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Dodge announced the addition of the more possible R/T and SE Challenger models for the 2009 model year. The move came following the launch of the RT-8 model earlier this year.

All 5.7-liter HEMIs get a bump in power for 2009 that amounts to 30 more ponies along with an extra eight pound-feet of torque, for totals of 370 horsepower and 398 pound-feet. This is accomplished via variable valve timing as well as a higher compression ratio, now 10.5 instead of 9.6. Opting for the Tremec six-speed in place of the five-speed auto on the R/T bumps those numbers further, to 375 and 404, respectively, though requires premium fuel to do so. Dodge estimates that fuel economy is 5 percent better as well, now rated by the EPA at fifteen mpg in the city and twenty three mph on the highway, with the stick burning one more mpg in the city. Acceleration to the 60 mph benchmark is under six seconds, Dodge says.

The R/T, powered by an updated version of the 5.7 liter Hemi V8 also found in platform-mates Charger R/T and 300C, is the first modern Hemi car available with a manual transmission: a six-speed unit - borrowed from the Viper - with a pistol grip shifter reminiscent of the original Challengers from 35 years ago. Dodge officially announced the range-topping SRT8 will also have the stick option.
The lowest-priced Challenger is the SE, powered by Chrysler’s long-serving 3.5 liter V6 good for 250 horsepower and torque. It is mated exclusively to a four-speed automatic and rides on 215/65-16 size tires mounted on 16-inch alloy rims. Fuel economy is expected to be 18 mpg in the city and twenty five mpg on the highway, as per EPA estimates.

The R/T version weighs about 130 pounds less than the 425 horsepower SRT-8, which is slated to hit showrooms in the spring. The rolling stock consists of 18-inch alloy wheels and high-performance tires, with a Classic R/T version launched in 2009 getting unique 20-inch wheels and more styling hints to bring back memories of the original Challengers.

The manual-transmission Challenger R/T has numerous differences from the automatic, including a variable displacement power steering pump, different rear shocks, and other tuning changes — and the ability to shut off the ESP completely, rather than having it in “rescue” mode. The gas mileage is lower than the automatic, because it cannot have the multiple-displacement system (cylinder shutoff). A special-edition Dodge Challenger Classic R/T will be available later in the 2009 model year, with B5 blue paint, black side stripes, unique badging, and 20-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels.

Safety features on all the rear-wheel drive Challengers includes ABS, ESP, brake assist, side airbags, traction control and tire pressure monitoring system among others. A hill start assist program holds the manual transmission-equipped car in place on inclines.

The modern Challenger was first unveiled in concept form at the auto show in Detroit in 2006. All Challengers are assembled at Chrysler’s Brampton, Ontario plant in Canada.

Making the right selection in a market where more than 2 hundreds cars, vans, trucks,  and SUVs is no easy task – not without us, that is. Here at the online edition to Auto Magazine, you can find all 2009 Nissan Murano research you want to make an informed buying choise. Choose an option below to know more about this auto.

Since it’s arrived in 2003 (like an ‘04 model), the Nissan Murano has been one of the best crossovers. Stylish inside and out, relatively roomy for passengers and drivers, fairly nimble, and surprisingly economical, the Murano was in a quite solid position before undergoing a redesign for 2009.  But did Nissan screw it up?

At first look, maybe they did. I can not say I am a fan of the busy new front end or the exaggerated wheel arches. Inside, though, there is been a pleasant upgrade in quality. The soft seats and deeply cushioned armrests first seen in Nissan’s Versa  have migrated to the Murano, and they make for a comfy cabin.

A glance at the EPA numbers on the window sticker suggests that gas mileage has suffered, dropping to 18/23 from 20/24 a comparing to 4-wheel-drive models. But that is only due to the EPA’s more stringent - read, more realistic - testing procedures. In an apples-to-apples comparison, the AWD Murano has actually gained 1 mpg city.

That is probably because the Murano didn not get all huge trying to accommodate a 3rd-row seat. Seating for five is quite good. A rear-view camera is a worthwhile new option. And Nissan seems to be the only company that can make a continuously variable transmission feel almost as normal as a conventional automatic.

Designed by RJ de Veja and built by Roush with VeilSide body kit the 60,000 dollars Valvoline Mustang GT-V can be yours if you enter the contest and respond the questions until October 21st 2008. The car comes with a Veilside’s D1GT body kit, a Roush 427R engine package, H and R sports spring system, Diamond audio system and Volk Racing wheels. “The overall theme developed for the Mustang GT-V was ‘Modern yet Classic’. Since we were hoping to bridge the gap between different vehicle enthusiasts we decide to create a fusion between the young tuner performance oriented and aggressive ethos with that of classic American muscle feel. I hope we succeeded in producing an automobile that any car nut would love to have in his garage.” says the designer of the car, Mr. RJ de Vera.

MSRP Price Range: $17,430 - $24,020
Invoice Price Range: $16,316 - $22,073

The Ford Fusion 2007 is Ford’s midsize sedan that joined the lineup for 2006 between the full-size Five Hundred and the compact Focus. The design of the Fusion was inspired by the Ford 427 concept car including the bold three bar grille and the multi-element projector-beam headlights. Featuring a long, wide stance, the Fusion offers comfortable interior room for both front and rear seat passengers, and promises engaging driving dynamics.
The 2007 Ford Fusion receives a number of standard features including front-seat side airbags, side-impact air curtains, an anti-theft perimeter alarm system, and an auxiliary audio input jack with available SIRIUS satellite radio and a DVD-based navigation system. All-wheel drive is available for the first time on V6 SE and SEL. Now standard in the SE are 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, a premium six-disc CD player with MP3 capability and six speakers. The SEL receives heated mirrors with puddle lamps, an electrochromatic rearview mirror, a compass and automatic headlights as standard equipment. Both the SE and SEL are equipped with a standard fold-down passenger seat.