Pricing for All-New 2009 Dodge Challenger to Start in Low $20s

[doh]

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080609/clm012.html?.v=101

-- Three flavors: Dodge Challenger SE, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SRT8(R)
-- All-new five-passenger, two-door coupe available for under $22,000
-- Available 5.7-liter HEMI(R) with five-speed automatic transmission for under $30,000
-- Dodge dealerships now taking orders for the 2009 Dodge Challenger


AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Dodge announced pricing today for the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger. The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) will start at $21,995, which includes $675 for destination. Dodge dealers across the country are now taking orders for the 2009 Dodge Challenger, which will arrive this fall.

"The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger gives customers a modern-day muscle machine at an incredible value," said Mike Accavitti, Director - Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. "For less than $22,000, we've brought Dodge Challenger back and loaded it with head-snapping styling and cutting- edge technology."

The Dodge Challenger is the first five-passenger two-door coupe produced from the Company's proven rear-wheel-drive platform that delivers the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. Developed with Dodge's credo of "bold, powerful and capable," the 2009 Dodge Challenger is available in three models featuring head-turning styling, three available engine options and an automatic or manual transmission.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger has several modern amenities available including uconnect gps with navigation system and real-time traffic, uconnect phone featuring Bluetooth® technology, uconnect studios with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Remote Start and Keyless Go push-button start. In addition, the Dodge Challenger has more than 25 safety and security features including supplemental side-curtain air bags, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist, Traction Control, automatic headlamps, tire pressure monitoring and Hill-Start Assist in Dodge Challengers with the six-speed manual transmission.

Three models are available in the United States: Dodge Challenger SE, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SRT8®.

2009 Dodge Challenger SE

With a U.S. MSRP of $21,995 (including $675 destination), the Dodge Challenger SE comes standard with a 3.5-liter High Output V-6 engine which produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. (339 N*m) of torque. Mated with a four-speed automatic transmission, the Dodge Challenger SE achieves an estimated 18 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Other standard features on Dodge Challenger SE include comfortable seating for up to five adults, best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.), 60/40 split-folding rear bench with arm rests and two cup holders, 17-inch aluminum wheels with P215/65R17 all-season tires, four-wheel disc brakes, side-curtain airbags, remote keyless entry, eight-way power driver's seat, fold-away power mirrors, power locks and windows with express-down, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD radio with MP3 capability and four speakers, cloth low-back bucket seats, manual-tilt and telescoping steering wheel, dual-covered visor vanity mirrors and tire pressure warning lamp.

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T

The U.S. MSRP for the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T is $29,995. Featuring the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, the Dodge Challenger R/T produces an estimated 370 horsepower (276 kW) and 398 lb.-ft. (540 N*m) of torque when paired with the standard five-speed automatic transmission. The 5.7-liter HEMI engine with five-speed automatic transmission is equipped with fuel-saving multi-displacement (MDS) technology which increases fuel economy by as much as 20 percent without sacrificing performance.

Other standard features on the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T include dual chromed rectangular exhaust tips, ABS, ESP, Brake Assist with vented brakes, 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with P225/60HR18 all-season touring tires, fog lamps, body-color exterior mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, rear body-color spoiler and cast-metal fuel door.

The available Track Pak features the Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission with "pistol-grip" shifter for $995. When the six-speed manual transmission is paired with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, it produces an estimated 375 horsepower (280 kW) and 404 lb.-ft. (548 N*m) of torque. The Track Pak also includes Hill-start Assist, limited-slip differential, bright pedal covers and performance steering.

Dodge Challenger SRT8

The U.S. MSRP for the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is $39,995 (including $675 destination). The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers an available six-speed manual transmission or standard five-speed automatic transmission mated to the SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine that produces 425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 N*m) of torque. New for 2009 is a standard limited-slip differential, High Performance Red and B5 Blue (late availability) exterior paint and black hood stripes. A classic "pistol-grip" shifter is included with the available Track Pak which includes the Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission with Hill-start Assist.

Other standard features on the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 include a race-inspired interior featuring performance seats with a red accent stripe and added bolstering which keeps customers in place under spirited driving conditions, four-bomb gauges with tachometer and 180 mph speedometer in the center, "Performance Pages" reconfigurable display that features 0 - 60 mph, 1/4 mile, and 1/8 mile times, uconnect gps, unique SRT-tuned ESP and ABS calibrations, 20-inch fully-forged aluminum wheels, red, painted Brembo brakes, hood with functional dual hood scoops, functional black painted rear spoiler and a unique exhaust note.

