Edmunds Performance-Test - Dodge Challenger SE and V8 manuals
08-20-2008, 07:02 PM
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Edmunds Performance-Test - Dodge Challenger SE and V8 manuals 2009 Dodge Challenger SE
We tested the new V6-equipped Challenger SE at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey.
Date posted: 08-16-2008
ENGLISHTOWN, New Jersey — The 2009 Dodge Challenger SE is the new, affordable addition to the 2009 Dodge Challenger lineup. Following the official introduction of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SE at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey, we conducted our own independent testing of the entry-level coupe with its 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V6.
The business case for the Dodge Challenger depends on volume sales, not just specialty cars like the 425-hp SRT8 model, and Chrysler believes the Challenger SE can become a mainstream coupe, a two-door alternative to the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans.
This is the very first chance to test the performance of Chrysler's new muscle car with the V6 engine. The data includes 0-60-mph acceleration, quarter-mile performance, braking distance and slalom speed, as well as insight from IL's test driver.
Chrysler based its introduction of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8, R/T and SE at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, a traditional stop for the NHRA's professional drag-racing championship. Thanks to our portable Racelogic VBOX III testing gear, we were able to use the track for performance testing, although the lack of a suitable plot of pavement precluded skid pad evaluation.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger SE with its 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 and four-speed automatic transmission accelerated to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds (7.8 seconds with 1 foot of rollout), then reached the quarter-mile in 16.1 seconds at 88.3 mph.
Full performance data is listed below:
Acceleration:
0-30 mph 3.0 seconds
0-45 mph 5.1 seconds
0-60 mph 8.1 seconds
0-75 mph 12.1 seconds
1/4-mile 16.1 seconds at 88.3 mph
0-60 mph with 1 foot of rollout 7.8 seconds
Braking:
30-0 mph 29 feet
60-0 mph 129 feet
Slalom (600 feet) 59.5 mph
Test Driver Comments
The SE favors being held against the brakes until revs reach about 2,000 rpm. Some chirp off the line with ESP turned off which just means a lenient version of ESP. Engine revs all the way to the 6,500-rpm indicated redline and upshifts are moderately fast, but smooth. Why no AutoStick in this sporty coupe? Also seems like a five-speed automatic would make better use of the V6 engine. First braking effort from 60 mph was the shortest at 129 feet and grew slightly longer from there to a 134-foot max. Although the pedal showed no signs of spongy fade, the odor from hot brakes suggested otherwise. In the slalom the front end gives up long before the rear does. Only moderate roll stiffness, but decent impact-reducing damping. In the end, the limits are defined by the ESP.
The SE gets the Challenger look, without the V8 power.
What this means to you: With V6 fuel economy, a slightly more comfortable ride and a base price of $21,995, the Challenger SE offers a good compromise for an everyday car. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor
We tested the new V6-equipped Challenger SE at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey.
Date posted: 08-16-2008
ENGLISHTOWN, New Jersey — The 2009 Dodge Challenger SE is the new, affordable addition to the 2009 Dodge Challenger lineup. Following the official introduction of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SE at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey, we conducted our own independent testing of the entry-level coupe with its 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V6.
The business case for the Dodge Challenger depends on volume sales, not just specialty cars like the 425-hp SRT8 model, and Chrysler believes the Challenger SE can become a mainstream coupe, a two-door alternative to the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans.
This is the very first chance to test the performance of Chrysler's new muscle car with the V6 engine. The data includes 0-60-mph acceleration, quarter-mile performance, braking distance and slalom speed, as well as insight from IL's test driver.
Chrysler based its introduction of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8, R/T and SE at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, a traditional stop for the NHRA's professional drag-racing championship. Thanks to our portable Racelogic VBOX III testing gear, we were able to use the track for performance testing, although the lack of a suitable plot of pavement precluded skid pad evaluation.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger SE with its 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 and four-speed automatic transmission accelerated to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds (7.8 seconds with 1 foot of rollout), then reached the quarter-mile in 16.1 seconds at 88.3 mph.
