Dodge revealed details on the 2009 Charger. This includes the R/T model powered by the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, and an all-wheel-drive model that is now equipped with Active Transfer Case and Front-axle Disconnect - allowing the car to operate in a pure rear-wheel drive mode.

The 2009 Dodge Charger R/T rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models both feature the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission that produces an estimated 368 hp and 395 lb.-ft. of torque.

The 5.7-liter HEMI continues to offer fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) technology. MDS turns off four cylinders when V-8 power is not needed, improving fuel economy as much as 20 percent. To inform the driver when he or she is in four-cylinder mode, the EVIC now automatically displays “ECO” when the switch is made, providing drivers the opportunity to modify their driving habits in order to achieve better fuel economy in a V8 equipped car.

Press release after the jump.

2009 Dodge Charger

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2009 Dodge Charger
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Press release

The Dodge Charger is a modern, four-door coupe that combines rear-wheel-drive muscle-car power, sports-car handling and leading-edge technology to deliver a thrilling driving experience with improved fuel efficiency and increased horsepower from a new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine in 2009.

The 2009 all-wheel-drive Dodge Charger models are now equipped with Active Transfer Case and Front-axle Disconnect. No other major manufacturer offers these two independent technologies together. The unique system seamlessly transitions between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with no driver intervention. When all-wheel drive is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle and opens the transfer case from the drivetrain to reduce friction and rotational mass. Automatic all-wheel-drive operation may be activated by outside temperatures, wheel slip or by other predetermined conditions. All-wheel-drive mode can also be manually selected by shifting the gear selector to Auto Stick mode or by activating the windshield wipers for an extended period of time.

Enabling the vehicle to switch between two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive improves fuel economy on all-wheel-drive Dodge Charger models by up to one mile per gallon (mpg) on the highway, while still providing the outstanding performance and handling inherent in rear-wheel drive. To inform the driver when he or she is in two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) indicates when the switch is made.

The 2009 Dodge Charger R/T rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models both feature the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission that produces an estimated 368 horsepower (274 kW) and 395 lb.-ft. (536 N•m) of torque. The 5.7-liter HEMI continues to offer fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) technology. MDS seamlessly turns off fuel consumption in four cylinders when V-8 power is not needed, improving fuel economy as much as 20 percent. To inform the driver when he or she is in four-cylinder mode, the EVIC now automatically displays “ECO” when the switch is made, providing drivers the opportunity to modify their driving habits in order to achieve better fuel economy.

On the exterior, the rear styling of the Dodge Charger is refreshed for 2009 with a bold, retro-style taillamp design that is distinctively Dodge. Recessed circle cutouts give the taillamps added dimension over the previous design and provide enhanced definition to each taillamp’s two circular lamps.

On the interior, accents in the Dodge Charger R/T are extended to the entire lineup for 2009 with the Dodge Charger SE receiving satin silver door trim spears, satin silver center console cup holder rings and satin silver instrument panel bezels. Now standard, light-emitting diode (LED) lighting appears on all models in the front cup holders and standard LED map-pocket lighting on the Dodge Charger R/T provides additional driver convenience.

2009 DODGE CHARGER: WHAT’S NEW FOR 2009


Exterior:

    * Color: Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat replaces Steel Blue Pearl Coat
    * New taillamp design (all models)
    * Antenna moves to rear window (all models)
    * Aluminum wheels (now standard on Dodge Charger SE)

Interior:

    * Upgraded interior accents including satin silver door trim spears, satin silver center console cup holder rings and satin silver center stack and shifter bezels (Dodge Charger SE)
    * Trunk cargo net and scuff plate (Dodge Charger SE)
    * Premium 18-ounce floor mats (Dodge Charger SE)

Electrical:

    * LED-illuminated door map pockets (included with Leather Package on Dodge Charger SXT and standard on Dodge Charger R/T)
    * LED-illuminated front cup holders (all models)
    * EVIC informs driver when in two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD models)
    * EVIC informs driver when using the fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) by automatically flashing “ECO” message (Dodge Charger R/T)

Powertrain / Chassis:

    * New-generation 5.7-liter HEMI engine with fuel-saving MDS technology and variable-valve timing (VVT) achieves increased horsepower (368 hp) and torque (395 lb.-ft.) (Dodge Charger R/T)
    * New axle ratio of 2.65:1 (Dodge Charger R/T)
    * All-wheel-drive models are equipped with innovative Active Transfer Case and Front-axle Disconnect to maximize performance and fuel economy
    * New axle ratio of 3.06:1 (Dodge Charger AWD models)

Safety and Security:

    * Updated Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) warning message now appears as “LO TIRE” (all models)

DESIGN


American muscle-car styling is evident in the 2009 Dodge Charger. The coupe-inspired styling and fastback design create a modern statement of power with all the versatility of a four-door sedan.

