Dodge pushes horsepower, ‘softer’ SUV

The news at Dodge is headlined by the return of the rear-wheel-drive Challenger muscle car —- with old-style looks and modern technology.

The sizable, two-door car is offered in SRT8 form with an engine that has the highest output of any naturally aspirated V-8 at the automaker. Specifically, it’s a 425-horsepower 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 with 420 foot-pounds of torque.

Other, lower-powered engines are available for the Challenger, too, including a base 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 with 250 foot-pounds of torque.

The other big news at Dodge is a revamped Ram pickup truck with sleeker styling than before and a 390 horsepower, 5.7-liter, Hemi V-8 producing an ample 407 foot-pounds of torque.

The truck’s interior is refurbished with 42 storage spots. There’s even file folder holders at the front-seat center console.

The Ram’s top engine —- 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 —- goes into the 2009 Charger sedan, where horsepower is 368, and the 2009 Durango SUV, where horsepower is 365. But there’s also a gasoline-hybrid Durango coming in 2009 that works with the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 to deliver improved fuel mileage.

Dodge also debuts a “softer” SUV with its 2009 Journey, which is based on the platform of the Dodge Avenger car. Buyers have a choice of five- or seven-passenger seating as well as engine selections ranging from a base, 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter four cylinder to a 235-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6.

Lastly, the Dodge Grand Caravan, like its sibling Chrysler Town & Country minivan, adds new features including a blind spot monitor.

Note that the Dodge Magnum wagon is dropped from the lineup.