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By Dodge Company
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Strengths: |
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Ride and comfort; trunk space; fuel efficiency; SRT8's strong performance |
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Changes: |
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The most notable changes to the 2009 Dodge Charger come where everyone wants them to be--under the hood. A new 5.7L Hemi V8 with variable valve timing now powers the R/T model. It puts out 368 hp and 398 ft-lb of torque, up from 340 hp and 390 ft-lb. It also features Dodge's fuel-saving Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which disengages cylinders when cruising.
Also new are the Action Transfer Case and Front Axle Disconnect in all-wheel-drive models. The system maximizes fuel efficiency by powering only the rear wheels during normal driving, and engaging the front wheels when conditions require extra traction.
Rear taillights have been revised across the range, while the base SE now gets standard aluminum wheels, better floor mats, and upgraded interior treatment. Power is down, however, and the SE now produces 178 hp versus last year's 186 hp.
In the top SRT8 model, a new Super Bee model in Hemi Orange is available. |
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Value: |
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The 2009 Dodge Charger stands out from other American mid-size and large sedans for its rear-wheel drive layout, near-ideal weight distribution and, with the V8s, muscle-car performance. The Charger is also quite practical, though, with a smooth ride, good interior, trunk space and decent fuel-efficiency on V8 models due to the included Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which can temporarily shut down half of the engine's cylinders when they're not needed.
The SRT8 model is a bona fide performance sedan, with acceleration and braking performance that is competitive with some of the top sport sedans from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. |
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Overview: |
Dodge's 2009 Charger lineup consists of four different models, each featuring a different engine under-hood and a different appeal based on its equipment and price. First, there's the value-minded base SE, which includes a 178-horsepower, 2.7L V6 engine. Next up is the mid-range, more luxurious SXT model, which gets a 250-horsepower, 3.5L V6. Near the top of the line is the sporty and very well equipped R/T model, which brings a newly revised, more powerful Hemi V8, rated at 368 horsepower and 375 ft-lb.
Finally, for those who want the most performance and exclusivity, there's the track-ready SRT8, which includes a 425-horsepower, 6.1L version of the Hemi.
SXT and R/T models can be equipped with an all-wheel-drive system, while SE and SRT8 models are only available with rear-wheel drive. The AWD cars feature Dodge's handy Action Transfer Case and Front Axle Disconnect, which powers only the rear wheels during normal driving, engaging the fronts when conditions require extra traction. The system allows for increased fuel efficiency.
The SE and SXT rear-wheel drive come with a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the rest of the models get a 5-speed automatic with Autostick manual control.
Option packages for 2009 include Popular Equipment Packages for each trim level. For instance, the SE Popular Equipment Package includes a power driver's seat and Sirius satellite radio.
On the SXT, the Package includes dual-zone climate control, power heated leather seats, 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, and a 276-watt Boston Acoustics sound system. For the R/T, it brings a 368-watt Boston Acoustics surround-sound system with CD changer and steering-wheel audio controls, a security alarm, garage-door opener, and LED interior lighting.
Also of note is the Road/Track Performance Package, which brings more serious performance equipment to the R/T, in the form of 20-inch chrome-clad wheels with performance tires, a sport suspension, load-leveling shocks, performance steering, brakes, exhaust, and induction, performance heated front seats with suede inserts, and front and rear decklid spoilers.
At the top of the range is the high-performance SRT8, which includes a 425-horsepower, 6.1L version of the Hemi V8, along with a specially calibrated 5-speed automatic that has AutoStick manual control. The SRT8 rides a half-inch lower than other Chargers, and the suspension and ESP stability control system are performance tuned. SRT-exclusive aluminum-forged 20-inch wheels, a functional hood scoop, big Brembo vented brakes, and dual 3.5-inch exhaust tips are also included.
Inside, the SRT8 includes special accent stitching, carbon-fiber and leather trim, and LED interior lighting, along with expanded instrumentation. A Super Bee Special Edition Package is available. |
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