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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday September 17, 2008 - 23 FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED You'll Love Our Service! 905-335-4080 BURLINGTON LINE The Dodge Challenger roars back Six-cylinder models added to the mix By LORNE DRURY Metroland Media Group Everything old is new again in the car business. Chrysler was one of the first to cash in on the public's taste for nostalgia with its successful PT Cruiser. Ford followed with a re-design of the Mustang that mimicked the look of an earlier model, and now Chrysler has done it again with the return of the iconic Dodge Challenger model, set for a fullline launch in 2009. The trend will continue next year when the Chevrolet Camaro makes a return to the marketplace, going headto-head with the Mustang and Challenger. Chrysler actually teased us a bit earlier this year with the introduction of the top-of-the-line SRT8 Challenger, marketed as 2008 model. However, only 500 of them stayed north of the border with about 7,000 making their way to the U.S. While the SRT8 version is still in the lineup for 2009, the Brampton-built Challengers now start out in SE trim at an affordable $24,995. The volume leader in Canada, however, is expected to be the SXT, priced at $26,995. Both the SE and SXT are powered by a 3.5-litre high output V6, producing 250 hp and 250 lb/ft of torque. A four-speed automatic is the only transmission available on these two models. The third new model in the lineup is the R/T ($34,995), equipped with a 5.7litre Hemi V8. It is offered with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. The 425 hp SRT8 returns with a 6.1litre Hemi, again with either a six-speed manual or four speed automatic. While the SXT is expected to be the biggest seller, this car is really about muscle and the R/T and SRT8 will be sought after by the gearheads in the crowd. Fuel economy is decent for what is really a big car, but it remains to be seen how long a shelf life this model enjoys. Hopefully, the Challenger won't be the right car at the wrong time because it sure is fun to drive and may be the best muscle car ever built. , there's no doubt it attracts attention. After a day of driving through New Jersey and then into downtown Manhattan, it sure does create a stir. I've driven very few cars that elicit the response this one does. Heads turn, people do a double-take and camera phones The powerful 425 hp 6.1-litre SRT8 sits atop the ladder in the Challenger lineup. However, two V6 are pulled out to snap a quick picture. models are available for 2009, starting at $24,995.The Brampton-built Challenger also has a 5.7-litre Heck, I was even flagged down by a Hemi engine, available in the R/T trim level, starting at $34,995. local law enforcement officer on our ride and drive to find out why all these cars It's great news for the folks at the could have imagined. The R/T boasts 18with Michigan plates happened to be Brampton Assembly Plant because it inch aluminum wheels, while the SRT8 passing through. If truth be told, I think gives them another model to add to the has huge 20-inch rims and tires. Both he just wanted an up-close and personal mix along with the Chrysler 300 and models handle the hard going with ease, look at the Challenger. Dodge Charger, now that the Dodge thanks to specially-tuned suspension and The weekend after the launch, I hap- Magnum wagon has been discontinued. braking systems. It's not a car like the pened to be in Detroit for the Woodward And the car can be added to the lineup original that was all about straight-line Dream Cruise, reported to be the largest mix at modest start-up costs since it is performance. one-day automotive event in the world, based on the same platform as the 300 On the road, the Challenger feels nimattracting upwards of a million people. and Charger and shares many of the same ble, but you know you're in a big solid Tens of thousands of vehicles of all parts and technology as their siblings car. The interior quality is better than eras from Ford Model Ts to the new 2009s coming off the same assembly line. most other current Chrysler offerings, cruised Woodward Avenue and in the mix While the new Challenger boasts a although a bit on the stark side, like were a number of the 2008 SRT8s. Again striking resemblance to the Challengers muscle cars of the past. Seating is excelheads turned and people started pointing of the '70s, the similarities end there. lent in all models, but visibility to the out the new Challenger to their friends as This is a truly modern day muscle car side and rear is compromised by the big big smiles enveloped their faces. that handles like a sport sedan. It's big and pillars and small back window. Chrysler executives say they are excit- powerful, yet a couple of hours on the Decent fuel economy ed about the prospects for the Challenger track in Englishtown, N.J. showed the While a V6 engine may be too big for because of the buzz it creates in the mar- assembled auto journalists how powerful, buyers who keep a close eye on fuel econketplace. They hope it will bring people yet competent today's muscle car can be. omy, preliminary fuel consumption into their dealerships and act as a halo The power was not unexpected, but car for the brand in the short term. the handling was much better than I Continued on Page 24