. Although enthusiasts might be disappointed, the reality is that most American buyers probably won't care that 2008 Challengers will only come in two-pedal, automatic mode. Starting in 2009 and available now, Dodge has widened the appeal of the challenger by adding availability of the 5.7L HEMI, as well as a V6. Putting power and torque to the pavement is the responsibility of 245/45 front and 255/45 rear Goodyear F1 tires on 20-inch wheels. Dodge has also added a six speed manual transmission to the SRT8.
The interior design picks up many components from its Dodge stable mates, such as the steering wheel, instrument cluster and switchgear, otherwise the rest of the dash is unique to this model. The cluster hood is similar to the like the version in the concept and the seats appear to be brought over from other SRT models with their enormous bolsters that will easily keep the driver positioned directly in front of the steering wheel. Unlike the Mustang, the Challenger can take three passengers in the rear compartment.
2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Manual 0-60 and Quarter Mile Time
For more information on Prices and Availability, please call us on +44 (0) 20 8889 4545 or e-mail us at sales@americancarimports.com
Dodge Challenger R/T
Dodge are offering the Challenger R/T with the 5.7 litre V-8 Hemi engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission and a power output of 370 bhp and 398 lb ft of torque. The Challenger R/T will be the first modern large Hemi engined car available with manual transmission, on offer is a Tremec 6-speed manual option borrowed from the Viper fitted with a Pistol Grip style shifter reminiscent of the 1970’s cars. Choosing the manual transmission increases the cars already impressive statistics to 375 bhp with 404 lb ft of torque and the 0-60mph dash taking well under 6 seconds. American Car Imports anticipate demand for this version to be extremely high, so, if you are interested contact ACI now on +44 (20) 8889-4545.
Dodge Challenger R/T 0-60 and Quarter Mile Time
Dodge Challenger SE
There is also an entry level SE Challenger with a 3.5 litre V-6 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission with 250 bhp and 250 lb ft of torque, still retaining the classic looks and 70’s styling of the V-8 powered cars but available at a very affordable price. Both the R/T and the SE are to be equipped with a host of safety features including ABS, ESP, brake assist, side airbags, traction control and tyre pressure monitoring systems. A hill start assist feature holds the manually equipped car in place on hill starts.
A host of additional options are available such as the MyGig multimedia system with Boston Acoustics speakers, Power Sunroof and High Intensity Discharge Headlamps making the overall offer from Dodge truly a car to be reckoned with. Is this now the class leader, taking over from Ford’s Mustang or is the new Camaro the model to buy? Check out this comparison video.
Comparison Video Featuring 2009 Dodge Challenger, 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, and 2010 Ford Mustang
FIRST DRIVE TEST IN
Featuring American Car Imports
Dodge Challenger SRT8
Test date 06 February 2008 Price as tested £49,995
Challenger's 6.1-litre HEMI V8 proffers a hefty 425bhp
What is it?
Dodge’s new version of its classic muscle car, coming to the North American market this April. This two-door coupe competes with the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet’s forthcoming Camaro, the latter due in early 2009.
A remake of the 1970-1974 Challenger (of Vanishing Point fame), the new Challenger is based on a cut-down Dodge Charger (a version of the Chrysler 300C, itself based on the long-gone W210 Merc E-Class).
The Challenger comes in SRT8 form only for the 2008 model year, meaning it’s motivated by the same 425bhp, 6.1-litre pushrod Hemi V8 you’ll find in the 300C SRT8.
What’s it like?
It’s big and bulky but cool nonetheless. Import one into the UK in the best hue, Hemi Orange, and you’ll instantly feel a part of the old school, smokey burnout club.
Using a big four-door saloon as a starting point kept the cost down, but it’s also resulted in an urgent need for the Challenger to visit fat fighters. 1878kg is really heavy, especially when you consider a Mustang GT weighs 1522kg.
At least the oversized dimensions result in good interior space and room for four, even five adults at a pinch. Also, the boot can swallow a load of kit and the rear seats even split and fold.
Dodge let us lose in two near production ready prototypes on a track outside Dallas, Texas for some hot laps to see how the Challenger stacks up at high speed. Unfortunately, the weather was cold and wet, but we got some good early impressions.
The engine sounds fantastic and the big Brembo brakes are powerful and fade-free. The Challenger’s excessive bulk shows around the tighter corners, but it feels buttoned down and well-developed in the higher speed sections.
The steering is accurate but lacking in feel, and could use a slightly quicker ratio. Also, the five-speed auto ‘box, your sole choice at launch, can be slow to downshift and its manual control isn’t really that controlling. If you’re into driving and really want one of these, you’d be well advised to wait for the manual box that is due later in the year.
Should I buy one?
If you like ‘pony cars’, yes – the Challenger will surely be that car genre’s star attraction of 2008. However, as you’ve probably read by now, there will be no right-hand-drive versions or official UK imports of the car, so you’ll have to either import one yourself, or go a third party importer and pay a premium. And that’s assuming you can get one: these cars are selling fast in the USA at the moment.
American Car Imports of Wood Green, London, is one of those firms who can help with the import process. It has six Challenger SRT8s arriving in the UK in June. Four are already sold, but either of the remaining two could be yours for £49,995.
If you value scarcity and retro-cool more highly than razor-sharp dynamics, this new Dodge may just win you over.
For more information on Prices and Availability, please call us on +44 (0) 20 8889 4545
