The 2009 Dodge Charger is the latest in a long and distinguished line of the most recognizable muscle cars in the world, but it’s a dying brand. Growing environmental awareness and tightening purse strings are turning people to more economical vehicles, and it’s debatable whether Dodges reputation can keep this brand above the water in the coming years. They are going to give it a damn good try, though.

The new Charger is an excellent piece of kit; the all important BHP ranges from 178-hp rattling around in the budget SE model, up to the brain splinteringly powerful 425-hp under the hood of the high end SRT8 version. Suffice to say, if you are looking to buy one, the extra power is worth every penny.

Charger buyers will also enjoy a broad range of optional extras, ranging from a media suite for digital entertainment storage and playback, to pleasantly heated seats. The only thing the Charger is missing is looks. Yes, it’s a classic design, but the 2009 model is stretching the mould to breaking point, and there are some weird lumps starting to turn up where there shouldn’t be. Call me a traditionalist, but I liked the old style.

The 2009 Dodge Charger isn’t going be everyone’s cup of chai. The brand is so firmly ensconced in V8 glory that it’s difficult to see where Dodge can take it without losing that unique selling point. For now though, the 2009 Charger is keeping relatively true to its origins, and it’s better for it.