The rear styling of the Dodge Charger is refreshed for 2009 with a bold, retro-style taillamp design that is distinctively Dodge. Recessed circle cutouts give the taillamps added dimension over the previous design and provide enhanced definition to each taillamp’s two circular lamps.

On the interior, accents in the Dodge Charger R/T have been extended to the entire lineup for 2009 with the Dodge Charger SE receiving chrome door spears, chrome center console cup holder rings and satin silver instrument panel bezels. Now standard, LED lighting appears on all models in front cup holders and standard LED map-pocket lighting on the Dodge Charger R/T provides additional driver convenience.

ENGINEERING

Modern technologies have made it possible to bring a 21st century muscle car to market with the ride and handling characteristics inherent in rear-wheel drive. The 2009 Dodge Charger rear-wheel-drive models feature outstanding performance and handling, near 50-50 weight distribution and unique suspensions that provide just the right level of driving characteristics for Dodge Charger customers.

The 2009 all-wheel-drive Dodge Charger models are now equipped with Active Transfer Case and Front-axle Disconnect. No other major manufacturer offers these two independent technologies together. The unique system seamlessly transitions between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with no driver intervention. When all-wheel drive is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle and opens the transfer case from the drivetrain to reduce friction and rotational mass. Automatic all-wheel-drive operation may be activated by outside temperatures, wheel slip or by other predetermined conditions. All-wheel-drive mode can also be manually selected by shifting the gear selector to Auto Stick mode or by activating the windshield wipers for an extended period of time.

Enabling the vehicle to switch between two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive improves fuel economy on all-wheel-drive Dodge Charger models by up to one mpg on the highway, while still providing the outstanding performance and handling inherent in rear-wheel drive. To inform the driver when he or she is in two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) indicates when the switch is made.

Dodge Charger all-wheel-drive models for 2009 come standard with ESP, All-speed Traction Control and four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS).

Three powertrain options are available in the 2009 Dodge Charger lineup, offering outstanding combinations of performance, fuel economy, quietness and durability.

The rear-wheel-drive 2009 Dodge Charger SE is equipped with a 2.7-liter V-6 engine generating 178 horsepower (133 kW) @ 5,500 rpm and 190 lb.-ft. (258 N•m) of torque @ 4,000 rpm. The 2009 Dodge Charger SE with the 2.7-liter engine achieves an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

A 3.5-liter High Output V-6 engine featured on the rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive Dodge Charger SXT models generates 250 horsepower (186 kW) @ 6,400 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. (340 N•m) of torque @ 3,800 rpm. The 2009 Dodge Charger SXT rear-wheel-drive models with the 3.5-liter engine achieve an estimated 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive models achieve an estimated 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

The 2009 Dodge Charger R/T rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models feature the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission that produces an estimated 368 horsepower (274 kW) and 395 lb.-ft. (536 N•m) of torque. The new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI continues to offer fuel-saving MDS technology. MDS seamlessly turns off fuel consumption in four cylinders when V-8 power is not needed, improving fuel economy as much as 20 percent. To inform the driver when he or she is in four-cylinder mode, the EVIC now automatically displays “ECO” when the switch is made, providing drivers the opportunity to modify their driving habits in order to achieve better fuel economy. The 2009 Dodge Charger R/T all-wheel-drive achieves an estimated 16 mpg city, 23 highway, and rear-wheel-drive models achieve an estimated 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

The popular Road/Track Performance Package, which offers P245/45R20 all-season performance tires and 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, continues in 2009. Tuned for firmer handling, this package is available on the V-8 HEMI-powered Dodge Charger R/T model and includes such features as standard side-curtain and seat-mounted air bags, performance heated front seats with suede inserts, rear deck lid and front fascia spoilers, load-leveling and height-control shocks, and performance suspension, steering, brakes, exhaust and induction system.

ENTERTAINMENT AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

The 2009 Dodge Charger lineup offers the latest entertainment and communication technology available in the automotive industry.

