First impressions: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8So what's it like to live with the Challenger? Well, first, there's the rock star factor. Because the Challenger is so new and so highly anticipated, everyone wants to see it. When I drive the Challenger, cars speed up to chase me then hang on my quarter panel. Thumbs go up and cell phone cameras come out. And whenever it's parked, it draws a crowd. One guy even ran back home to bring out his 1968 Dodge Dart GT, which happens to be one of my favorite old muscle cars. Way, way cool.

But there's more to the attraction than just the fact that it's new. The Challenger has got to be one of the most fantastic looking cars on the road. Chrysler's stylists totally nailed this one. And the drive? Oh, man -- the Challenger, like other SRT8 models, is deceptively quiet and sedate, but boot the gas and it takes off with the meanest roar this side of an LS3 Corvette. I haven't taken it out to the Top Secret Curvy Test Road yet, but just running down the highway, the Challenger feels... right. And it ups your cool quotient by at least ten percent.

I've only put about a hundred miles on the Challenger so far, and I have lots more driving to do. Look for a test drive report coming up in a couple of weeks -- and between now and then, you can expect reviews of a couple more new-for-2008 coolmobiles.

Now if you'll excuse me, I think I hear the Challenger calling. Time to go for a drive