With marketing like this me thinks the new Chrysler Corp will not be the first domestic auto maker to go belly up.
A Challenger 800 pounds lighter than the production version will be available for racing. This will be a special factory package built for NHRA-sanctioned Stock Eliminator drag racing. Features will include a unique serial number sequence, variations of current Hemi and 5.9 liter Magnum engines, automatic or manual transmission, and special lightweight features including:
Lightweight front fascia support system
Composite lift-off hood with functional scoop
Lightweight cooling module with electric fan
Special modified drop-out front crossmember
Lightweight drag race-only front brake assembly
Seats to accommodate six-point harness
Special Body-in-White modified for drag racing
Shortly after the 2008s comes 2009 model-year production. The lineup will be expanded to three models with the addition of three more engines, the base model having the 3.5L V6 while the R/T model will have the new (380-horsepower) 5.7L VCT Hemi with MDS (5-speed) and without MDS (6-speed). Both the R/T and SRT8 will offer an optional six-speed TREMEC manual transmission. Production of the 2009 models is set to start early, in June of 2008. Vehicles are expected to start arriving to dealers in late June/July.
The manual transmission is a TREMEC model, as used in the Viper, with close-ratio gearing and a convenient shift pattern. The shifter is reportedly fairly plain.
All 2009 Challenger models will feature, as Standard equipment, front and side air bags, air conditioning, body-color door handles and fascias, cell phone storage, cruise control, a floor console with sliding armrest, functional hood scoops, non-adjustable pedals, power mirrors, power windows (1-touch down), rear wheel drive, rear window radio antenna, 3-point rear center seatbelts, satin/chrome grilles, Sentry Key anti-theft system and a tilt-telescoping steering wheel. None of the Challenger models will feature a spare tire, a “service kit” will be offered instead.
Other features and options on the 2009 Challenger will include Remote Start, MyGIG Infotainments systems with and without navigation, Sirius Satellite radio, foglamps, and a power sunroof. Base models will have a Tire Pressure warning light while other models will have a Tire Pressure display. Wheels on the R/T appear to be 18-inch plain five-spokes.
The 5.7L Hemi engine is set for an upgrade, which is why the R/T Challengers will not arrive until the 2009 model year. Chrysler will have variable cam timing in place on these new-generation 5.7 engines, neatly leapfrogging most variable-valve timing systems. In addition to VVT and expanded MDS operating range, the HEMI’s fuel economy (~4%) and performance improvements (~10%) result from an increased compression ratio, an active intake manifold with long runners for low-end torque and short runners for high-rpm power, improved cylinder head port flow efficiency, and reduced restriction exhaust and induction systems. To raise the reliability and durability of the HEMI engine, other updates are crankshaft structural upgrades, a dual-mass crankshaft damper, floating pin piston design, valve spring design and oil pump capacity increase for VVT. The 2009 Dodge Ram will get 380 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque from the new Hemi and the Challenger numbers are expected be somewhat similar.
The expanded Multiple Displacement System (MDS) will be included in the new 5.7 that is offered in R/T automatic transmission models, while 6-speed manual R/T models will feature the same engine without MDS. A 6.4 liter version, with an estimated 500 or more hp, is still expected to be offered in a future model of the Challenger, possibly debuting in the 2010 model year.
Additional features of the 2009 R/T will include a rear body-color spoiler, 4-wheel anti-lock heavy-duty brakes, anti-spin rear differential, chrome pedals, dual rear exhaust, heated front seats, illuminated cupholders and map pockets, power heated mirrors, instrument cluster display screen, performance steering and suspension and 20”x8” chrome-clad wheels. R/T models will have a 19-gal. fuel tank, vs the 18.5 tank on the base models.
