It's a Go: Dodge Challenger Will Debut in 2008

Date posted: 07-01-2006

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The Dodge Challenger Concept, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, will go into production in calendar 2008 as an '08 model.

The announcement was made before the Pepsi 400 NASCAR race here at Daytona International Speedway by Chrysler Group President Tom LaSorda and Chief Operating Officer Eric Ridenour.

The concept vehicle was inspired by the 1970 Dodge Challenger, a companion to the Plymouth Barracuda and one of the last of Detroit's original muscle cars. In its heyday, Challenger went toe to toe with the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang — a battle that is sure to be re-enacted with the latter-day Mustang and the just-as-eagerly awaited reincarnation of the Chevy Camaro.

While Chrysler declined to reveal many more details, it is expected that the production '08 Challenger will be built on a shortened version of the rear-wheel-drive LX platform that underpins the Dodge Charger and the Chrysler 300. A Hemi V8 will be stuffed under the hood, and there is almost certain to be a performance-oriented SRT8 edition with a large-displacement, high-output Hemi.

What this means to you: Decisions, decisions: Challenger or Camaro?