Full performance data is listed below:
Acceleration:
0-30 mph 3.0 seconds
0-45 mph 5.1 seconds
0-60 mph 8.1 seconds
0-75 mph 12.1 seconds
1/4-mile 16.1 seconds at 88.3 mph
0-60 mph with 1 foot of rollout 7.8 seconds
Braking:
30-0 mph 29 feet
60-0 mph 129 feet
Slalom (600 feet) 59.5 mph
Test Driver Comments
The SE favors being held against the brakes until revs reach about 2,000 rpm. Some chirp off the line with ESP turned off which just means a lenient version of ESP. Engine revs all the way to the 6,500-rpm indicated redline and upshifts are moderately fast, but smooth. Why no AutoStick in this sporty coupe? Also seems like a five-speed automatic would make better use of the V6 engine. First braking effort from 60 mph was the shortest at 129 feet and grew slightly longer from there to a 134-foot max. Although the pedal showed no signs of spongy fade, the odor from hot brakes suggested otherwise. In the slalom the front end gives up long before the rear does. Only moderate roll stiffness, but decent impact-reducing damping. In the end, the limits are defined by the ESP.
The SE gets the Challenger look, without the V8 power.
What this means to you: With V6 fuel economy, a slightly more comfortable ride and a base price of $21,995, the Challenger SE offers a good compromise for an everyday car. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor
08-20-2008, 07:02 PM
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2009 Dodge Challenger R/T
ENGLISHTOWN, New Jersey — There has been lots of speculation about the speed of the new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T with its 375-horsepower 5.7-liter V8, and we were able to conduct our own independent testing at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey, the site of the official introduction of the 2009 Dodge Challenger lineup.
This is the very first chance to test the performance of Chrysler's new muscle car in R/T trim. Our data includes 0-60-mph acceleration, quarter-mile performance, braking distance and slalom speed, as well as insight from IL's test-driver.
Chrysler based its introduction of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8, R/T and SE at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, a traditional stop for the NHRA's professional drag-racing championship. Thanks to our portable Racelogic VBOX III testing gear, we were able to use the track for performance testing, although the lack of a suitable plot of pavement precluded skid pad evaluation.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T with its 375-hp 5.7-liter V8 and six-speed manual transmission accelerated to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds (5.5 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip), then reached the quarter-mile in 14.1 seconds at 100.8 mph. In comparison, the 315-hp 2008 Mustang Bullitt we tested late last year with a 4.6-liter V8 and Tremec five-speed manual transmission ran to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. The Bullitt also ran a 13.8-second quarter-mile at 102.1 mph.
At 4,041 pounds, the R/T weighs about 100 pounds less than a 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with a six-speed transmission. In fact the R/T is only fractionally slower to 60 mph than the SRT8's 5.5 seconds (5.2 seconds with 1 foot of rollout). The difference lies in the higher redline of the SRT8's 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi, which enables the car to pull past 60 mph in 2nd gear. In comparison, the R/T requires a shift into 3rd gear.
Full performance data is listed below:
Acceleration:
0-30 mph 2.5 seconds
0-45 mph 4.0 seconds
0-60 mph 5.9 seconds
0-75 mph 8.4 seconds
1/4-mile 14.1 seconds at 100.8 mph
0-60 mph with 1 foot of rollout 5.5 seconds
Braking:
30-0 mph 29 feet
60-0 mph 126 feet
Slalom (600 feet) 62.4 mph
Test Driver Comments
With its Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires, the R/T is a little trickier to launch than the SRT8 with its sticky Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires. The grip of the RS-As disappears quickly, so only the first two or three launches are worth measuring. Still, a 3,200-rpm launch worked well enough to bag consistent runs to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. The Tremec six-speed with its pistol-grip shifter feels robust but is still easy to operate. During braking tests, 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. Despite a button and light indicating to the contrary, the ESP is not all the way off. As we would expect, the R/T offers more grip, better turn-in and yaw response compared to the V6-powered SE, but nowhere near the capability of an SRT8.
