The 2009 Dodge Challenger is on its way to showrooms as we speak, and it looks to be even more impressive than the concept cars that we were originally shown.
Specifically, the new car that rolled out at the New York Auto Show yesterday had one major difference: a clutch pedal.
Previously MOPAR had issued a statement that the new Challenger would only be available with an automatic transmission until midway through the 2009 model-year. This statement included both the R\T (performance) and S\E (base) models.
However, the good folks at Dodge rolled out a car yesterday that upon first glance looks the same- but on closer inspection sports a clutch pedal!
The designers at Dodge even did their best to make MOPAR purists happy- going to the lengths of including an updated version of the famed old school “pistol grip” shifter (see above).
There are so many little touches throughout the car that harken back to the “glory days” of muscle cars, it evokes real memories of the original car to anyone that has experienced it’s beauty.
Just the prospect of being able to slide into a leather bucket seat, fire up a big Hemi, and row the gears with a real pistol grip shifter is enough to nearly bring a tear to any car enthusiast’s eye.
Of course the similarities between the Challenger of the 70’s and the 2009 model is really only skin deep: and this is a very good thing.
The specifics on the new car’s drivetrain point to the car being even more exciting to drive than it is to look at.
The R/T’s powerplant will be the standard 5.7 litre 345 hp Hemi V-8, plenty of power to put a smile on anyone’s face.
The SR/T will sport a bored out (6.1 litre) version of the Hemi.
This motor will include a different (more aggressive) camshaft, improved cylinder heads, and bigger intake and exhaust.
All these changes boost power output to a whopping 425 horsepower- enough to change that smile into a terrified, twisted scowl.
Indeed, with a 6 speed Tremec transmission (with obligatory pistol grip shifter), the new Challenger SR\T should be enough car to make anyone feel like Kowalski in the 70’s cult classic Vanishing Point.
There is a definite trend of American auto manufacturers bringing back models from the so called “muscle car” era.
The Ford Mustang was the first to strike, with the newest incarnation of their perennial favorite sharing distinctive styling cues with the 69-70 models.
The Chevrolet Camaro followed suit, restyling to look a lot like the 68-69 models- often considered the most attractive and disireable by car enthusiasts (see post below).
Now MOPAR is re-entering the fight with a performance, rear wheel drive, v-8 throwback coupe from their past: The Challenger.
Hopefully this is a sign of the Big Three making a comeback- and if we are lucky they will be bringing the muscle car “wars” of the late 60’s and early 70’s with them.
