The Production Challenger
The 2008 Dodge Challenger is offered in one trim line, the well-known SRT8 designation. There were 4 choices for the lucky people who reserved a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 before it was released. The first dealt with color, either Hemi Orange Pearl Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, or Bright Silver Metallic Pearl Coat. The second choice was whether to stick with the basic 6-disc AM/FM/MP3 stereo system or to select the $890 MyGig Multimedia system complete with GPS navigation. The third option was whether or not you wanted a sunroof at an additional $950. And the final decision was simple: stock or performance tires. The base tire of the SRT8 is a set of four 245/45ZR20 all-season Goodyear radials. For fifty dollars more, a buyer could select a set of performance Goodyears with the same 245 size tires up front and 255/45ZR20's in the rear.
Engine
Much like the SRT8 variant of the 2008 Dodge
Charger and 2008 Chrysler 300C, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 comes
equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission backing a 425
horsepower, 6.1L version of the legendary Hemi engine. There was much
speculation about what trimline designation the production models would
wear compared to what engine since the 6.1L Hemi had not been in
anything other than SRT8 models, although the concept was badged as an
R/T model. Many people were hoping that the new Challenger would come
with a manual transmission, as that is one of the most common
complaints about the Dodge Charger, but the manual gearbox would not be
available until the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 model. The 5-speed
transmission does feature the Auto-Stick (referred to by some as being
a clutchless manual) function, which allows the driver to select gears
electronically with just a push of the shifter; this provides the
convenience of an automatic transmission with some of the fun of a
manual. The power from the engine is funneled through the transmission
and down the driveshaft into a 3.06 ratio rear end fitted with a
Sure-Grip limited slip differential to help the Challenger make use of
all 425 ponies. Based on what was seen from the other SRT8 cars, the
Challenger SRT8 should be capable of 12 second quarter mile times. And
though the new Challenger was tested in the 13.1 range based on high
trap speeds, traction was the biggest factor harming those quarter mile
times.
Handling
The braking system is also similar to that found in other SRT8 sedans, a full Brembo brake kit featuring huge aluminum calipers wrapped around slotted 360mm brake rotors in the front and 350mm rotors in the rear. These are kept cool via ducts mounted in the front fascia. Helping to handle the turns, the SRT8 suspension is made for the road but tuned for the track. This allows for a near perfect blend of a comfortable ride and quality cornering abilities. The front suspension is a long and short arm design, and a multilink independent suspension in the rear helps to keep the best tire surface area on the ground under hard cornering. Those aforementioned 20 inches are fitted onto a set of SRT-designed aluminum rims, powder coated silver with a polished lip flowing down the middle of each of the five spokes to the raised "ram's head" logo on the wheel center cap.