    * Available uconnect phone featuring Bluetooth® technology to provide voice-controlled wireless communication between the occupants’ compatible mobile phone and the vehicle’s onboard receiver
    * Available uconnect tunes featuring a 30-gigabyte hard drive for ripping up to 6,700 songs from CD or Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory devices in a compressed format (MP3, Advance Audio Coding or Windows Media Audio files) for playback directly from the vehicle’s audio system, photo uploading for home screen personalization and the ability to display movies when the vehicle is in Park (as permitted by state regulations)
    * Available uconnect gps combines the features of uconnect phone and uconnect tunes with navigation system and real-time traffic updates
    * Available rear-seat DVD Video Entertainment System (VES®), conveniently located under the center console armrest cover, provides easy access to rear-seat passengers
    * Available uconnect studios with optional SIRIUS Backseat TV,TM featuring three channels of family television programming and SIRIUS Satellite Radio with more than 130 channels of the best music, entertainment and information available coast to coast

Rear-seat DVD Video Entertainment System
The rear-seat VES is cleverly packaged under the center console armrest cover and is easily accessible to rear-seat passengers. The system includes a seven-inch liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, a remote control and two wireless headsets. The hinged LCD screen may be fully stored in the console armrest cover or flipped up for viewing. Auxiliary audio and video plug-in jacks are included on the faceplate so that rear-seat passengers may view video directly from a video camera, play games from a video game console or play music directly from a portable MP3 player.

uconnect studios
The 2009 Dodge Charger offers uconnect studios with SIRIUS Backseat TV featuring three channels of children’s television programming, including Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. Rear-seat passengers will be able to watch shows such as Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob SquarePants,” Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana,” and Cartoon Network’s “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends.”

SIRIUS Backseat TV operates through an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two small roof-mounted antennas. Programming, in addition to the channel name, program title and rating are displayed on the vehicle’s rear-seat video screen. For added flexibility, rear-seat passengers may enjoy SIRIUS Backseat TV while front-seat occupants listen to uconnect studios’ SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The system may be operated from either the rear-seat entertainment remote or from the radio head unit in the front instrument panel. In addition, when the vehicle is in Park, programming may be displayed on the uconnect tunes or uconnect gps screen (if equipped) for front-seat viewing.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS


Modern coupe styling with four-door functionality

    * The high beltline, aggressive roofline and coupe-like profile hint at past designs, but the 2009 Dodge Charger continues to be a fresh execution of modern muscle
    * With a contemporary design to back up its power, sports-car handling and cutting-edge technology, today’s consumers will appreciate the added function, convenience and interior capacity of a full-size passenger car with American rear-wheel-drive muscle-car genes
    * A short- and long-arm (SLA) front suspension system combined with a five-link independent rear suspension system are tuned to provide spirited driving and handling performance to match Dodge Charger’s personality
    * Dodge Charger models are available with a five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick to provide a full range of transmission performance to match a variety of driving styles and situations

It’s gotta new HEMI!

    * Dodge Charger R/T offers exceptional performance with the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine that produces 368 horsepower (274 kW) and 395 lb.-ft. (536 N•m) of torque and features fuel-saving MDS technology that provides as much as a 20-percent improvement in fuel economy

Best of both worlds – the security of all-wheel drive with the spirit and handling of rear-wheel drive

    * All-wheel-drive models add outstanding performance and stability in all driving conditions
    * Dodge Charger all-wheel-drive models are now equipped with an Active Transfer Case and Front-axle Disconnect – an innovative “on-demand” system that disconnects the front axle from the drivetrain until all-wheel drive becomes necessary
    * Allowing the vehicle to switch between two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, increases fuel economy on all-wheel-drive Dodge Charger models by up to one mpg on the highway, while still providing the outstanding performance and handling inherent in rear-wheel drive

Safety and security

    * Dodge Charger models are available with Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Brake Assist, All-speed Traction Control and four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
    * Additional passive and active safety features include rear-sill reinforcement and structure, energy-absorbing steering column, low-risk deployment air bags and available side-curtain and supplemental seat-mounted side air bags

Customer convenience technology

    * Available Boston Acoustics audio systems including a six-speaker 276-watt amplifier system or an eight-speaker 5.1 Matrix surround-sound amplifier including subwoofer
    * Available uconnect tunes featuring a 30-gigabyte hard drive for ripping up to 6,700 songs from CD or USB memory devices in a compressed format, photo uploading for home screen personalization and the ability to display movies when the vehicle is in Park (as permitted by state regulations)
    * Available uconnect phone featuring Bluetooth technology to provide voice-controlled wireless communication between the occupants’ compatible mobile phone and the vehicle’s onboard receiver
    * Available uconnect gps combines the features of uconnect phone and uconnect tunes with navigation system and real-time traffic updates
    * Available rear-seat Vehicle Entertainment System® (VES) with seven-inch LCD screen
    * Available uconnect studios with optional SIRIUS Backseat TV,TM featuring three channels of family television programming and SIRIUS Satellite Radio with more than 130 channels of the best music, entertainment and information available coast to coast

