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

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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.

All 5.7-liter HEMIs get a bump in power for 2009 that amounts to 30 more ponies along with an extra 8 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 15 mpg in the city and 23 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 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 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 25 mpg on the highway, as per EPA estimates.

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.