Edmunds tests Challenger SE and R/T
Bow Chica Bow Wow
TMS Staff
TMS Staff
Joined: January 29, 2004
Posts: 7,446
Likes: 12
From: Proudly in NJ...bite it FL
I really disagree with some of the opinions expressed here. First, this is Edmunds. The same source that got a best of 13.8 from the Bullitt Mustang, which incidently costs more than an R/T. Secondly, they never indicate which rear gear is in the car. The two choices are the 3.73 or 3.91 with the manual. I'll reserve judgement until there is more information to form an opinion on, but it's reasonable to conclude that the R/T has GT(ish) acceleration, and is priced competitively, so I see no rub. Particularly since it fills a slightly different niche of better touring car than the Mustang.
We all know the 4,050lb curb weight is heavy. The same indictment can be levied against the GT500 and Camaro. You cannot expect any manufacturer to provide you with an affordable lighter car given the existing sedan platforms they produce these cars from.
We all know the 4,050lb curb weight is heavy. The same indictment can be levied against the GT500 and Camaro. You cannot expect any manufacturer to provide you with an affordable lighter car given the existing sedan platforms they produce these cars from.
Well said
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Serbian Steamer
Serbian Steamer
Joined: January 30, 2004
Posts: 12,636
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin / Serbia
I really disagree with some of the opinions expressed here. First, this is Edmunds. The same source that got a best of 13.8 from the Bullitt Mustang, which incidently costs more than an R/T. Secondly, they never indicate which rear gear is in the car. The two choices are the 3.73 or 3.91 with the manual. I'll reserve judgement until there is more information to form an opinion on, but it's reasonable to conclude that the R/T has GT(ish) acceleration, and is priced competitively, so I see no rub. Particularly since it fills a slightly different niche of better touring car than the Mustang.
It's just impossible to get better times out of 3,900 lbs car.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: April 15, 2006
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
I'll wait til I catch a couple at a light before I pass judgement. Though it seems all is the same from the Charger, with prettier exterior, and if that is the case, the outcome will be the same. Again, I'll wait til I see one at a light or on the track. I'm really just happy we have 3 American Muscle vehicles romping the streets again. No cars have garnered as much buzz from their introduction in the last decade as the arrival of the S197, the Challenger, and the Camaro.
Shelby GT500 Member
Joined: November 22, 2006
Posts: 2,932
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From: Planet Earth
Here are some specs that thing weighs over 4K yike!
Jed
Dodge Challenger Specs
2008 Dodge Challenger Performance & Efficiency Standard Features
•
6,059 cc 6.1 liters V 8 front engine with 103.0 mm bore, 90.9 mm stroke, 10.3 compression ratio, overhead valve and two valves per cylinder ESF
•
Premium unleaded fuel with additional unleaded 91 and 87
•
Multi-point injection fuel system
•
19.0 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 15.8
•
Power: 318 kW , 425 HP SAE @ 6,200 rpm; 420 ft lb , 569 Nm @ 4,800 rpm
2008 Dodge Challenger Handling, Ride & Braking Standard Features
•
Four-wheel ABS
•
Brake assist system
•
Four disc brakes including four ventilated discs
•
Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
•
Immobilizer
•
Rear limited slip differential
•
Stability control
•
Wishbone front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, multi-link rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs
•
Tire kit
2008 Dodge Challenger Exterior & Aerodynamics Standard Features
•
Body color front and rear bumpers
•
Driver and passenger power heated body color door mirrors
•
External dimensions: overall length (inches): 197.8, overall width (inches): 75.7, overall height (inches): 57.0, wheelbase (inches): 116.0, front track (inches): 63.0, rear track (inches): 63.1 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 37.5
•
Front fog lights
•
Headlight cleaners
•
Projector beam lens Xenon bulb headlights
•
Luxury trim leather on gearknob and titanium look on dashboard
•
Pearl paint
•
Fixed rear window with defogger
•
Trunk/hatch spoiler
•
Tinted glass on cabin
•
Weights: curb weight (lbs) 4,140
•
Windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipe
Jed
Dodge Challenger Specs
2008 Dodge Challenger Performance & Efficiency Standard Features •
6,059 cc 6.1 liters V 8 front engine with 103.0 mm bore, 90.9 mm stroke, 10.3 compression ratio, overhead valve and two valves per cylinder ESF
•
Premium unleaded fuel with additional unleaded 91 and 87
•
Multi-point injection fuel system
•
19.0 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 15.8
•
Power: 318 kW , 425 HP SAE @ 6,200 rpm; 420 ft lb , 569 Nm @ 4,800 rpm
2008 Dodge Challenger Handling, Ride & Braking Standard Features•
Four-wheel ABS
•
Brake assist system
•
Four disc brakes including four ventilated discs
•
Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
•
Immobilizer
•
Rear limited slip differential
•
Stability control
•
Wishbone front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, multi-link rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs
•
Tire kit
2008 Dodge Challenger Exterior & Aerodynamics Standard Features•
Body color front and rear bumpers
•
Driver and passenger power heated body color door mirrors
•
External dimensions: overall length (inches): 197.8, overall width (inches): 75.7, overall height (inches): 57.0, wheelbase (inches): 116.0, front track (inches): 63.0, rear track (inches): 63.1 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 37.5
•
Front fog lights
•
Headlight cleaners
•
Projector beam lens Xenon bulb headlights
•
Luxury trim leather on gearknob and titanium look on dashboard
•
Pearl paint
•
Fixed rear window with defogger
•
Trunk/hatch spoiler
•
Tinted glass on cabin
•
Weights: curb weight (lbs) 4,140
•
Windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipe
Member
Joined: March 20, 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
My wife and I stopped at the local Dodge dealer, to check out the Challenger R/T. A
very sexy car. But what a BIG car! It looked significantly bigger than the 4 door Charger
parked next to it, on the showroom floor. Mind you I always get a boner when I
see an old MoPar, and the new Challenger R/T is an exciting car to look at.