MODEL LINEUP


2009 Dodge Charger SE (RWD)

Standard Features

    * Rear-wheel-drive configuration
    * 2.7-liter V-6 engine —178 horsepower (133 kW) and 190 lb.-ft. (258 N•m) of torque
    * Four-speed automatic transmission
    * 17-inch aluminum wheels
    * Touring suspension with 215/65R17 all-season tires
    * 18-gallon fuel tank  Air conditioning with manual temperature controls
    * AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with auxiliary audio input jack and four speakers
    * Body-color grille surround and door handles
    * Cabin air-filtration system
    * Satin silver door trim spears, satin silver center console cup holder rings and satin silver center stack and shifter bezels
    * Cloth front bucket seats
    * Driver and passenger adjustable lumbar support
    * Driver and passenger power mirrors
    * Driver-side one-touch-down power windows
    * Front and rear premium floor mats
    * LED-illuminated cup holders
    * Low-risk deployment air bags
    * Manual tilt- and telescoping-steering column
    * Oil-change alert
    * Outside-temperature display
    * Power four-wheel disc brakes
    * Power locks with selectable “rolling” automatic locking
    * Rack-and-pinion steering
    * Rear-window defroster
    * Remote keyless/illuminated entry
    * Sentry Key® engine immobilizer
    * Solar-Control Glass windshield
    * Speed control with instrument panel indicator light
    * Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) “LO TIRE” indicator
    * Trunk cargo net and scuff plate

Optional Features/Packages

    * Bodyside molding
    * ESP, All-speed Traction Control and four-wheel ABS
    * Engine block heater
    * SE Popular Equipment Package includes 17-inch machined aluminum wheels, eight-way power driver’s seat, bodyside molding
    * Eighteen-inch machined aluminum wheels

2009 Dodge Charger SXT (RWD)

Standard Features

In addition to the standard features on the Dodge Charger SE, the Dodge Charger SXT rear-wheel-drive model adds/replaces the following:

    * 3.5-liter High Output V-6 engine — 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. (340 N•m) of torque
    * ESP with Brake Assist, All-speed Traction Control and four-wheel ABS
    * 276-watt six-speaker Boston Acoustics sound system with amplifier
    * 60/40 split-folding rear seat with armrest and cup holder
    * Bodyside molding
    * Chromed grille surround with bright grille crosshairs
    * Fog lamps
    * Heated mirrors
    * Power adjustable pedals
    * Power eight-way driver seat

2009 Dodge Charger SXT (AWD)

In addition to the standard features on the Dodge Charger SXT rear-wheel-drive model, the Dodge Charger SXT all-wheel-drive model adds/replaces the following:

    * 18-inch machined aluminum wheels
    * P225/60R18 all-season touring tires
    * 19-gallon fuel tank
    * Five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick
    * Active Transfer Case with Front-axle Disconnect
    * Two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive display (included in dashboard information panel)
    * Performance disc brakes

Optional Features/Packages

The Dodge Charger SXT models (RWD/AWD) offer the following options:

    * 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
    * Engine block heater
    * uconnect tunes with AM/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 radio with touch-screen operation
    * Rear spoiler
    * Sun roof
    * Protection Group includes uconnect phone featuring Bluetooth technology, self-sealing tires, and side-curtain and seat-mounted air bags
    * SXT Popular Equipment Package includes 18-inch machined aluminum wheels (RWD only), eight-way power passenger seat, heated leather-trimmed front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual-zone automatic temperature control, automatic headlamps, express up/down power front windows and Boston Acoustics six-speaker 276-watt amplifier system. Additional options available only on the SXT Popular Equipment Package include:
          o Rear-seat VES® featuring uconnect studios with SIRIUS Backseat TV
          o uconnect gps with AM/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 radio, navigation system and real-time traffic updates featuring touch screen and voice recognition

2009 Dodge Charger R/T (RWD)

In addition to the standard features on the Dodge Charger SE and SXT rear-wheel-drive models, the Dodge Charger R/T adds/replaces the following:

