http://searchchicago.suntimes.com/au...050208.article
[quote]Dodge Challenger is a convincer
May 2, 2008
BY JEFF TAYLOR SearchChicago - Autos Contributor
Classic Challengers of ’70 –’71 vintage are some of the hottest collectable muscle cars around. Demand for those original high-performance versions far exceeds supply, and classic examples are fetching record auction prices. So, if you want to get a taste of the original, Dodge is serving up an improved recipe.
My experience with the Challenger goes back all the way to the original. Actually, the Challenger’s brother, the Plymouth ‘Cuda -- a speedy but needy 1973 model -- was the first car I ever owned. Both Challenger and ‘Cuda utilized the same drivetrains, underpinnings and a great deal of interior and exterior bits and pieces. The biggest difference, however, was exterior styling and the fact that Challenger had a greater overall length.
Owning a real ‘Cuda in high school was a great coup as I somehow managed to convince my parents that a car with a 340 cubic-inch, 4bbl, V-8 with a SlapStik automatic was a terrific choice for a young driver. See, my parents were wise to Mustangs, Camaros and even the GTOs so I had to go a different route.
I eventually had to sell that car (for double what I paid for it) and always regretted it, figuring I would never be able to find another. Now I don’t want to.
Why make do with roll up windows, skinny tires, weak brakes, terrible gas mileage, heavy front weight bias and vinyl seats when I can have modern safety systems, superior brakes and gobs of horsepower and torque with improved gas mileage?
Recently, I had the opportunity drive the re-born Challenger on some twisty California mountain roads and then wring it out at Willow Springs Raceway.
Dodge created the top Challenger model using their in-house performance engineering organization SRT. Dodge states that the Challenger SRT8 was engineered with a focus on the five pillars required of every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.
For power, the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 fits the bill nicely with 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque at the tip of your toe. This engine is the highest naturally aspirated specific-output V-8 engine ever offered by Chrysler. Its 69.8 horsepower-per-liter rating even tops the 1966 “Street HEMI.”
For the 2008 model run, the SRT8 is only available with a five-speed automatic, but it is up to the task. If you must have a manual, a six is coming for 2009. I’ve never been a fan of the Autostick transmission, but in the Challenger it almost works as it provided surprisingly sharp, quick shifts and worked pretty well with the engine’s power. When working the shift lever for Autostick operation, however, I found it to be too far back on the console. Also, if you’re going the retro route, how about a pistol grip shifter option? Aftermarket: Please take note.
Like its muscle car ancestors, the SRT8 has a fondness for fuel at 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. I could not accurately gauge mileage numbers during the press preview because I had on my heavy shoes that day.
Firing up the Challenger does not produce a satisfying roar of the engine or the MOPAR starter whine of old. Challenger’s exhaust note seems sedanlike until you punch the gas; then a nice rumble occurs. Dodge engineers indicated that the exhaust note barely meets noise level requirements at idle.
Pulling out of the parking lot, a light tap on the accelerator produced some rear tire squeal until the traction control took over. For some real fun, switch it off then prepare for a cloudy day.
On the fairly flat southern California roads the ride was surprisingly smooth, controlled and comfortable. Hit some rough stuff, and 20-inch tires and suspension settings are less favorable.