What this means to you: We've got a full test of the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T due to arrive any minute now. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor
ENGLISHTOWN, New Jersey — There has been lots of speculation about the speed of the new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T with its 375-horsepower 5.7-liter V8, and we were able to conduct our own independent testing at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey, the site of the official introduction of the 2009 Dodge Challenger lineup.
This is the very first chance to test the performance of Chrysler's new muscle car in R/T trim. Our data includes 0-60-mph acceleration, quarter-mile performance, braking distance and slalom speed, as well as insight from IL's test-driver.
Chrysler based its introduction of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8, R/T and SE at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, a traditional stop for the NHRA's professional drag-racing championship. Thanks to our portable Racelogic VBOX III testing gear, we were able to use the track for performance testing, although the lack of a suitable plot of pavement precluded skid pad evaluation.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T with its 375-hp 5.7-liter V8 and six-speed manual transmission accelerated to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds (5.5 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip), then reached the quarter-mile in 14.1 seconds at 100.8 mph. In comparison, the 315-hp 2008 Mustang Bullitt we tested late last year with a 4.6-liter V8 and Tremec five-speed manual transmission ran to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. The Bullitt also ran a 13.8-second quarter-mile at 102.1 mph.
At 4,041 pounds, the R/T weighs about 100 pounds less than a 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with a six-speed transmission. In fact the R/T is only fractionally slower to 60 mph than the SRT8's 5.5 seconds (5.2 seconds with 1 foot of rollout). The difference lies in the higher redline of the SRT8's 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi, which enables the car to pull past 60 mph in 2nd gear. In comparison, the R/T requires a shift into 3rd gear.
Full performance data is listed below:
Acceleration:
0-30 mph 2.5 seconds
0-45 mph 4.0 seconds
0-60 mph 5.9 seconds
0-75 mph 8.4 seconds
1/4-mile 14.1 seconds at 100.8 mph
0-60 mph with 1 foot of rollout 5.5 seconds
Braking:
30-0 mph 29 feet
60-0 mph 126 feet
Slalom (600 feet) 62.4 mph
Test Driver Comments
With its Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires, the R/T is a little trickier to launch than the SRT8 with its sticky Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires. The grip of the RS-As disappears quickly, so only the first two or three launches are worth measuring. Still, a 3,200-rpm launch worked well enough to bag consistent runs to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. The Tremec six-speed with its pistol-grip shifter feels robust but is still easy to operate. During braking tests, 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. Despite a button and light indicating to the contrary, the ESP is not all the way off. As we would expect, the R/T offers more grip, better turn-in and yaw response compared to the V6-powered SE, but nowhere near the capability of an SRT8.
What this means to you: We've got a full test of the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T due to arrive any minute now. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor
08-20-2008, 07:03 PM
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2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8
We tested the 425-horsepower Challenger SRT8 coupe with its new six-speed manual transmission.
ENGLISHTOWN, New Jersey — Following the official introduction of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey, we conducted our own independent testing of the 425-horsepower coupe, now available with a six-speed manual transmission for the new model year.
This is the very first chance to test the performance of Chrysler's new muscle car with the combination of the SRT 6.1-liter Hemi V8 and the Tremec six-speed manual transmission. The data includes 0-60-mph acceleration, quarter-mile performance, braking distance and slalom speed, as well as insight from IL's test driver.
Chrysler based its introduction of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8, RT and SE at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, a traditional stop for the NHRA's professional drag-racing championship. Thanks to our portable Racelogic VBOX III testing gear, we were able to use the track for performance testing, although the lack of a suitable plot of pavement precluded skid pad evaluation.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with its 425-hp 6.1-liter V8 and six-speed manual transmission accelerated to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds (5.2 seconds with 1 foot of rollout), then reached the quarter-mile in 13.8 seconds at 103.0 mph. This compares to the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with its five-speed automatic that achieved 60 mph in 5.1 seconds (4.8 seconds with 1 foot of rollout) and completed the quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds at 107.5 mph.
