First Drive Review
Dodge took a curious approach to introducing—or perhaps we should say “reintroducing”—its reverently retrospective Challenger muscle car by starting with the top-dog, 425-hp SRT8 model and making it the only one offered for 2008. Can you say “collectible”? Alas, Dodge waited until the 2009 model year to follow up with volume versions that might— might—actually sell in numbers high enough to make the company some significant profits: the V-6–powered Challenger SE and the muscle-bound, Hemi-equipped Challenger R/T.
But along with the mass-market models, Chrysler will introduce manual-transmission versions of the Challenger R/T and SRT8, which together represent the first application of a manual transmission with the new-generation Hemi V-8s. Recently, we got a chance to drive them all, from the $21,995 base model to the $39,995 SRT8, and not to give away the ending, but there was one that we found “just right.”
Telling Them Apart
The last thing anyone needs at this point is another styling analysis of the Challenger, especially since it’s as simple and easy to digest as the equally retrospective Ford Mustang. Worth discussing, however, are the differences between the Challenger trims so that you can tell from 50 yards which is which, a talent no muscle-car guy can live without henceforth. And the differences are subtle. Base SE trims get standard 17-inch wheels mounted with relatively thin (in relation to the car, anyway), high-profile 215/65 tires. Eighteens are optional, as are fog lamps, but there is no available rear spoiler. Visually, the SE is closest to the 1970 model that was the clear inspiration for this new generation of Challengers.
The R/T adds fog lamps, 18-inch aluminum wheels with 235/55 tires, a body-color rear spoiler, and a polished fuel-filler cap beneath the driver’s-side C-pillar. Optional are black-hash-mark-style fender stripes that Chrysler designers liken to war paint . Clunky five-spoke, chrome-clad wheels measuring 20 inches in diameter and wearing fatter 245/45 tires are optional, if not terribly tasteful.
The SRT8’s 20s are way cooler, and its tires are yet another 10mm wider, completely flush with the wheel wells. The SRT8 also gets faux-carbon-fiber hood stripes, xenon lights (optional on the R/T), a matte black deck spoiler, and a deeper front air dam with functional brake ducts. Speaking of functional ducts, the hood scoops on all Challengers do indeed contribute to engine-bay ventilation.
Dark, Spooky Interior
As we’ve noted in previous Challenger reviews, the interior is quite comfortable, if dark. Outward sightlines are hampered by thick pillars, fixed rear headrests, a low roof, and a long hood. The $21,995 SE’s mostly black interior treatment features some silver-painted plastic that does less to warm up the interior than to reflect its cheapness. The interior of the R/T doesn’t have any silver stuff other than a chrome cuff or two and thus absolutely requires the huge optional sunroof to cheer things up.
The same can be said about the SRT8’s interior, although we love the thick, high-backed Alcantara-and-leather performance seats that glue the driver in place regardless of lateral forces, as is the case with other Mopar products in which these seats are installed. Wider folks, however, might find their hug a touch too snug. Challenger R/T and SE models also feature comfortable and nicely bolstered buckets, which, frankly, we weren’t expecting at the base level but were happy to encounter. Three-across seating is theoretically possible in back, provided occupants are short of limb and fond of dark spaces. Nocturnal little people? Your limo just arrived.
