Vehicle: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8
Price as tested: CDN$42845

Performance: We don’t expect anything less from Chrysler’s Sport and Racing Technology division, certainly not for this vehicle. This Challenger has an amazing 6.1 liter Hemi V8 massaged by guys at SRT division. The result is nothing short of amazing. It got no less than 425 horses and 420 lb/ft of torque. Power is definitely not an issue with this Challenger. The end result is a powertrain has the ability to smoke the asphalt through its astounishing 420 lb/ft of torque at 4800rpm. Although 4800rpm seems high on paper, it doesn’t really matter in SRT8′s real life performance thanks to that 420 lb/ft. On the other hand, its never feel breathless as 425hp scoots through the rev range. Its equally eager in the mid-range for highway passing. Even with all the performance gains, it doesn’t lost any of the composure and refinement one expects from Chrysler’s very best Hemi V8. You can either get a smooth shifting 6-speed manual or 5-speed Autostick in this Challenger. The Autostick is a willing gearbox to this excellent powertrain. While the 1st and 2nd gears are low enough for great acceleration, the top 5th gear is tall enough for relaxed highway cruising. Eager to up and downshifts when the driver needs is another area why this SRT8 is so entertaining. All have done with the entertaining rumble engine note that is so reminiscent of the classic American muscle car.

Handling: One area that doesn’t remind anyone of classic American muscle car is Challenger’s dynamic abilities. If the standard Challenger’s driving experience is good, this SRT8 is simply great. It all begins with a strong and solid chassis that is completely free of groans and rattles. It also holds a strong foundation for suspension components to hang its heads. Combined with reclibrated suspension and rebound damping for more aggressive manners, this SRT8 handles like its on rail. The steering, unlike many Chryslers in the past, actually is precise and provide plenty of feedback. It doesn’t feel twitchy on high-speed. On the othe hand, the recalibrated sports suspension doesn’t eat your joints out on rough pavements and patholes. It rides as civilized as any sports sedan does. The ESP isn’t exactly uninstrusive on SRT with so much power on its hands. Its level of instrusiveness is more than understandable given the function of an ESP as an active safety feature, which is able to save drivers from rearing its ugly heads. There are slight body rolls but the Challenger tends to give itself a set as it rolls. Both understeer and oversteer have caught to a minimal.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, Challenger possibly has the best pedal feel ever come from Chrysler. The stopping distance is short while pedal feel and modulation are excellent. An added bonus is ABS doesn’t have any unwanted intervention.

Interior: Other than the amount of hard plastic used in the cabin, the biggest criticisms of the Challenger are its lack of proper cargo and rear seat space. Given the size of the Challenger, it has far less interior space than many of the smaller sports coupe have left something to be desired.

The interior is surprisingly well layout for Chrysler products. Everything else is placed ergonomically. Those SRT sports seats are supportive and able to hug driver and passenger exceptionally well when pushing through twisties.

Conclusion: At the time of our writing, Chrysler is in the news of possibly purchase by General Motors. This Challenger could well be the best Chrysler I have ever tested in my recent memory. It got an excellent combination of performance, handling, style and value especially with the SRT8. If Chrysler’s previous products were every bit as good as this Challenger, its future would look amighty better than it is.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5