Dodge Charger 2009 The Modern Muscle car Redefined

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Summary

The 2009 Dodge Charger gets more available V8 power and a few new features. This large car shares its basic design with Chrysler's 300 sedan. Dodge's Magnum wagon, which also shared the Charger's basic design, has been discontinued. Charger comes in four trim levels: base SE, mid-level SXT, sporty R/T, and high-performance SRT8. All are rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is available on the SXT and R/T. SE models have a 178-hp 2.7-liter V6 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Optional on SE and standard on SXT is a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6; a 4-speed automatic transmission is standard with rear-wheel drive while AWD versions have a 5-speed. The SRT8 has a 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi V8 and a 5-speed automatic without cylinder deactivation. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Optional on the R/T is the Road/Track Performance Package, which includes 20-inch wheels, performance suspension, and heated front seats. Newly available on the 2009 Dodge Charger is Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suite, which can include a wireless cell phone link, 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music and picture files, and a navigation system with real-time traffic information.

Full Review 2009

The model line ranges from the basic but entertaining 2.7-liter Charger SE to the high-performance 425-hp SRT8.Between them are 3.5-liter V6 and 5.7-liter V8 models. All-wheel drive is available for all-weather capability.

Trim Styling

The Charger illustrates just how multi-talented and accomplished today's high-performance cars are compared to the unidimensional hot rods of yesteryear. With either V8 engine, the Charger is fast in a straight line, and it corners better than those muscle cars of the past. For 2009, the Charger gets a new taillight design, the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 gains power, and all-wheel-drive models get Active Transfer Case with Front-Axle Disconnect.

SE models add alloy wheels, additional interior chrome trim and more equipment, while the SRT8 model adds more standard equipment, a retuned suspension, and new calibrations for the anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control systems. The SRT8 also adds a Super Bee package.LED lighting becomes standard for the front cup holders on all models, and the MyGIG hard-drive radio is now called UConnect Tunes and UConnect GPS when ordered with navigation system.

Front side and curtain side air bags now optional instead of standard on most models. The base Dodge Charger SE has a 178-hp 2.7-liter V6 and a four-speed automatic transmission. The SXT uses a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6.The rear-drive SXT gets the four-speed automatic, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) SXT is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with Dodge's AutoStick manual shift gate. R/T models have a 368-hp 5.7-liter V8 and the five-speed AutoStick automatic.SRT8 models have a 425-hp 6.1-liter V8 and the AutoStick.

The SXT ($25,510) adds an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, a 60/40 split folding rear seat with fold-down center armrest, a 276-watt Boston Acoustics stereo, power-adjustable pedals, heated mirrors and fog lamps. The AWD SXT ($28,850) also adds performance disc brakes and P225/60R18 tires.

The R/T ($31,860) upgrades to leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated front seats, eight-way power front passenger seat, folding heated mirrors, automatic headlights and 18-inch tires. The R/T Road/Track Performance package ($3940) has sportier steering, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, sport seats with suede inserts, performance suspension, front and rear spoilers and P245/45R20 tires on aluminum wheels with black accents.

The SRT8 ($38,670) adds dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlights, remote engine starting, interior air filter, heated front seats, a Reconfigurable Display with performance pages, performance-tuned suspension, sport bucket seats, functional hood scoop, rear spoiler, a reprogrammed ESC system, Brembo brakes, Goodyear Supercar F1 tires on 20-inch forged aluminum wheels and a 180-mph speedometer. The Super Bee buzz model package ($1900) comes with Hemi Orange paint, a serialized dash plaque, a special wheel design, silver Brembo brake calipers, UConnect Tunes hard-drive radio, orange seat accents, and hood and rear quarter panel decals.

Interior Styling

The fabric-covered seats in the standard Dodge Charger are comfortable, with adequate thigh support and side bolstering. The Charger's dashboard is largely plastic. The rear entertainment system installation takes a novel, but well-integrated approach. Without the entertainment system, the center console functions as a traditional storage bin. Rear-seat room is plentiful, thanks to the long wheelbase, even with the front seats at their rearmost positions. The trunk is large. All models except the base SE get 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks.

Optional Features

Options include the Popular Equipment package for the SXT ($2405) with leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, a 276-watt Boston Acoustics sound system, automatic headlights and bodyside moldings, a slightly firmer touring suspension and P225/60R18 tires. Electronic stability control with traction control and anti-lock brakes are an option for the SE model ($1025).

The UConnect Multimedia Suite for SXT and R/T models ($1550) comes with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, UConnect wireless cell phone link and GPS system that includes a 30-gigabyte hard drive and a navigation system with real-time traffic. Option Group III for SRT8 ($1635) adds UConnect GPS, UConnect Phone and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Also available are a sunroof ($950), a rear DVD entertainment system with Sirius Backseat TV for R/T and SRT8 ($1460), Xenon headlights ($695), and a rear spoiler for SXT ($225).The Super Track Pack ($400) for the R/T includes summer performance tires, stiffer springs, load-leveling shocks, a higher numerical axle ratio, sportier electronic stability control calibrations and higher performance steering and brakes.

Safety Features

Safety features that come standard on all Charger models include two-stage front airbags, tire-pressure monitor, and rear-seat LATCH child safety seat anchors. Antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control and electronic stability control, are standard on all but Seafront side airbags and curtain side airbags for both seating rows are optional for all models. All-wheel drive is available for SXT and R/T models.

The Dodge Charger recalls the 1966 Dodge Coronet. The same design team that parented the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum designed the Charger. The Daytona and SRT8 wear a flat-black chin spoiler. Fog lamps on the SXT and higher models fill small, sculpted insets at the lower corners.
On the SE and SXT a single exhaust tip exits beneath the right-hand side, while the V8-powered models sport chrome-tipped, muscle car-idiom, dual exhausts.

Driving Impression and Conclusions

The 3.5-liter V6 produces 250 horsepower and is EPA rated at 17/24 mpg City/Highway with rear-wheel drive and 16/23 mpg with all-wheel drive. The 5.7-liter V8, updated for 2009, makes the Charger R/T a muscle car. 2009 all-wheel-drive models come with Active Transfer Case and Front-axle Disconnect. When all-wheel drive isn't needed, the system automatically disconnects the front axle and opens the transfer case to reduce friction and rotational mass. Another light in the electronic vehicle information center indicates when the system switches modes. The Super Track Pack makes the Charger even sportier. Caranddriver.com enjoys Charger's aggressive styling, and serious performance in a family sedan. "Dodge created the Charger for consumers who need the convenience of four doors but loathe the idea of driving a generic family sedan. Even in base and mid-level forms the Charger's edgy lines and sporty wheels make a bold statement and, for those who can afford the HEMI V8 engine, the vehicle has bold moves to match." adds Kelley Blue Book The SRT8 is the sportiest and fastest Charger. The Dodge Charger delivers pony car excitement and style and recalls a bygone era, all while providing the roomy accommodations of a full-size car.