2009-2010 Dodge Challenger R/T

Pros :
- Aggressive retro styling.
- Handles well for a big car.
- Powerful Hemi engine.
- Comfortable ride.
- Enough headroom for tall people.

Cons :
- Retro styling already feels dated.
- Average handling.
- Limited rear legroom.
- Dull interior design.
- It shouldn't be this big.

Interior :

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Press Coverage :
The return of the iconic Dodge Challenger brings what pony car fanatics crave: ground shaking performance, unmistakable design cues reminiscent of the original Challenger, world-class ride and handling characteristics and benchmark braking. On top of that it features a wide variety of modern amenities and technology designed to delight a new generation of driving enthusiasts.
The Dodge Challenger design team stayed true to the concept revealed at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, while drawing upon elements from the original Challenger. The result: a bold, aggressive muscle machine that blends nostalgia with modern Dodge style.
The new version of Dodge’s American classic boasts tire-smoking performance and head-turning design while offering a wide array of state-of-the-art technology, such as GPS navigation, ‘Keyless Go’ entry, a MyGIG infotainment system and UConnect hands-free communication.
On the exterior, the long, raised performance hood with scoops and recessed grille with round dual headlamps are reminiscent of the original Dodge Challenger. The bold A-line, or character line, that runs from stem to stern gives the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger an instantly recognizable muscle-car profile. Retro dual rectangular exhaust outlets complete the look from the rear.
On the interior, the trapezoidal theme of the door-panel cove and gauge cluster, dark headliner and slanted shifter console are inspired by the original Dodge Challenger. The modern interpretation of the Dodge Challenger offers exceptional rear seating for a two-door coupe, achieving best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room compared to the competition. Coupled with best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.) — equal to the Dodge Charger — the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger offers added comfort and functionality.
The Dodge Challenger R/T vehicles is manufactured at Chrysler’s Brampton, Ontario, Canada assembly plant.
Chrysler Corporation

For a cappuccino short of $30K, the Challenger R/T is a bargain next to its quicker sibling, competing in price with Mustang GTs, Pontiac G8 GTs, and probably the Camaro SS instead of $40,000-plus BMWs, Audis, and Corvettes. It's also in the same price range as the John Cooper Works Mini. Enthusiasts won't cross-shop the R/T and JCW-their performance "philosophies" are polar opposites. Yet both have a propensity for understeer. The R/T's just too big and heavy to get around a tight track, without scrubbing front tires. Unlike the front-drive Mini, you can steer the rear-drive Challenger out of a turn with the throttle if stability control is off and correct resulting oversteer with a quick opposite-lock snap. The R/T's understeer is much more controlled than the Mustang GT's.
As far as American cars have come in four decades, the Challenger R/T's ride and handling flavor is much like the original's and like former Chrysler patron Mercedes' cars. It's more Interstate/autobahn cruiser than mountain-road slalom champ. If the SRT has even stiffer shocks and springs, they didn't make noticeable difference in back-to-back SRT-R/T laps at Englishtown. Like most Mercedes, the suspension is controlled and compliant enough to make the R/T comfortable for anyone used to big performance sedans. This is a refined car, a much quieter and better ride than the live-rear-axle Mustang.
Motor Trend

It's partly the fault of its all-season tires that the R/T isn't as fast through our slalom as the SRT8. The R/T gets through reasonably well for such a large car at 62.4 mph, yet the SRT8 cranks through at 66 mph. One other contributing factor is the inability to totally disable the R/T's stability control system. Dodge now says that future R/T models will get the same two-stage system as the SRT models — a quick push of the button turns off traction control, then hold the button for 5 seconds and all safety nets are removed.
Because Dodge isn't trying to make a road racer out of the R/T, its suspension setup is more compliant than that of the SRT8. There's little-to-no impact harshness and the ride is generally very quiet. It seems to us that this is a good compromise for the mission of this car.
Don't get us wrong. We're not saying the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T is a pig. It will actually stick pretty well. But, you know, it ain't a Lotus. In fact, after a long drive, it sometimes sits in the driveway for hours picking Loti out of its grille. There is simply no forgetting its weight — ever. And its huge steering wheel with its lightweight action isn't the stuff of road racing fantasies.
Edmunds.com

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History:
1970-1974 Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi
7,000 cc / 425 hp / 490 lb-ft / 3600 lbs / 0-60 mph 5.0 sec.