The Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Mustang are two of a handful of American
performance cars that have secured their place in automotive history
books. They both contributed to building the young performance market
in 50's and 60's America, and then passed the test of time. The Pontiac
Firebird, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Thunderbird, and Dodge Charger can
also be counted amongst the most powerful cars of their day, though
presently the Firebird is no longer produced and the Charger is offered
as a performance sedan. Ford Muscle returned to classic styling with
the release of the S197 2005 Mustang, a mega success. Around the same
time, rumors of another vintage muscle car returning began to grow;
this time for the Dodge Challenger.
The original 1970-1974 Dodge Challenger was only built for 4 years
until it returned as a Mitsubishi-built compact car, but made its
lasting impact on the performance world and is still among the most
desired Mopar muscle cars. The popularity of the original Dodge
Challenger, along with Dodge enthusiasts' pleads for a muscle car coupe
to battle the Mustang, led Dodge to design a concept along the same
line of retro styling. The 2006 Dodge Challenger Concept was released
to the world at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in
Detroit, Michigan where it stole the show. Over the next six months,
the market was abuzz as internet forums and blogs raved over the new
Challenger.
Early on, there was no clear proof that the Dodge Challenger would ever be produced; gradually increasing fuel prices provided classic Mopar fans further consternation. Then in late June 2006, an exciting announcement featuring NASCAR legend Richard Petty proclaimed that the Challenger was "A-Go". With that it was official, but Dodge would be very vague about what would change from concept to production and what options might be offered.
After two years of waiting, conversing, and bickering about "what could be", and spotting test mules around the Detroit Metro area and at car shows around the US, the public got a whiff of the new Dodge Challenger production model when it debuted at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show on February 6, 2008. A spread of three cars drew nearly everyone's attention at the show, with the Orange Challenger sitting atop the display and a Silver Challenger and Black Challenger sitting on the sides, all SRT8 models. Two long years of rumor and speculation ended with the specifications release for the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8.
Do you guys remember the build up leading up to the Challenger's return? Do you feel Dodge did the classic justice? Did it turn out the way you wanted it to? Do you feel Dodge should have attempted to buck the trend and try something new rather than retro?
Early on, there was no clear proof that the Dodge Challenger would ever be produced; gradually increasing fuel prices provided classic Mopar fans further consternation. Then in late June 2006, an exciting announcement featuring NASCAR legend Richard Petty proclaimed that the Challenger was "A-Go". With that it was official, but Dodge would be very vague about what would change from concept to production and what options might be offered.
After two years of waiting, conversing, and bickering about "what could be", and spotting test mules around the Detroit Metro area and at car shows around the US, the public got a whiff of the new Dodge Challenger production model when it debuted at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show on February 6, 2008. A spread of three cars drew nearly everyone's attention at the show, with the Orange Challenger sitting atop the display and a Silver Challenger and Black Challenger sitting on the sides, all SRT8 models. Two long years of rumor and speculation ended with the specifications release for the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8.
Do you guys remember the build up leading up to the Challenger's return? Do you feel Dodge did the classic justice? Did it turn out the way you wanted it to? Do you feel Dodge should have attempted to buck the trend and try something new rather than retro?
| Model Line Overview | |
| Model lineup: | Dodge Challenger SE ($21,320); R/T ($29,320); SRT8 ($39,320) |
| Engines: | 250-hp 3.5-liter V6, 370-375 hp 5.7-liter V8, 425-hp 6.1-liter V8 |
| Transmissions: | 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic, 6-speed manual |
| Safety equipment (standard): | frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags |
| Safety equipment (optional): | ABS, electronic stability control |
| Basic warranty: | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled in: | Brampton, Ontario, Canada |
| Specifications As Tested | |
| Model tested (MSRP): | Dodge Challenger SRT8 ($39,320) |
| Standard equipment: | leather upholstery, climate/air conditioning, power steering, power disc brakes, power windows/locks/heated mirrors, power driver seat, tilt/telescope steering wheel with audio/info controls, cruise control, bi-xenon headlamps, fog lamps, Boston-Acoustics audio system, split-folding rear seat |
| Options as tested (MSRP): | high-performance tires ($50) |
| Destination charge: | ($1700) |
| Gas guzzler tax: | 675 |
| Price as tested (MSRP): | $41,745 |
| Layout: | rear-wheel drive |
| Engine: | 6.1-liter ohv 16-valve V8 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm): | 425 @ 6200 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): | 420 @ 4800 |
| Transmission: | 5-speed automatic |
| EPA fuel economy, city/hwy: | 13/19 mpg |
| Wheelbase: | 116.0 in. |
| Length/width/height: | 197.7/75.7/57.0 in. |
| Track, f/r: | 63.0/63.1 in. |
| Turning circle: | 37.5 ft. |
| Seating capacity: | 5 |
| Head/hip/leg room, f: | 39.5/54.7/42.0 in. |
| Head/hip/leg room, m: | N/A |
| Head/hip/leg room, r: | 37.4/51.4/32.6 in. |
| Cargo volume: | 16.2 cu. ft. |
| Payload: | N/A |
| Towing capacity: | N/A |
| Suspension, f: | independent, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, r: | independent, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Ground clearance: | 5.5 in. |
| Curb weight: | 4140 lbs. |
| Tires: | P245/45R20 front, P255/45R20 rear |
| Brakes, f/r: | vented disc/vented disc, with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist |
| Fuel capacity: | 19.0 gal. |