We're surprised that the 2008 Challenger SRT8 with its automatic transmission has the edge in speed here, but we were slightly suspicious at the time that it had an unusually healthy engine. In comparison, the engine of this 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with its manual transmission seemed slightly sick during our testing. In the end, we're still left with some questions about the comparative performance of automatic and manual transmissions in this car.
Full performance data is listed below:
Acceleration:
0-30 mph 2.5 seconds
0-45 mph 4.0 seconds
0-60 mph 5.5 seconds
0-75 mph 7.9 seconds
1/4-mile 13.8 seconds at 103.0 mph
0-60 mph with 1 foot of rollout 5.2 seconds
Braking:
30-0 mph 27 feet
60-0 mph 119 feet
Slalom (600 feet) 66.0 mph
Test Driver Comments
Because the power delivery from the 6.1-liter V8 is so linear and the 255/45ZR20 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar rear tires are so grippy, it's easy to modulate the wheelspin away from the starting line with the throttle. Yet this Challenger SRT8's time to 60 mph and the quarter-mile both lagged behind the performance of the 2008 Challenger SRT8 with its five-speed automatic that we previously tested. This engine didn't seem to have the pop of the other one. Pistol-grip shifter feels robust but is easy to operate and accurate even when rushed. Clutch is neither too heavy nor too light. Ratio of 4th gear feels very, very tall and the car lays down noticeably before crossing the finish line. Amazingly quick turn-in and yaw response in slalom from such a large car, but it's the kind of front-end bite that can be trusted. Good balance right up to the limit where the Challenger SRT8 pushes on-throttle and oversteers with generous on-throttle application.
What this means to you: Dodge finally gives us the manual transmission muscle car we've been waiting for. — Michael Jordan, Executive Editor
We tested the 425-horsepower Challenger SRT8 coupe with its new six-speed manual transmission.
ENGLISHTOWN, New Jersey — Following the official introduction of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey, we conducted our own independent testing of the 425-horsepower coupe, now available with a six-speed manual transmission for the new model year.
This is the very first chance to test the performance of Chrysler's new muscle car with the combination of the SRT 6.1-liter Hemi V8 and the Tremec six-speed manual transmission. The data includes 0-60-mph acceleration, quarter-mile performance, braking distance and slalom speed, as well as insight from IL's test driver.
Chrysler based its introduction of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8, RT and SE at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, a traditional stop for the NHRA's professional drag-racing championship. Thanks to our portable Racelogic VBOX III testing gear, we were able to use the track for performance testing, although the lack of a suitable plot of pavement precluded skid pad evaluation.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with its 425-hp 6.1-liter V8 and six-speed manual transmission accelerated to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds (5.2 seconds with 1 foot of rollout), then reached the quarter-mile in 13.8 seconds at 103.0 mph. This compares to the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with its five-speed automatic that achieved 60 mph in 5.1 seconds (4.8 seconds with 1 foot of rollout) and completed the quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds at 107.5 mph.
We're surprised that the 2008 Challenger SRT8 with its automatic transmission has the edge in speed here, but we were slightly suspicious at the time that it had an unusually healthy engine. In comparison, the engine of this 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with its manual transmission seemed slightly sick during our testing. In the end, we're still left with some questions about the comparative performance of automatic and manual transmissions in this car.
Full performance data is listed below:
Acceleration:
0-30 mph 2.5 seconds
0-45 mph 4.0 seconds
0-60 mph 5.5 seconds
0-75 mph 7.9 seconds
1/4-mile 13.8 seconds at 103.0 mph
0-60 mph with 1 foot of rollout 5.2 seconds
Braking:
30-0 mph 27 feet
60-0 mph 119 feet
Slalom (600 feet) 66.0 mph
Test Driver Comments
Because the power delivery from the 6.1-liter V8 is so linear and the 255/45ZR20 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar rear tires are so grippy, it's easy to modulate the wheelspin away from the starting line with the throttle. Yet this Challenger SRT8's time to 60 mph and the quarter-mile both lagged behind the performance of the 2008 Challenger SRT8 with its five-speed automatic that we previously tested. This engine didn't seem to have the pop of the other one. Pistol-grip shifter feels robust but is easy to operate and accurate even when rushed. Clutch is neither too heavy nor too light. Ratio of 4th gear feels very, very tall and the car lays down noticeably before crossing the finish line. Amazingly quick turn-in and yaw response in slalom from such a large car, but it's the kind of front-end bite that can be trusted. Good balance right up to the limit where the Challenger SRT8 pushes on-throttle and oversteers with generous on-throttle application.
