This is curtosy of the Chrysler PR department:

 

[quote]A Classic American Muscle Car



Exterior design marries Challenger heritage to bold, expressive, modern Dodge style
Race-inspired interior reminiscent of the original Challenger, with all the modern amenities and technology that today’s customer expects

Chicago, Feb 6, 2008 - The all-new, five-passenger 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8® captures the emotion of the original two-door, rear-wheel-drive Challenger, but with an updated twist.
“Our designers wanted to capture the mind’s eye view of what people today remember about the Challenger from 35 years ago,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler. “So their challenge was to excite today’s customer by capturing the emotion of the original Challenger, but with today’s quality and performance.”

The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers exterior styling cues that are unmistakably Dodge. Exterior proportions evoke a bold, instantly recognizable vehicle that has a wide, stable stance on the road. A full-width grille and fog lamps reminiscent of the original Challenger are married to the modern “Dodge attitude.” The result is an aggressive face that is unmistakably a muscle car. The hood ƒ{ with a raised center, carbon fiberlike stripes and functional dual scoops ƒ{ stays true to the Challenger heritage, as does the A-line and beltline.

The Challenger SRT8 front end incorporates numerous functional design features. Included are a fascia that directs air around the front of the vehicle, dual snorkel hood scoops that bring cooling air into the engine compartment and ducts that direct air to cool the brakes.

A black rocker and valance on the rear amplify the Challenger SRT8’s classic aggressive look.

The rear spoiler is not only reminiscent of the original Dodge Challenger T/A model, but is a functional part of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, generating significant rear downforce.

“We used the original Challenger as an inspiration for many of the features found on the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8®,” said Jeff Gale, Lead Designer – Dodge Challenger Exterior Design. “The side mirrors actually started with a mold from the mirrors of an original Challenger. We tweaked a few details for fit and finish, then put them through our modern aerodynamic testing metrics and ended up with a body-mounted mirror that is remarkably similar visually to the original, but offers significantly better aerodynamic performance.”

“The dark headliner was very important to us when designing the interior,” said Brian Nielander, Manager – Dodge Challenger Exterior and Interior Design. “It not only stays true to the original Challenger, but it also gives a sinister, more businesslike atmosphere.”

The crease along the C-pillar and around the rear glass is exactly as seen on the Dodge Challenger concept car, while the full-width graphic for the tail lamp with reverse lamp in the center evokes the original Challenger.

The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is available in three exterior colors: HEMI Orange, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Bright Silver Metallic.

The race-inspired interior of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 also utilizes the original Dodge Challenger – and the more recent Challenger concept car – for inspiration, while offering consumers a wide array of modern amenities and interior finishes.

Interior 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 highlights include race-inspired leather seats with added bolstering and an exclusive orange accent stripe, exclusive stitched accents on the seats and steering wheel, four-bomb gauges with tachometer and 180 mph speedometer in the center, and an SRT-exclusive Reconfigurable Display (RCD) with Performances Pages that provide drivers instant feedback on 0–60 mph time, 60–0 mph braking, g-forces and ¼-mile time.

The trapezoidal theme of the door and gauge cluster, the dark headliner and the slanted shifter console are all based directly on the original Dodge Cha

 

[quote]Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology Sets a New Standard for the Modern American Muscle Coupe



2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8® is the ultimate factory-built performance muscle coupe
Boasts a 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 engine that produces 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque
Derived from successful Dodge Charger platform
World-class ride and handling characteristics make the all-new Dodge Challenger potent on the track and a pleasure on the street
Benchmark braking performance from 60–0 mph in approximately 110 feet

Chicago, Feb 6, 2008 - The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is the ultimate performance muscle coupe. The two-door, rear-wheel drive coupe is based on the successful Dodge Charger sedan platform. Sporting a 116-inch wheelbase, the Challenger coupe is four inches shorter than the Charger sedan.
Consumers will enjoy outstanding performance on the street or on the track. With a low ride height, a brake-lock differential, SRT-tailored spring rates and shock rates, sway bars and a uniquely-tuned Electronic Stability Program (ESP), the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers world-class ride and handling characteristics across a dynamic range.

“The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is the ultimate modern muscle car – built by gearheads for gearheads,” said Kipp Owen – Director, Street and Racing Technology Engineering. “SRT understands what customers want in a performance car, and with the Challenger SRT8, we will exceed their expectations.”

