It's recommended that potential buyers have "a current Competition License or sanctioning body affiliation prior to ordering their vehicle." So, n00bs need not apply. That's because Mopar wants to put their best foot forward with the Drag Challenger. They've even specified that the "buyer is encouraged to have the Challenger Drag Pak vehicle in competition within a reasonable amount of time." We're assuming that's also to weed out any speculating collector-types, as the profit margin on the vehicles will likely be slim to none. Besides, nobody should ever take a brand new race car and seal it in a bubble in a locked garage. [Mopar via Allpar]

Orange County, California. (August 7, 2008) Automotive icon Steve Saleen and his new company SMS are proud to introduce the first product in the SMS line of ultra-high performance technical parts, the SMS 296 Supercharger™, designed, engineered, manufactured and assembled in-house at our 150,000 square foot facility. Mopar owners of 2005 to 2009 HEMI 5.7 and HEMI 6.1 vehicles are now able to boost under hood horsepower by up to 45% with innovative new dual-screw supercharger (patent pending).

With over 30 years of racing experience Steve Saleen and the SMS design and engineering team have created the ultimate supercharger for Mopar enthusiasts. Now the aftermarket community can take advantage of the SMS 296 Supercharger™, which will be standard equipment on the highly anticipated 2009 SMS 570 Challenger™ and SMS 570X Challenger™, with power ratings from 500 to over 700 horsepower respectively!

The SMS 296 Supercharger™ is packed with innovative features created by SMS engineers to provide optimum boost in an exceptionally compact package.

At the top of the list is the Delta-Frame™ internal intercooler (patent pending), with dual thin-core intercoolers and single-pass coolant flow. The intercooler design provides for a considerable increase in surface area, which has the effect of minimizing pressure drop and optimizing thermal characteristics. The intelligent configuration also acts as a mechanical diverter for effective air transfer into the ports, while the angled manifold enables packaging of runners that are much longer than in conventional layouts.

The long intake runner optimizes airflow efficiency and provides the SMS 296 Supercharger™ with an extremely low profile. This arrangement means that it nestles comfortably within the V, and under the stock hood of all applications, as well as accommodating a bypass system for 3-way cruising off-boost.

At the heart of the supercharger are the asymmetric multi-lobe compressor screws, which are machined in-house by SMS on state-of-the-art CNC equipment. The screw concept is among the most efficient of all supercharger configurations. However, it is also one of the most challenging to manufacture.

In order to minimize parasitic losses, it is crucial to maintain incredibly tight tolerances between the profiles of the asymmetrical lobes. Running dry at speeds of up to 16,000 rpm, there is no room for error. In finishing the screw profiles, the SMS flexible CNC machining facility is working to exacting tolerances. The flexibility of the equipment also means that changes in the screw profiles can be accommodated for different applications.

The innovations on the SMS 296 Supercharger™ carry through to its exterior, with SMS Tailor Made™ custom finishes and powder coat color options to match most Mopar colors. Now enthusiasts can match the impact under the hood with the one at the rear wheels.

The complete SMS 296 Supercharger™ aftermarket assembly looks great and installs easily under the stock hood of all applications including; the Dodge Challenger SRT-8, Dodge Challenger R/T, Dodge Charger SRT-8, Dodge Charger R/T, Dodge Magnum SRT-8, Dodge Magnum RT, Chrysler 300C SRT-8, Chrysler 300C, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8, and Select 5.7L Hemi Dodge Trucks.

Please visit www.smssupercars.com for more information. For a broad understanding of the workings of superchargers please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercharger

