Are you looking for a super cool, powerful, and truly fun car to drive? You may love the look and feel of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8, a packed vehicle that is sure to turn the heads of anyone looking for a true muscle car with a few extras.
What does the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 have to offer?
- 425 horsepower engine
- 6.1L V8 power
- 5-speed automatic and auto-manual transmission
- Rear wheel drive setup
- Room for five
- Starting price of around $40,000 new
There’s no doubt the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is the type of car you’ve been dreaming of owning, but this is just the start of what it has to offer. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the specs and features, right down to the details.
You can also check out the 2009 Dodge Challenger’s Vehicle History for more insights. The more you know, the better your buying decision can be.
What Does the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Have to Offer?
The Dodge Challenger lineup for the 2009 year features the SE as the base model followed by the R/T. The SRT8 is the top trim option. By comparison, it offered a significantly larger and more powerful engine in the same coupe body. There are a few additional reasons why it was a must-see vehicle.
First, let’s touch on what makes the 2009 Dodge Challenger an important model. This was Chrysler’s first launch of a manual transmission in the Challenger. It was available in the R/T and SRT8 trims. This was the first time a manual transmission was paired with the Hemi V8 engine by the company as well.
Check out the Body Differences
There’s no doubt that the 2009 Dodge Challenger model – in any trim – is a performance vehicle. It looks like and feels like a muscle car. Yet, the SRT8 goes a few steps further.
If you really want to know the difference in the SRT8, it was in the cool design and exterior. It has wider tires than other trim – they were flush with the wheel wells, in fact. Another nice feature on the exterior – the faux-carbon fiber hood stripes.
You also had Xenon lights on this model as standard. They are optional on the R/T. The look goes a bit further, too, with that black deck spoiler on the Challenger. If you look head-on, you’ll notice the deep front air dam that also incorporates a functional brake duct. Overall, this vehicle just looks better.
The Interior Offers Some Key Styling
The SRT8 has a nice interior that is comfortable. It has Alcantara and leather performance seats. These really do provide you with a lot of protection and comfort even when you’re at top speeds and on rough roads. Everyone can appreciate the quality leather, too.
When it comes to room inside, it’s a muscle car. That’s going to be a concern. The back has enough room for three people, as long as their legs aren’t too long. Upfront, the passenger and driver shouldn’t have a problem, though the top is a bit low.
The Engine and the Performance
For those buying the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8, it is pretty likely that you are after the vehicle for its engine. That perfect and unique sound of a Dodge Challenger engine still comes through here, and then some.
The car offers a 6.1L V8 engine as the standard option. It features a five-speed automatic with overdrive and auto-manual option. You’ll also like this vehicle’s rear wheel drive. You can upgrade to a six-speed manual transmission if you’re looking for different performance.
This premium engine gets 425 horsepower at 6200 RPMs. It also gets 420 lb-ft. at 4800 RPMs. This is a 16-valve vehicle with a 19-gallon fuel tank.
It’s designed as an ultra-low emissions vehicle with a greenhouse gas tailpipe. Let’s be honest, though. You are not buying this vehicle for fuel economy. The 6.1L engine gets an EPA-estimated 13 city and 19 highway, for 15 combined miles per gallon. That’s not impressive, of course, but it is expected.
How does the 2009 Dodge Challenger feel, though? It has standard rack and pinion steering with high-performance 20-inch wheels. It also has premium rear shocks as an upgradable option (along with even better tires). All of this equates to a pretty solid ride.
Let’s Talk about the Manual Transmission
One of the big reasons so many heads turned when the 2009 Dodge Challenger was announced was because of the manual transmission option. The Track Pak is one of the features available on the SRT8, and it is worth checking out.
The SRT8 already has a limited slip differential on board, which makes this feature an option. So, what is it? It’s a pistol-grip lever that gives you control of the Tremec-sourced TR-6060 manual transmission. The handling is smooth and so easy. There’s no doubt this is an upgrade that some will love.
The Hemi engine really gives it a nice connection to the driver. You’ll feel the power behind this vehicle. It also offers an electronic stability program feature that helps improve turning.
A note on safety should be made. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives this vehicle a solid 5 stars. The vehicle performed well in most tests. You’ll feel safe behind the wheel of this beauty.
Be sure to check out the recalls on it as well. Drivers will find seven recalls as of October of 2020 on this vehicle. Key concerns relate to the air bags, power train, and the tires. There are also a significant number of consumer complaints on the vehicle’s air bags and engine.
Are You Ready to Drive Home a 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8?
It’s a big deal to buy a $40,000 vehicle, though pre-owned prices are significantly lower, of course. If you are unsure if it is the right choice for you, take the time to check out the consumer reviews of it at Vehicle History.
