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Spied: 2008 Dodge Challenger - Car News
Spies catch Dodge’s upcoming Challenger on some final cold-weather shakedown runs.

BY JARED GALL, January 2008

With the Detroit auto show looming and all the excitement over the dozens of production and concept debuts taking place, our spies remind us of one notable absentee.

The much-anticipated Dodge Challenger will not appear in Detroit, instead waiting until February’s Chicago auto show to bow to the crowds in 425-hp 6.1-liter SRT8 guise.



For the 2008 model year, the SRT8 will be the only Challenger available, with the lower-powered and less-exciting models following after the way has been paved and interest piqued.

Dodge has already released a few rather tantalizing teaser photos of the SRT8, but nobody has snared any photos yet of a complete car sans camouflage. Until that happens, these will have to suffice.

As previous spy shots have shown, there will be little derivation from the original Challenger concept’s styling. The slab sides and clean shape remain, as do the quad headlamps and narrow back glass.

Also visible beneath the heavy winter blanket worn by this mule is the sculpted hood which will, on SRT8 models, offer the carbon-fiber racing stripes of the concept.

The car goes on sale this spring at $40,095. Pricing for base and R/T V-8 models will be disclosed in March at the New York auto show.

 

good post...

 

I assume the $40K for the SRT model includes the "gas guzzler" tax. Would that apply to the R/T model with its smaller Hemi? If so, it's definitely a V-6 for me.

 

I can't wait till March!!

 

MGDMike, yeah a lot of accidents by Mopar Fans rubbernecking at Chally's passing them in the other direction. It's going to be nice.

 

Actually, Bud, the R/T with the 5.7L HEMI and (currently) MDS doesn't get hit with the gas guzzler tax. I believe EPA estimates for that motor (with the 5-speed autostick) are 18 mpg combined. Ours averages 25+ mpg on the highway, and 16 mpg around town. No GG tax on that.
Since the MSRP on the 2008 Challenger SRT8 is $37,995 ($40,095 with the tax imposed and destination charges added in), and the 2008 Charger SRT8 base price is $37,030 (add the GG tax and destination charges and you're at $39,805) the difference of $290.00 is what I'll base my guesses on.

My Prognostications on Base Prices (including destination charges);
2009 Challenger SXT with 250HP V6 / 4 speed automatic transmission - $26,795.00
2009 Challenger R/T with 5.7L HEMI with MDS/VCT / 5 speed autostick - $31,695.00
2009 Challenger R/T with 5.7L HEMI with VCT / 6 speed TREMEC - $31,545.00
2009 Challenger SRT8 with 6.1L HEMI / 5 speed autostick - $38,145.00 (plus $2,100.00 GG tax)
2009 Challenger SRT8 with 6.1L HEMI / 6 speed TREMEC - $37,995.00 (plus $2,100.00 GG tax)

Those are my guesses. Anyone else care to take a stab at it?
[:-]

 

If you'll note they now have an "SE Plus" version of the charger so that you can get the 3.5L V6 without the extra stuff (6 speaker radio, power seats, etc.) . Something gives me the feeling dodge will price the V6 challenger under the SXT charger to get it closer to the base Mustang.

All those other estimates look pretty close but I'm guessing there will be a bigger price difference between the Manual and the Automatic.

 

You could very well be right. I was basing my trim levels/guesses on having one entry level model with a "spirited" 6 cylinder offering under the hood. My guesses don't mean anything more than what I'm guessing for prices (for all it's worth).
The reason I stacked the prices on the TREMEC's was the difference between the engines - auto vs 6 speed. Neither of the 6 speeds (R/T and SRT8) offer MDS, so I only priced them $150.00 apart. I could be WAY off.......but they're just estimates.
I'll be surprised and happy if I'm within 1% on most of them.

 

I sure hope you right within reason on those projected prices, I found a dealer who has one allocated in the color I want (HEMI orange) and not spoken for but is still charging 5K over sticker, I want to put a deposit on it but I really want a manual box.

So I guess I am at a crossroads now trying to decide....

What do you guys think?

 

I have a question, when you pay over MSRP and finance it, will the bank only cover the MSRP cost? Since the car will depreciate, I would assume they would only finance for the cost of the vehicle and not the added cost of the mark up, but might be wrong.