SMS Sales 714-400-2121 x216

SMS 296 Supercharger™ key features: Patent Pending

* SMS-2955 cc / 180 cu. in. Displacement
* SMS-Integrated Front Drive/Induction Combo
* SMS-Dual Screw Configuration
* SMS-Asymmetric Multi-Lobe Compressor Screws
* SMS-Delta-Frame™ Internal Intercooler Configuration, Patent Pending
* SMS-Remote Drive 8-Rib Pulley and Dampener
* SMS-Internal High-Volume By-Pass Valve
* SMS-Low-Profile High-Volume 10 Inch Long Runners
* SMS-Dual Thin-Core Intercoolers with low pressure drop
* SMS-Single-Pass Intercooler Coolant Path
* SMS-Symmetric CNC Intercooler Caps with integrated coolant passages
* SMS-High-Volume Intercooler Water Pump with recovery tank
* SMS-High-Volume Heat Exchanger with all hardware
* SMS-80 mm Venturi with high-flow air filter
* SMS-88 mm Cold Air Inlet Tube
* SMS-SuperTune OBD Compliant Calibration and Program Tool
* SMS-Extruded Aluminum Fuel Rails with upgraded fuel injectors where applicable
* SMS-Ultra-Light Weight Aluminum Construction
* SMS-Stainless Steel Fasteners
* SMS-Instruction Manual
* Utilizes factory throttle body and hood

The Drag Package Challengers are also stripped down and fitted with lightweight components like a composite lift-off style hood, which also comes in handy if you want to disturb the peace in your neighborhood. Of course, the cars won't be street legal, so if you want to cruise Woodward, you'll be asking for trouble.

Center Line, Mich., Jul 13, 2008 - Mopar® is bringing the iconic Dodge Challenger muscle car to National Hot Road Association (NHRA) drag-racing competition. Mopar revealed two Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package Cars at the 29th Annual Mopar Mile-High Nationals today before thrilled fans at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colo. Mopar Mile-High Nationals is the longest-running NHRA sponsorship.

"Big Daddy" Don Garlits and Judy "Miss Mighty Mopar" Lilly were behind the wheels for their inaugural track run. Garlits drove the car featuring the Stone White paint scheme. Lilly was behind the wheel of the "Mopar Liquid Metal" prototype. NHRA named Garlits the #1 driver of the Top 50 drivers from its first 50 years. His victories and accomplishments are virtually unmatched in drag-racing history. "Miss Mighty Mopar" is one of the female pioneers in drag racing. Spending 12 years on the NHRA circuit, Lilly is the only female driver to win two NHRA national events in one year.

Mopar built the first two Challenger Drag Race Package Cars for development and testing for its new Challenger Package Car program. Based on the Challenger SRT8®, the prototypes were finished in Stock Eliminator configuration. They ran successfully in June 2008 as proof-of-concept and for NHRA certification. Mopar dropped approximately 1,000 lbs. off the production Challenger SRT8 by eliminating major production components and systems. To accentuate the weight savings, they also feature added composite, polycarbonate and lightweight components designed for drag racing that will be part of the new Package Car program.

The engine was repositioned to improve driveline angle and weight distribution. The 116-inch wheelbase was shortened by ½ inch. They also feature a front cradle with bolt-in crossmember and solid engine mounts.

"Today is a great day for Mopar, Dodge, SRT, drag racers and motorsports enthusiasts everywhere. Not made for the streets, our drag-race-only Challengers will be running soon in NHRA competition—the best grassroots racing series in the world," said Sunil Lahoti, Mopar Marketing and Brand Manager, Chrysler LLC. "And who better to drive our new Challenger Package Cars on their inaugural track run than 'Big Daddy' and 'Miss Mighty Mopar'—the greatest drag racer of all time and a female pioneer of the sport."

New Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package Car Program by Mopar
The first drag-race, factory-prepped package cars built in 40 years, the new Challenger Drag Race Package Car by Mopar builds on the heritage of the limited-edition 1968 HEMI®-powered Package Cars. Those '68 Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas solidified the Mopar brand as a quarter-mile force.

Mopar will build a minimum of 100 Challenger Drag Race Package Cars to meet NHRA requirements. Based on the production Dodge Challenger SRT8, Mopar's modern factory-prepped Challenger Drag Race Package Car will begin as a special Body-in-White (BIW) from Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario, Canada, assembly plant. The body sealer, sound deadener and undercoat will be eliminated. To reduce vehicle weight, major production component and systems will also be eliminated including: windshield wiper assembly, complete HVAC system, all airbag components, rear seats, power steering system, exhaust system and underbody heat shields, cross-car and side impact door beams, rear bumper beam and rear deck lid spoiler.

The drag racer has three engine options—6.1-liter or 5.7-liter HEMI or 5.9-liter Magnum® Wedge—as well as manual or automatic transmission.

