Retro Goes Retro: Classic Styling for 2009 Dodge Challenger
One of the apparent benefits of creating a retro muscle car is the large number of classic styling packages that further take the cars' looks back to an era of leaded gasoline, powerful V-8s and drive-in diners. To pay homage to classic muscle cars, Dodge is introducing a pair of unique styling packages for the Challenger that will help keep the 2009 Dodge Challenger fresh against incoming competitors like the all-new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro and a redesigned 2010 Ford Mustang. Dodge introduced the 2009 Challenger R/T Classic following the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and now Dodge showed the 2009 Challenger SE Rallye package that is now available for order from Dodge dealerships.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger SE Rallye will primarily center around the dual racing stripes on the hood and trunk and a stylish set of classic-looking five-spoke wheels. The SE Rallye also gets a decklid spoiler similar to the Challenger SRT8 as well as Micro Carbon interior inserts. There will be seven colors available (Brilliant Black, Bright Silver, Deep Water Blue, Inferno Red, TorRed, Dark Titanium and Stone White) for the Rallye package with three available colors (Dark Gray, Black and White) for the stripes dependent on the body color. Most of the colors will feature a red accent stripe alongside the dual stripes, but both red hues will get Dark Gray accent stripes.
While the new styling helps give the Challenger SE Rallye a more aggressive look, the biggest news for the new package is the introduction of a five-speed automatic with Auto Stick for the V-6 Challengers. Previously, the V-6 models were only equipped with outdated four-speed automatics, but the new transmission will help improve the car's responsiveness and possibly even fuel economy. Unlike the R/T Classic, the new SE Rallye package will not receive a manual transmission although the newer technology of the recent transmission is a welcomed addition. All 2009 Challenger SE models come with a 3.5-liter V-6 that puts out 250 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. The base price for the new Challenger SE Rallye is $26,490, up from the Challenger SE base price of $22,945.
For the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic, the inspiration from classic muscle cars is even more apparent. The R/T Classic gets throwback A-line body-side dual stripes that run from the tip of the front fender back to the C-pillar, three exclusive Dodge heritage colors (HEMI® Orange, TorRed and B5 Blue) in addition to three other factory colors and stylish 20-inch wheels that are a seamless blend between modern and classic. The R/T Classic also gets a unique egg-crate front grille with classic R/T bade and classic-styled 'Challenger' badges on both front fenders. The 2009 Challenger R/T Classic come with a 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 that puts out 376 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque - a slight increase over the stock 5.7-liter HEMI® thanks to a performance tuned dual exhaust system. The base price for the new Challenger R/T Classic is $34,005, up from the Challenger R/T base price of $30,945.