If there’s only one car you crave in Dodges 2009 range, make it the 2009 Dodge Challenger. Times are tough for muscle cars, but Dodge is throwing all its chips in for this monstrously brave, passionate and beautiful car. The 2009 Dodge Challenger will be the volume seller for this year’s line-up, there’s no doubt about that, but has Dodge done enough to make it the new classic that they need right now?

The challenger is an awesome piece of engineering, featuring a new generation of 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with 370 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque in the R/T, and a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 250 hp and 250 lb-ft in their SE model. The suspension is also uniquely suited to deal with the substantial weight of the car, and manages to give a surprisingly responsive ride, even on uneven surfaces.

Nothings perfect though, and the challenger is no exception. While it’s perfectly sufficient, the challengers default configuration lacks the tarmac destroying power that its rivals deliver. Still, there is plenty of room to improve each vehicle in other areas with a selection of customisation options provided by Dodge.

Overall, it’s a fantastic machine, perfectly capable of giving its rivals a run for their money, and striking enough to run off with your own money if you let it!