Nostalgically Trimmed 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic on Sale from $34,005

As if the new 2009 Challenger isn't already the embodiment of retro design, Dodge has launched a new version of the coupe called "Classic" that adds more nostalgic flavor to the reborn muscle car. Based on the Challenger R/T with Chrysler's 5.7-liter V8 Hemi that delivers 376HP when paired to a six-speed manual and 372HP with an automatic transmission, the Classic is available for order now with a starting price of $34,005 which includes a $725 destination fee.

So what's so special about the Challenger R/T Classic? Well, on the outside it sports heritage-inspired dual-wide body-side R/T stripes, 'Challenger' fender badging in classic script, 20-inch polished-chrome heritage alloy wheels with all-season performance tires, classic egg-crate grille with a heritage 'R/T' badge, body-color rear spoiler and a chromed fuel-filler door.

Buyers will be able to choose from a palette of six colors: Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Bright Silver Metallic, Stone White and three Dodge heritage colors-HEMI(R) Orange, TorRed and B5 Blue.

BusinessWeek names best American cars of 2006

Much has been said about the current financial crisis that America’s top automakers are experiencing. Sales continue its downward trend as demand for large and midsized SUV’s fall. May sales figures were down by 4.6% compared to last year. However, America’s automakers are producing much improved vehicle models generating a lot of buzz. There have been a number of exciting new sedans and coupes introduced such as the Saturn Sky and Ford Shelby GT500. Impressive new vehicle models have also come out from Detroit’s Big Three over the last few years.

To find out which among these new American vehicles are the best, BusinessWeek.com attempts to rank the newest domestic cars of 2006 according to reported reliability, government crash-safety ratings and total cost of ownership. Data were gathered from various sources such as Consumer Reports (Reliability), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (Safety ratings) and Edmunds.com (total cost of ownership or TCO). TCO refers to the ownership expenses incurred over a five year time span including such costs as financing, taxes, maintenance, operating and depreciation costs. For this list, only cars with 2006 as the base model year were considered. Not all cars in the market were compared, however, due to the lack of complete safety and reliability data.

America’s best for 2006:

Small Car – Ford Focus

Sedan – Chevrolet Malibu

Wagon – Ford Focus Wagon

Minivan – Dodge Caravan

Small Truck – Dodge Dakota

Large Truck – Ford F-150

Luxury Sedan - Chrysler 300

Mid-Sized SUV - Jeep Grand Cherokee

Luxury SUV - Jeep Commander

Supercar/Exotic - Saleen S7

Hybrid - Ford Escape Hybrid

Coupe - Dodge Viper SRT10

Source: MSNBC