But after seeing the Edmunds test, (which you can see the test equipment in the
car to measure performance), I'm disappointed AND happy. Disappointed that
the Challenger R/T isn't setting the road ablaze, performance wise, but HAPPY that my
'07 Mustang GT will be able to kick sand in it's face.
very sexy car. But what a BIG car! It looked significantly bigger than the 4 door Charger
parked next to it, on the showroom floor. Mind you I always get a boner when I
see an old MoPar, and the new Challenger R/T is an exciting car to look at.
But after seeing the Edmunds test, (which you can see the test equipment in the
car to measure performance), I'm disappointed AND happy. Disappointed that
the Challenger R/T isn't setting the road ablaze, performance wise, but HAPPY that my
'07 Mustang GT will be able to kick sand in it's face.
That V6 time is just SOOOOO slow.
Bullitt Member
Joined: October 5, 2006
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
With all due respect... BS to the conspiracy theory and the notion that Edmunds has set the high water mark for acceleration testing for the Challenger or any other car for that matter.
Here's a refresher in case anyone has forgotten what the great Edmunds did with the first GT they got. Almost identical performance to the R/T.
http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpconta...5/pageNumber=2
Last edited by exgto; Sep 23, 2008 at 02:19 PM.
Dethroned Nascar Guru
Joined: January 30, 2004
Posts: 10,059
Likes: 2
So the 5.7L Challenger is about as fast as the Mustang GT. Saw one in front of me today. I would love to have one.
Unlike the the original Challenger which was suppose to be a pony car (although a big one compared to the original pony car), the new Challenger seems more in line with the original muscle cars. More like the old Charger or Chevelle SS or GTO.
Unlike the the original Challenger which was suppose to be a pony car (although a big one compared to the original pony car), the new Challenger seems more in line with the original muscle cars. More like the old Charger or Chevelle SS or GTO.
Thread Starter
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Serbian Steamer
Serbian Steamer
Joined: January 30, 2004
Posts: 12,636
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin / Serbia
I stopped by Dodge dealer today, they had two 2009 Challengers 3.5L. One was blue, other one was red. Price on both of them was $21,200.
Both look pretty nice, but too big. My Mustang parked next to them looked really small. Both were automatics.
Both look pretty nice, but too big. My Mustang parked next to them looked really small. Both were automatics.
Cobra Member
Joined: July 11, 2007
Posts: 1,499
Likes: 0
A local dealership here had a single 2009 Challenger SE that was a slate grey (not sure of the actual color name). It apparently sold a few days ago and I never got the chance to see it up close.
Even with so-so performance, I wouldn't mind getting a Challenger R/T. Still, I'll wait and see what the Mustang has to offer.
Even with so-so performance, I wouldn't mind getting a Challenger R/T. Still, I'll wait and see what the Mustang has to offer.
Post *****
Joined: May 13, 2004
Posts: 18,616
Likes: 3
From: Berkeley/Redwood City, CA
So what's happening is...
my 2001 Mustang can outrun a brand spankin new Challenger R/T....
On the one hand im like "awesome my car wins!" on the other... just... sheer disappointment...
my 2001 Mustang can outrun a brand spankin new Challenger R/T....
On the one hand im like "awesome my car wins!" on the other... just... sheer disappointment...
Mach 1 Member
Joined: November 4, 2004
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
If you build one with nice stuff, the V-6 will run over $25K. You can get a Mustang for less than that with the same stuff. A little overpriced...like the totally loaded Charger "Super Bee"...only $47K. I'll take three please!
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