A build book/owner's manual will be provided to document the modifications made to the Challenger SRT8 as well as provide recommendations to finish the Package Car for Stock Eliminator competition. To accentuate weight savings, there are unique drag-race components in the Package Car program including: composite lift-off hood with functional scoop, Viper-style front seats, polycarbonate door windows, lightweight cooling module with electric fan, manual rack and pinion steering, special cable-operated deck lid release, special lightweight front brake assembly and special cable-operated throttle linkage and pedal assembly.

The Challenger Drag Race Package Car will be eligible to run in three Eliminator categories—Comp, Super Stock and Stock—and potentially 40 classes.

Depending upon the configuration selected, the U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Challenger Drag Race Package Car program will range from the low to mid $30s. Each car will carry an identification plate with sequential serial number.

The Challenger Drag Race Package Car will be available for order in late August to early September. A toll-free number will be designated for ordering. Details will be posted on www.mopar.com.

Now in its fifth decade, NHRA is the world's largest motorsports sanctioning body with 80,000 members, 140 member tracks, more than 35,000 licensed competitors and more than 5,000 member-track events. NHRA is second only to NASCAR in terms of fan attendance.

70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Originally used in the 1920s, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It was also widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s—the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "Special Parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.

Today, Chrysler LLC's Global Service & Parts division is responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of nearly 250,000 authentic Mopar replacement parts, components, restoration parts, accessories and performance parts for Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles sold around the world. To assure quality, reliability and durability, all Mopar parts and accessories are designed in strict adherence to Chrysler engineering standards.

Yes, just as we thought we might do in part two of our review of the new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, we had to stifle a tear when we left it this morning as this car's left an indelible mark in our mind. The only cars we think that could come close to the feelings evoked by this Motown muscle car would be the next-gen 2010 Ford Mustang and the 2010 Chevy Camaro — both ready to arrive in the next year. We can't wait.

For the moment, take another gander at our three-part review below:
• 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Part One
• 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Part Two
• 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Part Three

Okay, so the Challenger will still fall behind thanks to its rather portly 4,140 lb curb weight, but that'll be one hell of a ride. Oh, and don't get yourselves in a tizzy over that Plum Crazy Purple Challenger; we did that one ourselves, Chrysler style. [MotorAuthority]

We'd have to label all this Challenger material we've been posting, Posting! POSTING!!! of late some kind of steady build to this cargasmic moment. Obviously, with previous coverage, you've been forced to ponder, perhaps question some of the performance data, skeptically consider the Challenger's true aerial capabilities, and of course study many, many still pictures.

But now you can just kick back and watch as we inaugurate the Challenger Channel.

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Overview

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 that produces 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque
♣ Each 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features limited-edition, numbered dash plaque
The return of the iconic Dodge Challenger brings what pony car fanatics crave: ground shaking performance, unmistakable design cues reminiscent of the original Challenger, world-class ride and handling characteristics and benchmark braking. On top of that it features a wide variety of modern amenities and technology designed to delight a new generation of driving enthusiasts.
"The all-new Dodge Challenger SRT8 is engineered to give customers everything they want in a modern muscle machine," said Mike Accavitti, Director - Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. "The new version of Dodge's American classic boasts tire-smoking performance and head-turning design while offering a wide array of state-of-the-art technology, such as GPS navigation, 'Keyless Go' entry, a MyGIG™ infotainment system and UConnect hands-free communication."
Developed by Chrysler's in-house performance engineering organization, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 was engineered with a focus on the five pillars of every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.
Dodge will offer the limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 in three colors: HEMI® Orange, Bright Silver Metallic and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat. Each two-door, rear-wheel-drive coupe will be produced with a numbered dash plaque, carbon fiberlike hood stripes and will be powered by SRT's 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine that boasts 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque.

With a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $37,995 (including $675 destination), the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 arrives in Dodge showrooms this spring.
The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vehicles will be manufactured at Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario, Canada assembly plant.
Performance targets for the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 include a 0-60 mph time in the low 5-second range, 0-100-0 mph in less than 17 seconds, a ¼-mile elapsed time of less than 14 seconds, 60-0 mph braking distance of approximately 100 feet, and a skid pad performance of 0.88 g.

