National Press Release

DETROIT, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- From all of America's new cars and trucks in 2008, the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger will become the most desired by future car collectors. That is the prediction of the Friends of the National Automotive History Collection (NAHC).

"The 2009 Dodge Challenger selection is unique among all the 'Vehicle of the Year' awards, because it is selected by 'car buffs' who know what future collectors will value," said Matthew Lee, chairman of the NAHC Board of Trustees. "We asked our members to predict which of this year's new vehicles will turn heads in the Woodward Cruise of 2033 -- and the 2009 Dodge Challenger is it."

Members of the organization, which supports the world-famous automotive collection at the Detroit Public Library, vote annually to predict the "Collectible Vehicle of the Future" from the year's new American-built cars and trucks. The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger was selected from 17 all-new vehicles launched in 2008.

"It is a great honor to have the Friends of the National Automotive Historic Collection select the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger as America's most desired new car by future collectors," said Tony Elias, Chief Engineer -- Dodge Challenger. "The all-new Dodge Challenger pays homage to a rich performance heritage and integrates the best of modern American muscle-car characteristics -- unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and technology -- while delivering quality and excitement across many generations to ensure its place as a 'Collectible Vehicle of the Future.'"

The all-new 2009 Challenger resurrects the Dodge brand's pony car past, delivering the emotion and performance car enthusiasts young and old can appreciate. The new Dodge Challenger features numerous heritage design cues including the bold character lines, recessed grille with round dual headlamps, 'Four Bomb' gauge cluster, chromed fuel-filler door with classic 'FUEL' script and a performance hood with scoops designed to cover and cool the iconic HEMI V-8 engine.

The award will be presented to Dodge executives by the Friends of the NAHC at their annual holiday reception on Saturday, January 17, the public opening day of the North American International Automobile Show. It will be at the NAHC's quarters in the Skillman Branch Library in downtown Detroit.

The NAHC is the world's largest public archive of automotive lore and a treasure for automotive historians, journalists and collectors. Its collection of books, manuals, photos, company histories, and historic documents is open to the public.

Previous winners of the NAHC's Collectible Vehicle of the Future include:

    2007       Dodge Viper SRT10
    2006       Pontiac Solstice
    2005       Ford Mustang
    2004       Chrysler 300
    2003       Dodge Viper
    2002       Ford Thunderbird

The Friends of the Detroit Public Library supports the collection through the NAHC Board of Trustees, which raises funds and provides volunteer assistance.

Information is available from the NAHC at 313-628-2851 or at http://www.detroitpubliclibrary.org/nahc/. The NAHC is in the library's Skillman Branch at 121 Gratiot in downtown Detroit, opposite the People Mover's Cadillac Center station.

SOURCE Detroit Public Library