| Model year | 2009 |
| Make | Dodge |
| Model | Challenger |
| Style | R/T 2dr Coupe (5.7L 8cyl 6M) |
| Base MSRP | $29,995 |
| Options on test vehicle | Sirius Satellite Radio, Electronics Convenience Group, Sound Group II, Track Pak six-speed manual transmission, power sunroof, HID headlamps, R/T hood-to-fender stripes, navigation system, compact spare tire, 20-by-8.0-inch chrome clad wheels, 245/45VR20 all-season performance tires, antilock four-wheel-disc heavy-duty brakes |
| As-tested MSRP | $39,055 |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive |
| Engine type | V8 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 5,654 |
| Block/head material | Cast iron/aluminum |
| Valvetrain | Overhead valve |
| Compression ratio (x:1) | 10.5 |
| Redline (rpm) | 5,700 indicated |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 376 @ 5,150 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 410 @ 4,300 |
| Transmission type | 6-speed manual |
| Transmission and axle ratios (x:1) | I = 2.97, II = 2.10, III = 1.46, IV = 1.00, V = 0.74, VI = 0.50, FD = 3.91, R = 2.90 |
| Suspension, front | Independent, double wishbones, coil springs and stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, rear | Independent, multilink, coil springs and stabilizer bar |
| Steering type | Speed-proportional power steering |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 16.1:1 |
| Tire brand | Goodyear |
| Tire model | Eagle RS-A |
| Tire type | All-season |
| Tire size, front | 245/45R20 99V |
| Tire size, rear | 245/45R20 99V |
| Wheel size | 20-by-8 inches |
| Wheel material | Chrome alloy |
| Brakes, front | Ventilated disc |
| Brakes, rear | Ventilated disc |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 4.0 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 5.9 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 8.4 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 14.1 @ 100.8 |
| 0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) | 5.5 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 29 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 126 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 62.4 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | Not Tested |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | Not Tested |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | Not Tested |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | Not Tested |
| Acceleration comments | With slightly narrower and less grippy tires, the R/T is a little trickier to launch than the SRT8 with its monstrous and sticky tires. The engine can easily overpower the Eagle RS-A's notoriously short-lived grip. Only the first 2-3 launches are worth measuring. Still, a 3,200-rpm launch worked well enough to bag consistent sub-6-second 0-60 times. Pistol-grip shifter feels robust but is still easy to operate. The clutch uptake is easy to moderate without an unexpectedly steep spring rate. Muted but present exhaust note. |
| Braking rating | Good |
| Braking comments | The first stop was the best at 126 feet, growing to 132 by the end. Pedal effort remained moderately firm throughout testing and only a little hot-brake odor was evident. Moderate dive but always straight with noticeable tire noise on full-ABS stops. |
| Handling rating | Good |
| Handling comments | Despite a button and light indicating to the contrary, the ESP is not all the way off. As we would expect, there's more grip, better turn-in and yaw response compared to the SE, but nowhere near the capability of an SRT8. A perfect middle ground between them, however, without the impact harshness of the SRT8 nor the low limits of the SE. |
| Elevation (ft.) | 65 |
| Temperature (°F) | 74.2 |
| Wind (mph, direction) | 8 mph (cross) |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 15 city/23 highway |
| Edmunds observed (mpg) | 20.9 |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 19.0 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 4,041 |
| Curb weight, as tested (lbs.) | NA |
| Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%) | NA |
| Length (in.) | 197.7 |
| Width (in.) | 75.7 |
| Height (in.) | 57.0 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 116.0 |
| Track, front (in.) | 63.0 |
| Track, rear (in.) | 63.1 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 38.9 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 42.0 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 32.6 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 39.5 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 37.4 |
| Shoulder room, front (in.) | 58.2 |
| Shoulder room, rear (in.) | 53.9 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 16.2 |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 5 years/100,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Free scheduled maintenance | Not available |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard dual front |
| Head airbags | Standard front and rear |
| Knee airbags | Not available |
| Antilock brakes | 4-wheel ABS |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Braking assist, electronic brakeforce distribution |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
| Tire-pressure monitoring system | Standard tire-pressure monitoring |
| Emergency assistance system | Not available |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Not tested |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | Not tested |
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