2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Car Review

Drive Time drives and gives a full review to the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8

2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Car Review This test drive of the Dodge Challenger SRT8 differs in one major way from my 2008 review. This car is offered with a manual transmission, the new option for ’09. Priced at $695.00 and bundled with a 3.9 to axle ratio, you need 20-inch aluminum wheels, right pedals and hill start assist, the 6-speed Tremec features triple synchronizers for first and second gears then connects to the driver through a pistol grip shifter. The race inspired dual disc clutch comes from the Viper. Also new is a limited slip differential which will aid in traction at the track. The ride height of SRT model is 1.5 inch lower than in the last year models. There are SRT specific shock and spring rates and the stability program teller for high performance driving. The kill switch is right here for when burnouts and drifting are in order. Speaking of which, launching this car is easy. Just reave it up and let it rip. But if you’re after the best acceleration time, you’ve got to learn to manage this wheel spin. When you nail it, you can get a 4.7 seconds 0-60 time. And as in my ’08 tester, the performance pages are a really fun way to measure and keep track of your accomplishments. I hit the quarter mile in 13.7 seconds at 105 but perhaps you could do even better. So to the new training, the shifter is comfortable on the head, the clutch engages easily and the gate action is pretty good. Beware though just like in the Viper, it will force you from first to fourth and are light load and that can be annoying but it helps them get a better gas mileage rating. However, it doesn’t help this challenger avoid a $1300.00 gas guzzler tax. On 91 octane, the big 6.1-liter hammy is good for 14 city in 22-highway. After having putting in a week behind the wheel of this challenger, the stick shift experience truly completes this car. But my first test drive of the automatic was great. Having the interaction of shifting the gears and playing with the engine’s sweet sounds elevates the Challenger SRT8 experience immensely. Yes it’s heavy and there’s body roll you sometimes wish wasn’t there but it has classic American muscle car proportions in a supple ride to match. I wouldn’t mind even more bark from the pipes but other than that this is a car you’re always looking for excuses to go and drive, to cruise and just have fun with. The retro design and feel is executed so well it’s easy to get lost than the nostalgic feeling. One interesting note, the silver paint can’t match the Goth factor of my last orange car but even a year after its release, the Challenger is still turning heads. MSRP is $40,545.00 while this one with SRT option group 2, the track pack, power sunroof, three season high performance tires and the Navi comes in a $45,525.00 that is if dealers aren’t still trying to attack on a greed surcharge. For Drive Time on Yahoo Autos, I’m Steve Hammes.