Every time I open the trunk of our long-term 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T, I get a bit of a shock. It's a wider and deeper hold than I've been conditioned to expect in a coupe, and published capacity is an impressive 16.2 cubic feet.
Still, a few cargo tie-downs, or grocery bag hooks, or a cargo net would greatly improve its functionality. As it is, I end up stuffing grocery bags (and, yes, melons) into the cabin since there's no way to corral anything. I checked the Mopar accessories site and came up dry -- the only extra you can get is a trunk mat. So real owners might have to use some creativity here.
Just seeing the trunk, though, makes me wonder why I haven't taken our Challenger on one of my road trips. Plenty of room for my stuff here, and I certainly like the way the big coupe rides. I also like the way it moves out in traffic (with a downshift or two) but then settles back into its customarily serene cruising demeanor (with an upshift to 6th). So, no reason for delay: I'm planning a road trip for November.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor @ 12,842 miles
hybris says:
11:33 AM, 10/29/09
I will admit that is a big trunk.
alex4515 says:
12:51 PM, 10/29/09
@hybris - The first step is to admit that you have a problem.
actualsize says:
02:15 PM, 10/29/09
And don't forget this Erin: the Challenger R/T 6-speed has load-leveling Nivomat shocks in back. They're used to combat axle wind-up at launch, but they'll still shoulder a trunkful of stuff. Load it up.
eriches says:
03:13 PM, 10/29/09
And doubtless, we'll all want to reread Dan's (i.e., actualsize's) suspension walkaround on our long-term Challenger R/T in which he discusses the Nivomats in detail: http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2009/05/2009-dodge-challenger-rt-suspension-walkaround.html
There's a good photo of one of the Nivomat shocks, too. Thanks, Dan.
--Erin
hybris says:
03:14 PM, 10/29/09
Lets see how many editors will fit into this trunk.
cr_driver says:
07:50 PM, 10/29/09
Yeah, lets do that LOL