The Auto Writer

A 1970s era muscle car is back and modernized for 21st century driving.

For a ten year period that began during the mid-1960s, a new segment of automobile reigned — muscle cars – loosely defined as rear wheel driven, intermediate sized, two door coupes with an emphasis on performance. Ford is credited with fueling this sector when its 1964½ Mustang was introduced, with General Motors, Chrysler, and American Motors following suit with their own models. During peak production years the four automakers combined to produce as many as 700,000 performance cars annually underscoring the popularity of this body style.

Alas, by the mid-1970s most muscle cars were discontinued thanks to higher fuel costs, steep insurance rates, and tightening pollution regulations; the latter introduced by the then newly formed US Environmental Protection Agency. The Ford Mustang soldiers on, but even General Motors exited this segment when the company dropped its Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird offerings in 2002.

A Blast From The Past

This past May, Chrysler LLC ripped a page from its own history book when it re-introduced the Dodge Challenger, a performance car based on a model the automaker produced between 1970-1974. Taking its styling cues from the original, the latest version accurately points to its heritage while offering a thoroughly modern drive, a pleasant and proven blend that has sparked widespread consumer interest.

Partial credit for the latest generation Challenger must once again be given to Ford which redesigned its Mustang in 2005, offering a style reminiscent of the fastback Mustangs of the late 1960s. This critically acclaimed Mustang caught the attention of Chrysler and General Motors who responded by promising to bring back their retired Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro respectively. By 2006, concepts of the new Challenger began to travel the auto show circuit and soon thereafter Chrysler announced that production was on.

True to form, the latest Challenger offers a strong reminder of the original, but with some significant differences. Although the original model’s crosshair grill isn’t part of the newest design, plenty of other styling features remain including a blacked-out full-width grill, integrated fog lamps, C-pillar design, side mirrors, racing stripes, even the inscribed “Fuel” stamp on the gas cap. The platform is thoroughly modern, the same one currently underpinning the Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, and the Dodge Magnum.

8-Track Player Not Included

Inside, the newest Challenger provides many improvements over the original not least being bolstered seating, available 13-speaker sound system (sorry, no 8-track player), cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio controls, and satellite radio.

The dashboard, four-spoke steering wheel, and quad display of circular shaped gauges hearken back to the first model, somewhat of an unfortunate decision as all three design features tend to cheapen the interior. Seating is for five, but pity your back seat passengers especially the person who must sit in the middle – just like the first Challenger, the raised center drive-train hump means you’ll be competing with your neighbors for leg room. Indeed, the Challenger is best enjoyed by two adults sans kids.

The most significant improvements for the Dodge are mostly those things you do not see, including performance, handling, and safety features non-existent 35 years ago including front and side impact airbags.

V8 For Performance Or V6 For Economy

Back “in the day” a muscle car had to offer a V8 so the newest Challenger faithfully offers two: a 5.7L HEMI V8 in the mid-level R/T model or the 6.1L HEMI V8 in the top of the line SRT8 model. These particular engines parallel the original engines of the first generation Challengers as they are big, powerful, and fuel thirsty. Fortunately, a V6 powerplant is available for the economy minded, the standard motor for the base SE model. Transmission choices vary according to model with a four-speed automatic standard on the SE, a five-speed automatic for the R/T, while drivers of the SRT8 can choose either the five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual.

Choose the biggest engine and you’ll also pay a $1700 gas-guzzler tax as the SRT8 achieves an EPA 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. If you buy the recommended premium fuel and fill up the Dodge’s 19 gallon fuel tank, then you’ll be handing the gas station attendant one Ben Franklin bill for every visit. Select the Challenger SE and you’ll squeeze out 25 mpg on the highway, trading away plenty of performance.

Besides its nostalgic appeal, Chrysler expects that the Challenger’s road performance will be a significant selling point for the coupe.

Acceleration Rivaling BMW

Accelerating from 0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds puts the SRT8 in BMW M5 territory, with a top speed of 170 mph limited only by wind drag. Unlike the original which could zig but not zag, the Challenger handles corners with ease thanks to its multilink short and long arm suspension in the front and its independent rear suspension. Helping matters are the wheels which include seventeen inch Goodyear Integrity touring tires on the base SE model, eighteen inch Michelin MXM4 sport tuned tires on the R/T, and whopping twenty inch Goodyear Eagle performance tires on the SRT8. 4-wheel disc brakes, anti-lock braking, and traction control help bring the Challenger to a full stop quickly and safely.

Trunk space is just over 16 feet, but storage is vastly expanded when the 60/40 split rear seat is folded forward. Cupholders, nonexistent when the first Challenger ruled the road, are plentiful with many other storage areas found throughout the Dodge’s cabin.

Priced Low To High

All 6400 of the initial production run 2008 Dodge Challengers were snapped up by collectors or claimed by car dealers, but finding the exact 2009 Challenger you want is much less daunting. Prices start at just below $22,000 and top out at twice that amount with a fully loaded SRT8.

Much like the original Challenger, the latest interpretation of a classic may be short-lived thanks to high gas prices and increasingly stiffer federal fuel and emissions requirements. Definitely not intended to be your commuter car, the Dodge is for the driver who values heritage styling and road performance, attributes this iconic coupe delivers in abundance and with exuberance.

See Also — American Muscle Returns: The 2008 Dodge Challenger