Dodge Ups Hemi Power!
In keeping with the horsepower numbers for the Hemi in the new Challenger, Dodge has announced that the Hemi in the Charger sedan will get an upgrade for 2009 as well. Rather than continuing to produce a puny 340 horsepower, the newly revised 5.7 liter Hemi will now crank out 368 horsepower. Take THAT, Pontiac G8 GT. In addition to the increase in ponies, the Charger R/T will also benefit from an additional 5 lb ft of torque, raising the total to 395 for 2009. The Hemi adds variable valve timing as well, meaning highway fuel economy gets a modest bump from 23 to 25 mpg (city remains the same at 15). You think this isn’t enough to save Chrysler? That they really need competitive small cars? That Chrysler is dead in the water? Well yeah, probably. But they only had enough money to either give the Charger R/T a little more power, or to buy Bob Nardelli a new toupee. Frankly, I think they made the right choice.
Immensely bored law student. I've also got 3 dogs.
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I almost feel like Dodge and Chevy's competition to build the best new-age muscle car is a race nobody but gearheads like us cares about. I mean, I love a fast car as much as anybody, and 25 mpg isn't horrible, per se, but I'd think some development dollars would be better spent on the Caliber. Oh, and cwallace: "Any chance they’ll try to improve the interior to get it up to G8 levels as well?" Have you sat in practically every car Dodge has released in the past two decades? Not a chance.
Truck engines often make a bit more power, because the emissions regs aren't as strict.
And yet, still no manual transmission. The hell? Just steal a few from the Challenger.