BIRMINGHAM -- Chrysler LLC announced this morning that the base-model of its retro-styled muscle car, the Dodge Challenger, will start at $21,995.
That 2009 Dodge Challenger SE has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 250 horsepower. The vehicle should hit dealer lots in September or October.
"For less than $22,000, we've brought Dodge Challenger back and loaded it with head-napping styling and cutting-edge technology," said Mike Accavitti, director of the Dodge brand.
In highlighting details of the 2009 Challenger lineup this morning, Accavitti noted that the attention-grabbing, V-6 version coupe could be had for the same price as the fully loaded Dodge Caliber compact.
Its starting price, along with its highway fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, should attract gas and cost-conscious younger buyers, Accavitti said.
The automaker also will sell two higher performance version of the Challenger as well.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T starts at $29,995 and has a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine. The 375-horsepower machine will be available in a manual and will be touched up with 18-inch aluminum wheels and a rear spoiler.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 starts at $39,995 and is the same as the limited edition, 425-horsepower muscle car that just arrived on dealer lots as a 2008 -- but with some new features, including a pistol-grip shifter and new color choices, including High-Performance Red and B5 Blue.
Chrysler already sold its entire 6,400-unit run of the 2008 Challenger, even though it will work until July to fill those orders. The company already collected 7,000 preorders for the 2009 versions. Accavitti said he expect the R/T to be the highest volume seller of the three versions.