Details on Dodge Challenger drivetrains

jetsetter

jetsetter

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The Ford Mustang has held court in the modern day muscle car segment long enough. At least that's what Chevy and Dodge would like you to believe, as both brands are prepping their answer to the Mustang as we speak. Dodge's offering will of course be the new Challenger, and Allpar.com has dug up some news on the rear-wheel-drive muscle car's productions specs that was previously unknown. Along with detail information on each of the Challenger's drivetrains, including engines, transmissions and axle ratios, Allpar.com reveals two new features that the Challenger will sport when it goes on sale sometime next year as a 2009 model. The first is the same Hill Start Assist technology used on the Dodge Ram, Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee and Liberty. Like the name suggests, HSA will hold the car in place on a hill, giving the driver a small amount of time to switch pedals and begin applying throttle. Hopefully it will save a few rear bumpers from some expensive bodywork. The second feature is called the Trak Pak, which is reportedly just a marketing term for a specific combination of transmission, shfiter and gearing. Available on R/T and SRT-8 models, the Tremec 6-speed manual is included, as well as a limited slip differential, though the axle ratio appears to vary between the two models on which the Trak Pak is included.

Going over the breakdown of each model's drivetrain, the base 2009 Dodge Charger appears to be a bit of a letdown with its 3.5L V6 and 4-speed automatic. Allpar.com reports that the 4.0L Phoenix V6 will replace the 4.5L eventually, but probably not until the 2011 model year.

Also of note is that Allpar.com claims that the first Challengers will actually be 2008 models produced as early as next March. These will only be SRT-8 models with an automatic, and as we reported earlier, will likely number less than 5,000. It sounds like immediately following this initial run, Dodge will begin producing all three variants of the Challenger as 2009 models. Will the Dodge Challenger have the goods to knock the Mustang off its throne? We're guessing it will make a dent in Mustang sales, as will the new Chevy Camaro, but that the Mustang will remain the segment's sales leader.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/26/details-on-dodge-challenger-drivetrains/
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I'm actually happy to see the hill assist. (see: Subaru Hill Holder)
 
Wow! That has got to be one hell of a vehicle. I'm quite happy to see they will offer a 6-speed manual with limited slip diff. But can anyone please explain how exactly does this Hill Assist work? Is that for fat people who can't move their legs fast enough when starting on a hill? Seems a bit out of place, on a 425hp may I say Supercar.

(Edit: Now what did I say wrong in this post to get a negative feedback? )
 
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Sucks to be the person who orders the R/T with a five speed auto; 2.82 rear ratio?!? That is a Lincoln and Buick territory.

And hill assist...hmm, what weeny car company made that popular some 30 years ago? *EDIT* Prost beat me to it. Poopie!

I know, my arguments are weak. The hype I suspect will be a letdown, as I am sure the majority of these sold will be the base 3.5 models, just like the Mustang.
 
^ :lol:

Sorry I'll let you grab the next opportunity to promote Subaru.
 
I can heel/toe. I dont need hill assist :D

This car is shaping up to be a mustang killer!

Hopefully this will light a fire under ford, and get them MOTIVATED to build something WORTH selling.

(I'm a diehard mustang fan btw)
 
I thought this car was supposed to be a limited production v8 only car... obviously that changed.

Now if the SCCA will just bring back Trans-Am the way it was between 67-72.
 
Trans -Am races would be so cool!

I'll take an SRT8 with the 6-speed please.... well... actually I'll take a Camaro please.
 
thedguy said:
I thought this car was supposed to be a limited production v8 only car... obviously that changed.
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I think for the first year only, there will be a limited production and they'll all be 6.1L SRT models.
After the first year, the 5.7L and 3.5L models will be available. At least that's what I heard.
 
_HighVoltage_ said:
(Edit: Now what did I say wrong in this post to get a negative feedback? )
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Some dummy probably got offended by the "Supercar" bit. It's not a supercar though :p.

I can't wait for this and the new Camaro to come out, and then there better be a new Trans Am series. Man I would go backflipping down the street if there was a new Trans Am series :lol:. Oh yeah, anyone else think that "Phoenix" is a terrible name for an engine?
 
tigger said:
Some dummy probably got offended by the "Supercar" bit. It's not a supercar though :p.

I can't wait for this and the new Camaro to come out, and then there better be a new Trans Am series. Man I would go backflipping down the street if there was a new Trans Am series :lol:. Oh yeah, anyone else think that "Phoenix" is a terrible name for an engine?
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Hmmm phoenix, a mythical bird that at the end of its life ignites and burns to ashes... sounds about right for a dodge.
 
the NASCAR Busch Series (or as it will be called next year, the Nationwide Insurance Series) is suspected to be all RWD coupes from all of NASCAR's manufacturers including Toyota by 2009. that's including the Mustang, new Camaro, and new Challenger.
 
I'm a little surprised they still offer a 4-speed auto. Seems a little 10 years ago. Even my 1992 325i has a 5-speed.
 
Dins said:
I'm a little surprised they still offer a 4-speed auto. Seems a little 10 years ago. Even my 1992 325i has a 5-speed.
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Your 325i has a 5-speed automatic?
 
Elmo187 said:
the NASCAR Busch Series (or as it will be called next year, the Nationwide Insurance Series) is suspected to be all RWD coupes from all of NASCAR's manufacturers including Toyota by 2009. that's including the Mustang, new Camaro, and new Challenger.
Click to expand...

That is going to be amazing..
 
Dins said:
I'm a little surprised they still offer a 4-speed auto. Seems a little 10 years ago. Even my 1992 325i has a 5-speed.
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I'm guessing they wanted the base model as cheap as possible. The four speed if offered will most likely be effective enough.
 
Elmo187 said:
the NASCAR Busch Series (or as it will be called next year, the Nationwide Insurance Series) is suspected to be all RWD coupes from all of NASCAR's manufacturers including Toyota by 2009. that's including the Mustang, new Camaro, and new Challenger.
Click to expand...

If that happens, I might actually watch it.:blink:

Anyway, this new Challenger will be badass without a doubt. I might even consider getting one in a few years when they have depreciated massively.
 
Elmo187 said:
the NASCAR Busch Series (or as it will be called next year, the Nationwide Insurance Series) is suspected to be all RWD coupes from all of NASCAR's manufacturers including Toyota by 2009. that's including the Mustang, new Camaro, and new Challenger.
Click to expand...

Toyota has a rwd coupe?
 
Hill Start Assist - what your two feet are for.

Yes some 'interesting' specs there - SRT8 manual for me please, oh what does it look like? Will they do a RHD version?
 
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