Suspension
Built on a unibody construction, the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features a multilink short and long arm (SLA) front suspension. The front suspension cradle combines hydroformed steel tube side rails with a stamped box section lateral member to provide the appropriate level of stiffness. The stiffness is tuned to avoid the transmission of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) into the passenger compartment. The multilink SLA suspension also provided SRT engineers the opportunity to tune bushing compliances for reduction in road noise, while maintaining vehicle dynamic handling performance.

The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 sports a five-link Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). IRS offers a better ride by allowing for independent tuning of the ride and handling characteristics. Multiple links maintain independent control of camber and toe during suspension movement. Lower unsprung mass offers a better ride and the decoupling of left and right wheels over road imperfections maintains better tire contact with the ground and results in better ride comfort. Multiple bushings in the IRS offer the flexibility to tune for ride and comfort. In addition, stabilizer bar attachments to the knuckles provide maximum response to vehicle lean.

“The original Dodge Challenger was best known for its straight-line prowess at the drag strip,” said Owen. “The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 not only lives up to that heritage, but was engineered to offer world-class ride and handling characteristics when on the street, at a drag strip or at a road course.”

SRT-exclusive fully-forged 20-inch Alcoa aluminum wheels with 4-season Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires are standard for 2008. Three-season Goodyear F1 Supercar tires are available.

Powertrain
The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8’s 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque is a result of SRT’s exclusive, proven 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 engine, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick®.

The normally aspirated 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine is the highest naturally aspirated specific-output V-8 engine ever offered by Chrysler. Its 69.8 horsepower-per-liter rating exceeds even that of the legendary 1966 “Street HEMI.”

Challenger SRT8’s transmission is an electronically controlled five-speed automatic, with a lock up torque converter and AutoStick.

Three sets of planetary gears provide the individual transmission ratios, while six friction clutches and two overrunning

 

[quote]All-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8® Boasts More Than Two Dozen Safety and Security Features



Standard supplemental side-curtain air bags
Standard advanced multistage air bags
Standard specially tuned Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control and brake assist

Chicago, Feb 6, 2008 - The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is loaded with safety and security features, including standard supplemental side-curtain air bags and advanced multistage front driver and passenger air bags. It also features a specially tuned Electronic Stability Program (ESP), designed for the Challenger SRT8’s performance handling characteristics, all-speed traction control and brake assist.
Chrysler LLC employs a two-fold safety approach: passive safety features including pretentioning and load-limiting seatbelt retractors and supplemental side air bags, combined with active accident-avoidance safety features including responsive steering, handling and braking.

Following are 28 safety and security features offered in the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8:

Advanced Multistage Air Bags: Inflates with a force appropriate to the severity of an impact. Meets FMVSS 208 advanced air bag requirements for small out-of-position occupants
All-speed Traction Control: Senses drive-wheel slip and applies individual brakes to a slipping wheel(s), and reduces excess engine power until traction is regained
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions – advanced ABS modulates the four brakes individually for optimum control and stopping performance
Auto-reverse Window: Automatically engages and reverses the window to the down position when an obstacle that restricts glass movement is detected
BeltAlert: Periodically activates a chime and illuminates an icon in the instrument cluster to remind the driver to buckle up if a vehicle is driven without the driver being properly belted
Brake Assist: In a panic brake condition, the system applies maximum braking power, providing the shortest possible stopping distance
Child Seat Anchor System: Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) is designed to ease installation of compatible aftermarket child seats
Constant Force Retractors (CFR): Distribute force or load exerted on a seatbelt, and then gradually release the seatbelt webbing in a controlled manner
Crumple Zones: Designed to compress during an accident in order to absorb energy from an impact, decreasing transfer of that energy to occupants
Digressive Load Limiting Retractors: A two-stage load-limiting feature to limit the maximum force on the belt webbing in order to help absorb the energy of the occupant’s upper torso during an impact
Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability under all conditions. Provides the greatest benefit in critical driving situations, such as turns, and is especially valuable when driving on mixed surface conditions including snow, ice or gravel. If there’s a discernible difference between what the driver asks through the steering wheel and the vehicle’s path, ESP applies selective braking and throttle input to put the vehicle back onto the driver’s intended path
Energy-absorbing Steering Column: The manual-adjust steering column utilizes two hydroformed coaxial tubes that move relative to each other in order to allow the column to move forward for enhanced energy-absorption during an impact
Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): Makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants in the event of an accident by turning on interior lights and unlocking doors after air bag deployment. Also shuts off the flow of fuel to the engine
Height-adjustable Seatbelts: Allows the driver and front passenger to raise and lower the shoulder belt. Encourages seatbelt usage

