Here it is...
Shortly after the 2008s comes 2009 model-year production. The always-reliable oh20 reported that the lineup will be expanded to three models with the addition of three more engines,
the base model having the 3.5L V6 while the R/T model will offer the all-new 5.7L VCT Hemi with MDS (5-speed) and without MDS (6-speed). Both the R/T and SRT8 will offer an optional six-speed TREMEC manual transmission.
Production of the 2009 models is set to start early, in June of 2008. Vehicles are expected to start arriving to dealers in late June/July. During the 2009 and later model years Dodge will most likely offer some special edition Challenger models similar to what has been done with other vehicles in the past.
All 2009 Challenger models will feature, as Standard equipment, front and side air bags, air conditioning, body-color door handles and fascias, cell phone storage, cruise control, a floor console with sliding armrest, functional hood scoops, non-adjustable pedals, power mirrors, power windows (1-touch down), rear wheel drive, rear window radio antenna, 3-point rear center seatbelts, satin/chrome grilles, Sentry Key anti-theft system and a tilt-telescoping steering wheel. None of the Challenger models will feature a spare tire, a “service kit” will be offered instead.
Other features and options on the 2009 Challenger will include Remote Start, MyGIG Infotainments systems with and without navigation, Sirius Satellite radio, foglamps, and a power sunroof. Base models will have a Tire Pressure warning light while other models will have a Tire Pressure display.
The 5.7L Hemi engine is set for an upgrade, which is why the R/T Challengers will not arrive until the 2009 model year. Chrysler will have variable cam timing in place on these new-generation 5.7 engines, neatly leapfrogging most variable-valve timing systems. In addition to VVT and expanded MDS operating range, the HEMI’s fuel economy (~4%) and performance improvements (~10%) result from an increased compression ratio, an active intake manifold with long runners for low-end torque and short runners for high-rpm power, improved cylinder head port flow efficiency, and reduced restriction exhaust and induction systems. To raise the reliability and durability of the HEMI engine, other updates are crankshaft structural upgrades, a dual-mass crankshaft damper, floating pin piston design, valve spring design and oil pump capacity increase for VVT. The 2009 Dodge Ram will get 380 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque from the new Hemi and the Challenger numbers are expected be somewhat similar.
The expanded Multiple Displacement System (MDS) will be included in the new 5.7 that is offered in R/T automatic transmission models, while 6-speed manual R/T models will feature the same engine without MDS. A 6.4 liter version, with an estimated 500 or more hp, is still expected to be offered in a future model of the Challenger, possibly debuting in the 2010 model year.
Additional features of the 2009 R/T will include a rear body-color spoiler, 4-wheel anti-lock heavy-duty brakes, anti-spin rear differential, chrome pedals, dual rear exhaust, heated front seats, illuminated cupholders and map pockets, power heated mirrors, instrument cluster display screen, performance steering and suspension and 20”x8” chrome-clad wheels. R/T models will have a 19-gal. fuel tank, vs the 18.5 tank on the base models.
The 2009 SRT8 models will be very similar to the 2008 Challenger SRT8 models, other than the addition of a 6-speed manual version with 3.92 rear gearing and Hill Start Assist, there will be very few changes other than the addition of exterior colors. The 6.1L HEMI will return, and the available features and options will be nearly identical but offered in expanded option groups/packages.
2009 colors will include but not be limited to, Bright Silver, Brilliant Black, High-Performance Red, HEMI Orange, Dark Titanium Metallic and Stone White. Additional colors are still to be determined. For the interior, Dark Slate Gray will be offered on all models. Other interior color choices are unknown at this time.
Challenger convertible models are rumored to be added in the 2010 model year, with production possibly starting in the first half of 2009, several months earlier than the 2010 non-convertible models. Convertibles will be offered in the base and R/T models only. Finally, the 2011 or 2012 Challenger will most likely include the upcoming 4.0 liter Phoenix engine, replacing the 3.5 liter. This explains the front seat belt mounts, which are normally bolted to the bottom of the B post, then travel up the B post at which point you grab it and place over your chest. In the Challenger, seat belts are set up convertible-style; there is a small bar at the bottom of the B post which the seat belt is attached to. This allows it to slide back and forth to help with getting it out of the way when getting in the back. Then the seat belt travels through a loop at the top of the seats like in a convertible. You grab the seat belt from the top of the seat and then place across you chest. This may indicate that someone is thinking ahead to making a convertible. (Courtesy oh20; first released at allpar).
The interior is, we’re now told, very different from the concept. The radio area is completely different; the console top is the same color but has a different shape, including an iPod valley in front. Gauges are different, and now include large chrome rings around each pod (a late change).
SRC