Chicago 2008: It's here - 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Posted Feb 6th 2008 12:12AM by Sam Abuelsamid


Just over two years after debuting as a concept at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, the Dodge Challenger is now ready to hit the streets for real. The Challenger is reviving a name last used in the late '70s and early '80s on a compact, four-cylinder Mitsubishi-built coupe. This time, though, Chrysler is going back to the roots of the brand with a big muscular rear-wheel-drive coupe, initially available exclusively with a 6.1L HEMI V8 that will power the new Challenger 60 mph in the low 5-second range, according to a very conservative Chrysler. It shares the automaker's LX platform with the Charger and Chrysler 300, and in final form, the car has changed remarkably little from the concept. The most noticeable differences are up front and include the loss of the cross-hair grille and a slim black air dam at the bottom of the bumper. Other changes are pretty subtle, such as some reshaping of the lower air intake.

Out back, the rear bumper is now more prominent and the detailing of the taillights has been revised. A flat black lip spoiler is now mounted on the trailing edge of the deck lid while the Challenger badges on the rear fenders have been dumped. The rear driver side fender now also features a prominent chrome fuel filler cap. The wheelbase of the LX platform has been shrunk from a gargantuan 120 inches for the sedans to a merely large 116 inches for the Challenger. That puts the span between the axles at 9 inches longer the Mustang, which aids interior volume. Read on after the jump for more.

For the truncated 2008 model year run, Dodge will only be building 6,400 Challengers, all in SRT8 form. That means all examples will be powered by the the same 6.1L HEMI with 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque as other SRT8 variants. Although enthusiasts might be disappointed, the reality is that most American buyers probably won't care that 2008 Challengers will only come in two-pedal, self-shifting form. Starting in 2009, Chrysler is expected to add availability of the 5.7L HEMI, as well as a V6. Putting power and torque to the pavement is the responsibility of 245/45 front and 255/45 rear Goodyear F1 tires on 20-inch wheels.



The interior design picks up many components from its platform mates, such as the steering wheel, instrument cluster and switchgear, otherwise the rest of the dash is unique to this model. The cluster hood is shaped something like the version in the concept, but unfortunately the rest of the dash appears to be a cost-reduced setup compared to the original. Hopefully it looks better in person than it does in these photos. Fortunately, the seats appear to brought over from other SRT models with their enormous bolsters that will easily keep the driver positioned directly in front of the steering wheel.



Thanks to its proportions, the Challenger doesn't look as large as it is. But make no mistake, this is a big car. It's actually one inch longer than the Chrysler 300 and is rated for three passengers in the rear compartment. Pricing will start at $37,995 for the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, and the limited production means that dealers will surely be charging a couple of bucks extra if they think they can get away with it. We'll be patiently waiting for our turn to get behind the wheel of Chrysler's new performance coupe at the earliest available opportunity. Hopefully a nasty rumor about Chrysler eliminating its press fleet as a cost cutting measure doesn't come to fruition.


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OVERVIEW

The Ultimate Modern American Muscle Coupe

All-New 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8®

Iconic Dodge muscle car returns after a 35-year absence
Design stays true to Challenger heritage while delivering a host of modern amenities and "race inspired, street legal" SRT DNA
Powered by a 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 engine th