2008 Chicago Auto Show: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8


Competes with: Ford Mustang, Nissan 350Z

Looks like: A 1970s muscle car

Drivetrain: 425-hp, 6.1-liter V-8 with five-speed automatic

Hits dealerships: SRT8 this spring, base Challengers in 2009

The production Dodge Challenger is so similar to the concept from last year that it certainly feels like we’ve seen this car before. The changes to the production model are significant, of course — different grille and taillight clusters — but the overwhelming sense of nostalgia applied to a design probably hasn’t been so extreme since Ford redid the Thunderbird in the 1990s.

This Challenger may face the same doomed existence as that convertible, too. While the exterior is certainly muscular and the engine will no doubt offer the same thrills we’ve enjoyed in other SRT8s, like the Dodge Charger and Magnum, the interior looks to leave a lot to be desired. It looks almost identical to the Charger and Magnum, and neither is our favorite to sit in.

At a sticker price of $37,995, the first year’s allotment of Challenger SRT8s has already been spoken for, but Dodge should still be worrying about its second year of production. That’s when the base model will have to compete with a new Chevy Camaro and revised Ford Mustang.

We’ll try to stay positive for a moment though and point out that the SRT8 comes in just three colors with racing stripes — orange, silver and black — and will hit 60 mph in the low five-second range. Take a look inside and out in the pictures below and let us know what you think of the Challenger.

 

hits dealerships in 2009? 2009 models hitting dealerships in 2008. And people wonder how rumors start. . . journalists who just make crap up or don't do their research.

 

Not what I was hoping for. I'm TOTALLY bummed about the interior, rear quarter, overlong rear roof line, grandmother style steering wheel and general Charger with a body kit feel.
The Concept was a Super 70-71 Challenger upgrade. This car is a cheap attempt to bring back the Challenger name and Misses the mark set by Ford with the Mustang GT 500.
Mopar better improve this car quick because it won't hold a candle to the new Camaro if GM comes half as close to their Concept as Mopar did with this car. I think they missed a golden opportunity to take back the market and put Mopar back on top.

 

I hate to say it but I agree. I know many people are very positive about this car but they really missed the mark on the interior. It is very evident that they rushed this to market and cut corners. I actually am getting used the the exterior and like it but it certainly does not come anywhere close to something like the GT500 KR for example. Considering the SRT8 is the top model I also am not real impressed with the performance numbers quoted today. Basically equal to the Mustanf GT and NOT GT500. I think that so far Dodge has missed the mark.

 

sub-5 is not gt numbers lol