Monday, June 9, 2008

Challenger pricing to start at less than $22,000



2009 Dodge Challenger R/T
Dodge's remake of its 1970s muscle coupe, the Challenger, will start at less than $22,000 when the 2009 model arrives in showrooms this fall.

The automaker confirmed pricing for the three-car 2009 Challenger lineup on Monday. The base SE starts at $21,995, the R/T is $29,995, and the SRT8 is $39,995. Prices include a $675 destination charge.

As did the original Challenger, produced from 1970 to 1974, the modern version will compete against the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro, and the three are expected to have comparable price points. A V6 Mustang starts at $21,675; the Camaro's price hasn't been announced yet--the car goes on sale early next year.

The Challenger SE comes with a 3.5-liter V6, which makes 250 hp and is paired with a four-speed automatic. Other standard equipment includes 17-inch aluminum wheels, four-wheel-disc brakes and keyless entry.

The R/T upgrades to the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which makes 370 hp--30 more than it makes in the Dodge Charger and the Chrysler 300, which ride on similar underpinnings. The Challenger R/T also comes with dual chrome exhaust, P225/60HR-18 all-season touring tires and a rear spoiler.

Tire burners will want to pay another $995 for the "track pak," which includes the Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual with a pistol-grip shifter. The stick-and-Hemi combination boosts output to 375 hp.

The SRT8 comes with the 6.1-liter Hemi V8 that pumps out 425 hp. Five-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions are available. Standard equipment includes 20-inch forged aluminum wheels and functional hood scoops. The race-inspired interior has reconfigurable displays that show 0-to-60-mph and lap times.

Dodge launched the Challenger this year as an '08 with limited availability--only 6400 were available, outfitted as SRT8s--and the automaker got more than 11,000 requests to buy the car.

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