2009 Dodge Charger: What's New

Vehicle Overview
While the Charger name is a throwback to the 1970s coupe, the underpinnings and design are modern. The Charger comes in SE, SXT and R/T trims. There’s also a high-performance SRT8 model. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but SXT and R/T models are available with all-wheel drive. Its main competitors are full-size American sedans like the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus and Pontiac G8.

New for 2009
The 2009 Dodge Charger gets an available all-wheel-drive system that now includes an active transfer case designed to maximize fuel economy. An available reengineered 5.7-liter Hemi engine is designed to increase fuel economy and power.

Exterior
Dodge says the Charger combines modern coupe styling with four-door functionality. The Charger has a bold crossbar front end and a short deck. There are minimal wheel flares, and a long bodyside crease meets another crease at the rear doors. For 2009, the antenna moves to the rear window; new taillamps include recessed circle cutouts.

The exterior measures 200.1 inches long and 74.5 inches wide. Length is about the same as the Impala and Taurus; at 196.1 inches long, the G8 is the shortest of the quartet. The Charger’s width is nearly equal to the Taurus and G8, while the Impala, at 72.9 inches wide, is the narrowest of the group.

• Standard body-colored door handles and front and rear bumpers
• Standard power side mirrors
• Optional rear deck spoiler
• New taillamp design
• 17-inch aluminum wheels (SE, SXT)
• 18-inch aluminum or chrome-clad wheels (SXT, R/T)
• 20-inch polished aluminum wheels (SRT8)
• Integrated air dams, hood scoop, deck lid spoiler and dual exhaust tips (SRT8)

Interior
The Charger’s five-occupant interior features front bucket seats and a rear bench. A 60/40-split folding rear seat is standard. The interior features a two-tone design that’s similar to the one found in the Chrysler 300. For 2009, upgraded silver trim pieces on the cupholders, doors and center stack — formerly found only on higher-end models — are now standard. There are also optional standard front cupholders with LEDs, plus map-pocket lighting.

The Charger has 104 cubic feet of passenger volume and 16.2 cubic feet in the trunk. The Charger has the least interior volume of the bunch, paling in comparison to the G8 (124.5). Its trunk is also the smallest of the group.

• Standard front-seat lumbar support and manual tilt/telescoping steering column
• Standard remote keyless/illuminated entry and power trunklid release
• Cloth or leather seats available
• Standard stitched-fabric headliner
• Available steering-wheel-mounted audio controls
• Available automatic dual-zone climate control
• Perforated leather seats with suede inserts (SRT8)
• Optional hands-free communication system
• Remote start
• Optional voice-activated navigation and/or audio system (including touch-screen, voice commands, 30GB hard drive and navigation radio)

Under the Hood
For 2009, the engine lineup includes two V-6s and a V-8 Hemi. The next-generation 5.7-liter Hemi engine now has variable valve timing and an expanded multi-displacement system that allows the car to operate on four cylinders when less power is needed. The SRT8 gets its own Hemi V-8, Brembo brakes and a race-bred suspension.

Offered as an option on the R/T, the Road/Track option package includes a revised steering gear, load-leveling shock absorbers and a retuned suspension.

• 178-horsepower, 2.7-liter V-6 with 190 pounds-feet of torque (SE)
• 250-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with 250 pounds-feet of torque (SXT)
• 370-hp, 5.7-liter V-8 with 398 pounds-feet of torque (R/T)
• 425-hp, 6.1-liter V-8 with 420 pounds-feet of torque (SRT8)
• Four-speed automatic transmission (SE and SXT RWD)
• Five-speed automatic transmission (SXT AWD, R/T, SRT8)
• Standard all-disc brakes and hydraulic power steering

Safety
Safety features include:

• Driver’s-side inflatable knee bolsters
• Standard antilock brake system with traction control (optional on SE)
• Standard electronic stability control with brake assist (optional on SE)
• Smart Key that immobilizes engine in an attempted auto theft
• Accident Response System that turns on interior lights, unlocks doors and cuts off fuel to the engine after airbags deploy
• Optional side curtain airbags and front seat-mounted side-impact airbags