2009 Dodge Charger RT

For 2009 the Dodge Charger R/T flexes a little of the muscle made famous in “The Dukes of Hazzard.” The Dukes would be a tad affronted, however, that their ride is now a five-passenger sedan, albeit still rear-wheel drive. A standard 5.7-liter OHV Hemi V8 and five-speed AutoStick auto-manual transmission howl out 368 hp at 5,200 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. The Hemi is equipped with Dodge’s MDS system, which shuts down four of the eight cylinders at highway speeds for an EPA-estimated 16/25 mpg. The ’09 Dodge Charger R/T is equally comfortable on the roadway or on the track, hence the “R/T” designation.

The ’09 Charger R/T’s standard appearance, comfort, and convenience features above and beyond the lower level SXT's include 18-inch alloys, an outside temperature gauge and compass, leather upholstery, multi-level heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat, a center armrest with storage, heated outside mirrors, a universal remote, dual-zone climate control, a 276-watt, single-CD player with six Boston Acoustics speakers, and satellite radio. Options for the ’09 Charger R/T include rear-seat Sirius TV entertainment, the UConnect hands-free communications system, and DVD-based navigation. As well, the ’09 Charger R/T offers both the Performance Package (Daytona Edition) with 20-inch chrome-clad wheels mounting performance tires, high engine speed control, performance seats, and dual front side-mounted airbags, and the R/T Popular Equipment package, featuring a 368-watt 6-CD changer audio system with seven premium Boston Acoustics speakers.

By Eric Tallberg