What this means to you: Dodge finally gives us the manual transmission muscle car we've been waiting for. — Michael Jordan, Executive Editor
08-20-2008, 11:57 PM
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That V6 is a joke, wow even the old 160hp 3.4 v6 fbodys from the early 90s can do better.....lol.
As for the R/T...not bad I guess when you consider the weight...but the 5th gen V6 did a 14.5 in the automatic so i dunno........lol
As for the R/T...not bad I guess when you consider the weight...but the 5th gen V6 did a 14.5 in the automatic so i dunno........lol
08-21-2008, 03:42 PM
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Yeah me too, hopefully it was just really hot out and the cars had low miles or something, hoping all the models will run a little quicker come winter time, some 15s from the V6, maybe mid 13s from the R/T and high 12s for the SRT-8.
08-21-2008, 03:59 PM
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Hell , so is our stock F-bodies . Looks like we're finding out real quick just how good our old 1998-2002 Z/28"s & Trans AM"s were . Bone stock we could kill the brand new & mighty SRT Challenger , and just laugh at the RT version . And our old 3.8 V6 Camaro's would kill their 6 cylinder cars & get way better MPG while doin it to em .
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08-21-2008, 04:10 PM
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Hell , so is our stock F-bodies . Looks like we're finding out real quick just how good our old 1998-2002 Z/28"s & Trans AM"s were . Bone stock we could kill the brand new & mighty SRT Challenger , and just laugh at the RT version . And our old 3.8 V6 Camaro's would kill their 6 cylinder cars & get way better MPG while doin it to em .
Yup !
08-21-2008, 05:23 PM
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This is what happens when you RUSH a car out to the floor and use an old heavy platform....its performance is lacking...sure it looks good but the performance sucks......
So those who cried about GM taking to long with the Camaro? They built it from the ground up and just look at how great of a turnout it is....looks and powertrain. I mean sure maybe could have shed a few more pounds off and gave us a Z28 but its still MUCH better then the challenger.
So those who cried about GM taking to long with the Camaro? They built it from the ground up and just look at how great of a turnout it is....looks and powertrain. I mean sure maybe could have shed a few more pounds off and gave us a Z28 but its still MUCH better then the challenger.
08-21-2008, 05:58 PM
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I dont know. I love my Camaros and GM but if the R/T pricing is right around $29K like they want I wouldnt be suprised to see Challenger R/T sell close to Mustang GT in the V8 class. I dont think they will come close in the V6 market though.
08-21-2008, 07:38 PM
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^ damn skippy. Seems like they followed Ford with engine options. A weak V6, decent V8, & a nice HO V8. GM went a different route with just 2 engine options. Will the masses want or care about a HO V6? Stay tuned!
08-21-2008, 10:46 PM
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I've seen R/T and SRT four-doors run much stronger here. I have little doubt these cars are capable of much more than what Edmunds go out of them with a few hours at the track.
08-21-2008, 11:59 PM
#15
Hell , so is our stock F-bodies . Looks like we're finding out real quick just how good our old 1998-2002 Z/28"s & Trans AM"s were . Bone stock we could kill the brand new & mighty SRT Challenger , and just laugh at the RT version . And our old 3.8 V6 Camaro's would kill their 6 cylinder cars & get way better MPG while doin it to em .
I truly LOVE my LS1 Z28. 
08-22-2008, 03:47 AM
#17
Me too, I've seen a stock one (Brent's car...former C5 Z06 heads/cam record holder and STS turbo GTO owner) go 12.5@111+ in excellent air at a sticky track though it's the only one I've ever heard of/seen do that, most other fast ones are in the 12.8-13.0 range.
