2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 to start under $38,000

Motortrend
by Rory Jurnecka



As those who have been eyeing the new 2008 Dodge Challenger surely know by now, all the initial examples to be built will be of the SRT8 variant. That's good news for performance-minded buyers. Even better news is that Chrysler has just announced pricing and dealers will begin taking orders on Monday, December 3.

The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will start at $37,995, including a $675 destination fee, when it hits showrooms next spring. The model is starting off as a limited-edition, each car arriving with an individually numbered dash plaque and Chrysler's 6.1-liter HEMI V-8. No official horsepower figures have released so far the Challenger SRT8, leading us to believe there will be no increase from the 425 horses the standard 6.1-liter HEMI produces in such vehicles as the Chrysler 300C SRT8 and Dodge Charger SRT8.



There is also no update as of yet on what transmission will initially be available. The Challenger is slated to receive a choice of a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual, but according to previous reports, if you want to row your own gears, you may have to wait until 2009. The Challenger SRT8 will be available in Black, Silver, and HEMI Orange and all will receive dual carbon-fiber-look hood stripes.

A full range of Challenger variants will be available after the initial run of SRT8 models with pricing to be announced later. At $37,995 for the cooking version, Dodge could very well have a value leader on its hands, but we'll have to wait and see how the modern muscle-car stacks up against its formidable competition. In any case, limited production is always just that: limited production. Better be quick on the phones on Monday if you want to gift yourself a Challenger SRT8 for the new year.

 

Yesterday's price was $37,995.

http://www.dodge.com/dodge_life/news...e=textNav.html

Today it is $40,095! What's going on???? Did they forget to add the $2,100 gas guzzler tax? [:@]

http://www.dodge.com/en/2008/challenger/

 

New Challenger SRT8 Available For Order
by gclark
Mopar News


You guys wanted it; Chrysler did it; and it's now on.


New Challenger SRT8 Available For Order; Sticker Price = $37,995

Dodge dealers will begin taking orders for the new, limited-edition Dodge Challenger SRT8 on Monday, December 3, with the sticker price at $37,995.

Full-line pricing for other Challenger models, including the R/T and base Challenger coupe, will be announced on February 6, when Dodge will give the new Challenger its public introduction prior to the opening of the Chicago Auto Show (http://dodgechallengercountdown.com/).

That first run of Challenger SRT8s will be equipped with the 6.1-liter Hemi Magnum V-8, and painted in your choice of Hemi Orange, silver, or black. They'll also have (in addition to all the high-tech electronics and high-zoot features you'd expect in a 21st century musclecar) a numbered dash plaque, plus dual carbon-fiber hood stripes patterned after the original Challenger R/T's optional hood stripe.

"The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers pure American ponycar muscle," said James Press, Chrysler LLC's vice chairman and president. "With styling that stays true to Challenger's original heritage, an abundance of modern amenities, and cutting-edge technology, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will deliver the SRT credo of benchmark performance at a tremendous value."

If you're planning on buying one of the first Challenger SRT8s, remember that the original E-Body's reputation for high-performance and style was not made by parking it in a garage and never driving it. Also, for those who may be tempted to "over-sample" the Challenger SRT8's Hemi Magnum power, keep your eyes open for the increasing number of Hemi Magnum-powered Dodge Charger cop cars on the road (the latest version of which opened a can of whoop-ass on the Ford Crown Vic and Chevy Impala in the latest Michigan State Police vehicle-evaluation tests at Chrysler's Chelsea, Michigan, Proving Grounds).

 

I think that is exactly what happened.

 

You know...we still have yet to get a good look at the production version and they are taking orders? I don't know about the rest of you but I do want to SEE the car before I plop my duckets down. Call me crazy...

 

decals???? LAME!!!!

 

Ok, you're crazy. You told me to so I figured I would though I'm in the same boat as you. Show me the car before I put down my money, especially as much as they are going to gouge.

Personally, the decals are fine with me if I can't tell the difference. I think I would rather have the decals and find myself a carbon fiber hood outside of the dealership as opposed to paying $400 + dealer markup, or more like factory markup, for the hood coming with the car.

 

From Car and Driver:

Pricing Announced for 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 - Car News
Mere mortals should be able to afford some muscle.

BY JORDAN BROWN, November 2007

It’s time to cash in that Google stock and dig out the checkbook—pricing has been confirmed for the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. Chrysler’s modern interpretation of the American classic is expected to resonate with enthusiasts, and with a starting price of $37,995 (including destination), mere mortals can afford one. That puts it only $1400 north of the current Dodge Charger SRT8. The Challenger SRT8 will be the first in the model lineup to hit showroom floors in the spring, but you can get a first look at the production model at its unveiling in February during the 2008 Chicago auto show.



However, you’d better act fast if you think you want one—Dodge starts taking orders December 3. The Challenger will share the 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 engine in the Charger SRT8. Pumping out 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, this beast is sure to produce the same grins as it does in the Charger.

Dodge also tells us that the car will feature a numbered dash plaque and the stylish carbon-fiber hood stripes featured on the Challenger concept. It will be available in black, silver, and Hemi orange paint colors.

As for the rest of the Challenger trim levels, pricing has yet to be announced, so we can only speculate at this point. Based on current Charger pricing, we expect a base model Challenger to ring in somewhere around $24,000 with an R/T following in the $34,000 area. Either way, we’re still excited for yet another addition to the bargain-priced muscle market.

 

Consumers Reports take on the Challenger
November 30, 2007

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 pricing announced


Monday, December 3, Mopar enthusiasts can place their order for a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, with pricing to start at $37,995, including destination. The limited-edition SRT8 models will be available in black, Hemi orange, and silver, each with dual hood stripes. This model will carry a $2,100 gas-guzzler tax, bringing the true price to $40,095. (The Challenger concept vehicle shown.)

The next muscle car era begins in spring 2008, when the first Challenger SRT8s reach dealerships. The current-generation Ford Mustang has benefited from being without its traditional marketplace, and drag strip, rivals since the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird were retired after the 2002 model year. However, with clear visual links to their potent progenitors, the Dodge and Ford coupes will face the reborn Camaro about a year later.

Official Challenger SRT8 specs and other model line details are a closely guarded secret until the Chicago Auto Show in February. We do know that the SRT8 will feature a 6.1-liter V8 engine; that powertrain produces 425-horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque in the comparably priced Dodge Charger SRT8 sedan. It is expected that the high-performance Challenger SRT8 will be joined by V6 and less-powerful V8 models, bringing it in line with the Mustang. Currently, the Charger offers a 250-hp, 3.5L V6 and 335-hp, 5.7-liter V8.

The countdown is on...

 

Good article, paints a 60s/70s muscle revisionist era right on the horizon. Oh I hope there's a resurgence. The American automotive industry could sure stand a shot in the arm.