Imagine it now if you can, the salesman hands you the keys to your brand new, black, shiny 2009 Dodge Challenger. That long hood, that awesome stance, and those oh-so-cool hood scoops. The legend is alive and well, and your about to drive it home but you stop and think, “oh, lets look under the hood!” The salesman looks away, and once the hood pops open something doesn’t look right. Somethings missing, but what? Wait a minute, two fricken’ cylinders are missing! A V6?!?? It’s like a muscle car nightmare! Nooooo!

That’s right a V6. The Challenger can be bought with a 3.5-liter six cylinder, instead of it’s birthright V8 engine. Not just any V6 either, but rather a thoroughly modern DOHC, 24-valve motor that was the top of the line engine in the old Chrysler 300M. It generates 250 ponies, but is it enough to move two tons of Dodge? Um, well, not really. Let me explain…

The Challenger SE, as it’s badged, is a case of a decent engine let down by a archaic transmission. The four-speed (four?! It’s 2008 people…) unit is really a power sapper and destroys any chance of the SE getting around at a brisk pace. The specs show 0-60mph in over 8 seconds which equals to a decently running Ford Windstar minivan’s pace. It also rides on lower spec brakes and suspension, as well as cheap-o all-season tires which only hurt it’s performance potential.

At $21, 995 the Challenger SE is a good deal for anyone who likes the look of Dodge’s muscle car but can live without the big thirsty V8 and it’s accompanying performance. Just don’t expect any street cred from at the local Sunday night muscle car meet….

Above: Dodge’s newest budget muscle car looks fast. I said looks……