2009 Dodge Charger
The biggest news for the 2009 Dodge Charger is the next generation of the reborn 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine. Horsepower increases from 340 to 368, though torque is up only slightly from 390 to 391 lb.-ft. Horsepower is also up from 350 to 372 in Chargers with the Daytona package. Despite the additional power, Dodge also says fuel economy increases five percent. The Charger’s available all-wheel-drive system gets an Active Transfer Case with Front-Axle Disconnect. This system disconnects the front wheels from the driveline when they are not needed, reducing drag and therefore increasing fuel economy, Dodge says.
All Dodge Charger models get a new taillight design for 2009, and the high-performance SRT8 adds more standard equipment, including dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlights, remote engine starting, interior air filter, and heated front seats. The SRT8’s suspension is retuned, and a Super Bee “buzz model” package is newly available. This package comes with Hemi Orange paint; a serialized dash plaque; a unique wheel design; silver Brembo brake calipers; UConnect Tunes hard-drive radio; orange seat accents; and hood and rear quarter panel decals. The SRT8’s anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control are also recalibrated with brake knockback mitigation.
Other 2009 changes for the Charger involve mostly standard and optional equipment. Front side and curtain side air bags are now optional instead of standard on most models. Dodge’s MyGIG hard-drive radio grows from 20 to 30 gigabytes and changes its name to UConnect Tunes or UConnect GPS when paired with a navigation system. LED lighting becomes standard for the front cupholders and available for the door pockets. Also, the SE model adds more standard equipment, including alloy wheels and additional interior chrome trim.