Street and Racing Technology (SRT) is Chrysler's in-house performance engineering organization that focuses on five pillars for every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.

[jkennedy293]

The available Track Pak features the Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission with "pistol-grip" shifter for $995.

I hate it when you have to pay extra for the manual.

[steinravnik]

Pretty good price, I guess they're introducing it at a low price so that the high gas prices don't completely sink it.

[ByTheLake]

Priced right, and at 25 mpg on the highway with the V6, it shouldn't bankrupt the owner with fuel costs.

You can wait for your Camaro, my pony car is the here.

[RamJet502]

A black R/T sounds right up my alley. When is the new Camaro supposed to arrive?

[Puzzel]

Originally Posted by jkennedy293

I hate it when you have to pay extra for the manual.

I'd rather have the option by paying extra rather than not having a manual transmission at all... not that I'll buy a Challenger.

[Perian]

Originally Posted by jkennedy293

I hate it when you have to pay extra for the manual.

Welcome to the new world. I just ordered a Saab 9-5 with the (get ready for this), optional "No Charge" manual transmission.

For 2008 Saab made the automatic transmission standard and raised pricing by the cost of this former option. Thus the manual is now available at "no charge".

BMW did the same thing with the 5 Series this past October.

If I recall correctly, the last GTO also had a charge for the manual transmission.

[MCGARRETT]

You can wait for your Camaro, my pony car is the here.

Is it the here or the there?


The 21,995 price is pretty good for the SE, but the lack of a manual with the V6 is kind of a downer, and that you get stuck with the 4 speed auto as your only choice.

No thanks

If I recall correctly, the last GTO also had a charge for the manual transmission.

It did but it still came out to be less than an automatic GTO because of the lack of gas guz tax that that auto GTO was slapped with.

[F14CRAZY]

No manual for the 3.5L sucks

[GMusa]

I bet the Camaro will be piced much closer to the Challenger then Mustang.

[63GrandSport001]

Awesome price point to start off at, people who just want the car but not the performance can spend $22,000 to get into one (plus options).

However I can see a few problems with the car as is, one is that the SE only comes with a 4 speed auto as some have pointed out. The Mustang starts at under $20,000 and you can get the V-6 with either a 5 speed manual transmission or a 5 speed automatic transmission for a some extra money.

Another problem that I see with this car is with the R/T and the SRT-8, the R/T starts at $30,000 and makes 370BHP and 404ft-lbs which is awesome. However for $10,000 more (plus gas guzzler tax) you get 50 more BHP and 16 more ft-lbs of torque so hopefully the SRT-8 gets a new motor as it really needs at least 450BHP to start to make sense. Maybe it can pick up some horsepower and torque and drop the gas guzzler tax at the same time.

[give_it_all_]

So we can expect it to be around $29,995 for Canada I guess then?
(The Dodge Charger SXT is around $23kUS which in Canada is around $30kCDN)

[Chet]

Originally Posted by give_it_all_

So we can expect it to be around $29,995 for Canada I guess then?
(The Dodge Charger SXT is around $23kUS which in Canada is around $30kCDN)

You probably aren't that far off the mark. A V6 Mustang will run you just over 26K (that includes delivery). I'm guessing 28.5K for the base challenger.

[big swede]

Originally Posted by 63GrandSport001

Another problem that I see with this car is with the R/T and the SRT-8, the R/T starts at $30,000 and makes 370BHP and 404ft-lbs which is awesome. However for $10,000 more (plus gas guzzler tax) you get 50 more BHP and 16 more ft-lbs of torque so hopefully the SRT-8 gets a new motor as it really needs at least 450BHP to start to make sense. Maybe it can pick up some horsepower and torque and drop the gas guzzler tax at the same time.

I don't think the SRT-8 price will be a problem, at least initially because the production is so limited. I does point out what a great deal the R/T is in comparison though. I agree that the SRT is going to need a bigger bump in performance in the future though. If you look at the hp you can say that the SRT probably only puts down about 30 more RWHP and probably about the same torque which isn't enough considering that the SRT is even heavier than the RT.

2009 Dodge Challenger SE
$21,995 (including $675 destination)

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T
$29,995 (including $675 destination)

2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8
$39,995 (including $675 destination)

What will be interesting now is how the Camaro will be priced. We keep getting reassured that it will be very competitive with the Mustang so does this mean it will be priced in between the Mustang and Challenger or will it be the most expensive Pony car of them all.

[Perian]

Originally Posted by jkennedy293

I hate it when you have to pay extra for the manual.

Paying extra for a manual is looking better and better.

I just noticed that VW dropped the manual from the Passat for 2009.