    * New-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine — 368 horsepower (274 kW) and 395 lb.-ft. (536 N•m) of torque
    * Fuel-saving MDS – cylinder deactivation system improves fuel economy as much as 20 percent
    * Five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick
    * Performance ABS
    * 18-inch machined aluminum wheels
    * P225/60R18 BSW all-season touring tires
    * 19-gallon fuel tank
    * Automatic headlamps
    * Dual exhaust with bright tips
    * Dual-zone automatic temperature control
    * Heated front seats
    * Leather-trimmed steering wheel
    * Power eight-way passenger seat
    * Power, body-color, folding, heated mirrors

2009 Dodge Charger R/T (AWD)

In addition to the standard features on the Dodge Charger R/T rear-wheel-drive model, the all-wheel-drive Dodge Charger R/T adds/replaces the following:

    * 18-inch machined aluminum wheels
    * Active Transfer Case with Front-axle Disconnect
    * Two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive display (included in EVIC)
    * Performance disc brakes

Optional Features/Packages

The 2009 Dodge Charger R/T models (RWD/AWD) offer the following options:

    * Engine block heater
    * Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps
    * Rear-seat VES® featuring uconnect studios with SIRIUS Backseat TV™
    * uconnect tunes with AM/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 radio featuring touch-screen operation
    * uconnect gps with AM/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 radio, navigation system and real-time traffic updates featuring touch screen and voice recognition
    * Sun roof
    * Protection Group includes uconnect phone featuring Bluetooth technology, self-sealing tires, and side-curtain and seat-mounted air bags
    * R/T Popular Equipment Package includes AM/FM/6CD/DVD/MP3 radio, Boston Acoustics eight-speaker 368-watt 5.1 Matrix surround-sound system, theft alarm, Remote Start, 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels (RWD only) and an Electronics Display Package that includes EVIC, compass, trip computer, “ECO” display, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, HomeLink universal home security system transceiver and reconfigurable instrument panel display
    * Road/Track Performance Package includes heated performance front seats with suede inserts, rear deck lid and front-fascia spoilers, heritage badging, 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, 245/45R20 all-season performance tires, performance shocks and steering, high-speed engine controller, and side-curtain and seat-mounted air bags. Additional options available with the Road/Track Performance Package include:
          o uconnect phone with Bluetooth technology
          o Popular Equipment Group III, which includes AM/FM/6CD/DVD/MP3 radio, Boston Acoustics eight-speaker 368-watt 5.1 Matrix Surround Sound, theft alarm, Remote Start and an Electronics Display Package that includes EVIC, compass, trip computer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, HomeLink universal home security system transceiver and reconfigurable instrument panel display including “ECO” display

SAFETY AND SECURITY
The Dodge Charger received a five-star rating for driver and front-passenger protection in a frontal crash, the highest rating from NHTSA. The 2009 Dodge Charger offers 35 safety and security features. Please refer to the Safety and Security Glossary for descriptions of the following available features:

    * Advanced Multi-stage Air Bag System
    * All-speed Traction Control System
    * Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
    * Auto-dimming Interior Rearview Mirror
    * Auto-reverse Sun Roof
    * BeltAlert
    * Brake/Park Interlock
    * Brake Assist
    * Child-protection Rear-door Locks
    * Constant Force Retractors (CFR)
    * Crumple Zones
    * Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
    * Energy-absorbing Steering Column
    * Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
    * Height-adjustable Seat Belts
    * HomeLink Universal Home Security System Transceiver
    * Inside Emergency Trunk Release
    * Interior Head-impact Protection
    * Knee Bolsters
    * LED Lighting in Cup Holders and Map Pockets
    * LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
    * Low-risk Deployment Air Bags
    * Power Adjustable Pedals
    * Remote Keyless Entry
    * Remote Start
    * Self-sealing Tires
    * Seat Belt Pretensioners
    * Security Alarm with Panic Alarm on Key Fob
    * Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer
    * Supplemental Side-curtain and Seat-mounted Air Bags
    * Tilt- and Telescoping-Steering Column
    * Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM)
    * uconnect phone featuring Bluetooth Technology
    * uconnect gps Navigation System with Voice-Recognition Capability
    * Xenon High-intensity Discharge (HID) Headlamps

COLOR AVAILABILITY

    * Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
    * Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat
    * Dark Titanium Metallic Clear Coat
    * Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat (new)
    * Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat
    * Light Sandstone Metallic Clear Coat
    * Stone White Clear Coat
    * TorRed Clear Coat