Finally, some Challenger headway

Posted February 9, 2008

Ever since the concept broke cover a couple of years ago, more than a few doubts entered my mind as to whether Chrysler would pull this off — especially in a version with fewer than four doors.

My car mag of choice, Car & Driver, finally put a production-spec SRT-8 Challlenger through its paces in what's become an article I've waited months for. Would someone hand me the keys to this land-locked SCUD missile? But before you have visions of "Vanishing Point" in your head, are you ready to be T-boned by reality?

First, let's get the not-so-hot impressions out of the way. First, the five-speed automatic fails to stir much passion. Performance cars need the old-fashioned shifter-and-clutch combo to pass for acceptable — or at least a double-clutch, paddle-shifted six speed (like in the new Lancer Evo or Nissan GT-R). Second, this beast posts what should be the most dour, boring interior in a production car this year — and that includes all subcompacts. If Dodge wants 40 large for this Challenger, you'd think they'd put some thought into interior appointments. After all, you spend way more time on the inside than you do outside.

But the only thing that disappears faster than those nitpicks once the throttle is gunned is this beast soaring past 60. I'm surprised how closely the exterior resembles its concept-car roots. If the Prowler was any indication, Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler have a knack for bringing their wild concepts to life. The first Challengers get the 6.1-liter Hemi (an engine exclusive to the SRT line), with the 5.7-liter following soon after. The 5.7, though, won't be the 340-horse mill that powers the Charger. No, this one will come with the improvements made for the newest Ram pickup. That means bringing horsepower numbers on par with Toyota's new 5.7-liter iForce mill (think 380).

With this kind of firepower, even the portly, 4,000-pound Challenger (yes, it gets its heft from the Charger's genes) should dust off quarters in the 13-second range. Will it come with a V-6? It's anyone's guess as to whether the increasingly miserly Pentastar people will invest much more in a vehicle that's quickly becoming a liability. In fact, I'd bet the farm that this car won't last longer than its 1970-74 namesake. It's more of a tribute to a car that didn't get the respect it deserved decades ago.