Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T
#16
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Thanks.....a nice shot.
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The original car, however, in stock form, had chrome bumpers, unlike this obviously redone dragster. At the Washington, DC Auto show, they had the orange metalflake concept car with the twin hood stripes parked next to a purple 1970 Challenger convertible with white vinyl interior ....purple (Plum Crazy) was a stock color that year, my favorite of all the Challenger colors.
Here's a shot from Dodge's own advertising that year:
![](http://www.adclassix.com/images/70challengerplumcrazyconver.jpg)
#17
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Thanks.![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
It's hard not to like the Challenger's looks, but the interior could be a little more retro than it is now, not to mention, of course, better materials, but the original car (I remember it well) also had a flimsy, hard-plastic interior.
Hers's an advance shot of the Camaro and its interior....you may have already have seen shots of it for yourself. We won't know, of course, how well it is built until we see it first-hand.
You can count on a review from me, of course.....![Wink](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
![](http://www.cars-spot.com/wp-content/gallery/2010-camaro-ss/2010_camaro_ss_0.jpg)
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ive seen it on a road a couple of times
and both times made me fell in love with it
i really like the classic muscle car look in a modern form
if it wasnt the ultra-cheap interior, id be test driving one now
i hope GM approaches the Camaro with a better interior
and both times made me fell in love with it
i really like the classic muscle car look in a modern form
if it wasnt the ultra-cheap interior, id be test driving one now
i hope GM approaches the Camaro with a better interior
Hers's an advance shot of the Camaro and its interior....you may have already have seen shots of it for yourself. We won't know, of course, how well it is built until we see it first-hand.
You can count on a review from me, of course.....
![Wink](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
![](http://www.cars-spot.com/wp-content/gallery/2010-camaro-ss/2010_camaro_ss_0.jpg)
![](https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/2692702099_7a5757eabd.jpg?v=0)
#18
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Great Review Mmarshall ![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
As for cylinder deactivation, I luv the Cadillac 8-6-4 reference! The Caddy version came out about 20 years before the technology was ready, glad to see in your review that today's version works so seamlessly.
I was always a Camaro fan back in the day, so I'll reserve judgment til I can compare your reviews of all 3 'muscle cars'. With the Camaro being Holden based I have high expectations for its quality and execution.
TripleL
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As for cylinder deactivation, I luv the Cadillac 8-6-4 reference! The Caddy version came out about 20 years before the technology was ready, glad to see in your review that today's version works so seamlessly.
I was always a Camaro fan back in the day, so I'll reserve judgment til I can compare your reviews of all 3 'muscle cars'. With the Camaro being Holden based I have high expectations for its quality and execution.
TripleL
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Thanks.![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Almost nothing that Cadillac built in the 1980's worked properly or ran reliably. The 350 (5.7L) diesel engine, a converted gas V8, was even worse...the subject of a class-action lawsuit.
I did a Mustang GT review with the California Package a while back, but my reviews in those days were not as comprehensive as they are now.....nor did they include pictures. But if you want to read it, here it is:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ord+mustang+gt
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As for cylinder deactivation, I luv the Cadillac 8-6-4 reference! The Caddy version came out about 20 years before the technology was ready, glad to see in your review that today's version works so seamlessly.
I was always a Camaro fan back in the day, so I'll reserve judgment til I can compare your reviews of all 3 'muscle cars'. With the Camaro being Holden based I have high expectations for its quality and execution.
TripleL
TripleL
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ord+mustang+gt
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So maybe they're right on target.
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Yes. In many ways, it mirrors the original. I went into that, in depth, in a number of places. The main difference is that the 2009 doesn't have at least a dozen assembly-line goofs on each car like the originals did, which often took months to get the build-quality defects out. But even on the new one, the plastic engine START/STOP button didn't work.....I had to pry it off and use the emergency ignition switch under it.
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I disagree that it's the wrong time. Yes, it's a big engine, and yes, it uses gas......even with the cylinder decoupling. But, three things. First, the Mustang, a perennial best-seller, clearly needs domestic competition, which the Challenger provides. Second, most people who spring for a 60's-style muscle car are not going to be overly-concerned with gas mileage. Third, a less-powerful Challenger is coming next year, with a V6, that will compete with the Mustang V6.
#27
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I disagree that it's the wrong time. Yes, it's a big engine, and yes, it uses gas......even with the cylinder decoupling. But, three things. First, the Mustang, a perennial best-seller, clearly needs domestic competition, which the Challenger provides. Second, most people who spring for a 60's-style muscle car are not going to be overly-concerned with gas mileage. Third, a less-powerful Challenger is coming next year, with a V6, that will compete with the Mustang V6.
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#29
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There are several different flat-black stripe patterns available, but as you note (and I did in the review) they are absurdly priced.
Those double hood-stripes on the metalflake-orange concept Challenger that made the rounds at auto shows are NOT tape. That was a special carbon-fiber hood with actual twin black carbon-fiber sections in it, which, obviously, did not see production.
![](http://image.automotive.com/f/auto_shows/naias_2006/6678137/0602_naias_02+2009_dodge_challenger_concept+front_right_view.jpg)
Those double hood-stripes on the metalflake-orange concept Challenger that made the rounds at auto shows are NOT tape. That was a special carbon-fiber hood with actual twin black carbon-fiber sections in it, which, obviously, did not see production.
![](http://image.automotive.com/f/auto_shows/naias_2006/6678137/0602_naias_02+2009_dodge_challenger_concept+front_right_view.jpg)
I worked their until the layoff in 2004 Metalcrafters builds most of Chrylers prototypes since before the PT cruiser
#30
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Thanks. Sounds like an interesting job.
I wish Chrysler (and you guys) would do a retro Road Runner, even if the Chrysler name rather than Plymouth would be used.......I'd consider buying one. I always liked the bird graphics and "beep-beep": horn. The Charger R/T, mechanically, is close, but just isn't the same car.....especially with four doors.