 

[quote]Dodge Challenger: History of the Dodge Pony Car

Chicago, Feb 6, 2008 - Although the Dodge Challenger was the last entrant in the pony car ranks of Detroit’s Big Three, it arrived with something its competitors didn’t have: the greatest range of powertrain choices in the industry, from the small but durable 225-cubic-inch “Slant Six” to the fearsome “Elephant Motor” – the 426 HEMI®.

And although it lasted only five model years, the Dodge Challenger became one of the most storied muscle car nameplates in automotive history, with meticulously restored and rare examples today selling for six-figure prices.

1970
The Dodge Challenger made its debut in the fall of 1969 as a 1970 model. While it shared Chrysler’s “E-body” short-deck, long-hood platform with the third-generation Plymouth Barracuda, Dodge Challenger’s wheelbase was two inches longer, creating more interior space.

The Dodge Challenger was originally offered as either a two-door hardtop or convertible, in base, SE (Special Edition), R/T (Road/Track) and T/A (Trans Am) trim. But it was the range of powertrain choices that was truly remarkable:

225-cubic-inch I-6; 145 horsepower
318-cubic-inch V-8; 230 horsepower
340-cubic-inch V-8; 275 horsepower (290 horsepower in the T/A)
383-cubic-inch V-8; 290 horsepower
383-cubic-inch V-8; 330 horsepower
383-cubic-inch V-8; 335 horsepower
426-cubic-inch HEMI V-8; 425 horsepower
440-cubic-inch V-8; 375 horsepower
440-cubic-inch V-8; 390 horsepower
Driveline choices for various engines included Chrysler’s TorqueFlite automatic transmission and a three- or four-speed manual which could be equipped with a Hurst “pistol-grip” shifter. Big-block Challengers could be ordered with a heavy-duty Dana 60 differential equipped with limited-slip differential.

Even the paint schemes said “performance,” with colors including Plum Crazy and HEMI® Orange, accented with “bumblebee” stripes. Customers could further customize their cars with twin-scooped hoods, “shaker” hoods and rear deck wings.

Befitting the brand’s performance heritage, the Dodge Challenger went racing in its first year. For the street, it was offered in the limited-edition T/A model to meet homologation requirements for Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans Am racing. The T/A was one of the first production vehicles to offer different size tires, front and back; E60 x 15 in the front, G60 x 15 in the rear.

In 1970, Sam Posey drove the lone Trans Am racing Challenger, prepared and run by Ray Caldwell’s Autodynamics Race Shop. While he didn’t win a race in the No. 77 car, Posey finished fourth overall in points.

Drag racers including Dick Landy and Ted Spehar also campaigned Challengers in the National Hot Rod Association’s new Pro Stock class. In 1970 and ’71, the HEMI-powered Challengers (and Plymouth ‘Cudas) virtually ruled the class.

On the big screen, a 1970 Challenger R/T starred in the film Vanishing Point, a high-speed pursuit movie that has become a cult favorite with muscle car fans. The movie was remade for television in 1997. Other 1970 Dodge Challengers have been seen in films including Used Cars, Natural Born Killers and Phantasm I and II; and in television shows including The Mod Squad.

For the 1970 model year, just over 83,000 Dodge Challengers were sold.

1971
In 1971, designers made subtle styling changes to the Dodge Challenger, providing new treatments to the tail lamps and grille. The single tail lamp design from 1970 became two distinct lights for ’71, and a new-for-’71 twin-inlet Challenger grille was painted silver on standard models and black on R/Ts. Challenger R/T models also got a set of fiberglass quarter-panel louvers. An additional coupe model with fixed quarter windows was added to the lineup.

As in 1970, a wide range of trim levels, exterior colors and striping options made the Dodge Challenger easy for customers to create a s

 

I thought that was nice that they put in "Dandy" Dick Landy in it the article.

 

the press kit they handed out has a slick book, a 1:43 diecast model, and a DVD wrapped up in a black plastic case...after I check out the DVD, I give an update...

 

Did it include the poster? I'm having the mrs. frame one of mine. Nice.