Is this a couple of engineers with Challengers paying a visit to mock Roush and their Mustang entrant into the Muscle Car Wars? Is Roush going to be tuning the next generation of Challengers? Did the drivers stop to take a leak? We don't know, but we're happy to speculate. Nope, unfortunately not. You see, this is Roush Industries, not Roush Performance. That's like an entirely different company and stuff. (UPDATE: The company pictures is not Roush Performance, but Roush Industries. Both are part of the same company, but the former tunes Stangs while the latter is a parts supplier)[Oot via CarScoop]

1. CROSSHAIRS GRILLE &ndash The most obvious immediate change is the concept's crosshairs grille, which gets dropped in favor of a blacked-out mesh job similar to that found on the original Challengers.

2. B-PILLAR &ndash The B-pillar seems to exist on the production model, though small and black.

3. FRONT FENDER &ndash Though more pronounced on the silver SRT8 seen testing, there's a small lip spoiler on the edge of the front fender that doesn't appear to be on the concept version.

4. WHEELS & TIRES &ndash Unfortunately, the production model might have treads on the tires as opposed to the nearly treadless slicks on the concept version.

5. REAR LIGHTBAR/GAS TANK &ndash The other major change is the rear lightbar, which was far more stylized and pronounced on the concept version. Oh, and the real version needs a place to put the gas in the car.

6. MIRRORS &ndash The mirrors on the concept version were much closer to the A-pillar, which gave it a sleeker design but probably made it less functional. The production version has mirrors that poke out much further.

7. ORANGE PAINT &ndash There will be at least two paint jobs for the new Challenger, including the orange and black from the concept.

8. TURN SIGNALS &ndash To please the "safety Nazis," the production version is going to include turn signals fore of the front wheels.

Overall, the new Challenger SRT8 is as faithful to the original concept as you should ever expect from an automaker. Props to the design team on the transition. Do you see anything we missed?

Let's add this up. Base sticker is $37,995, gas guzzler tax will probably run another $2,000, and now top it all with a premium of $20,000 - grand total $59,995. If you throw in destination, title, and all that baloney, it's comfortably over sixty thousand dollars. We don't know if anybody is paying attention here, but that puts the new Challenger in the same price range as a very nice original Challenger. Madness, madness! Oh, and did we mention it now looks like Chrysler will be building a few more of the up-charged Mopars to keep up with demand? Silly over-paying muscle car fans. Do we blame them for wanting to play a role in the new muscle car wars? [via CNNMoney]

2006 Dodge Challenger Concept

What has muscle cars fans squealing like teenage girls at a Hannah Montana concert?

Try the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8®. Just in the first DAY of orders, more than 4,300 people plunked down a deposit for the American muscle coupe. And more than 6,000 have made deposits with dealers since orders opened on Monday, months before the limited-edition Challenger SRT8 goes into production.

"This is unprecedented," said Mark Mallie, Challenger Brand Manager - Dodge Marketing. "Customers were actually coming to us and pushing us, so we thought this was a good time to take pre-sale orders."

Orders are still coming in - long before enthusiasts have even seen the car. They'll have to wait until the production Dodge Challenger SRT8 makes its debut at the Chicago Auto Show next February. But there's no surprise about the benchmark performance of the Challenger SRT8. Each is powered by a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, and features a numbered dash plaque, plus dual "carbon-fiber" hood stripes that harken back to the original Dodge Challenger.

The car is available in black, silver or HEMI orange.

"More than half of the orders are HEMI Orange," Mallie said. "It's been almost 35 years since the last Challenger, and there's a lot of interest. There's a lot of people anxious for it. It's certainly an iconic muscle car."

The manufacturer's suggested retail price is $37,995, including a $675 destination fee. Remember - this is a SRT, delivering top-of-the-line performance, world-class ride and handling, benchmark braking and a race-inspired interior. Pricing on the rest of the Challenger lineup will be announced at a later date.

Since pricing was announced on Nov. 29, Web site traffic to www.Dodge.com has spiked up 23 percent, Mallie said.

The muscle car wars start next spring, when deliveries begin for the Challenger SRT8.

But later this week, muscle car fans will have more to squeal about, when we release some eye candy. Check back here later.

Dodge Announces Pricing for All-new 2008 Challenger SRT8®

Dodge Challenger SRT8 available for $37,995

• The American muscle coupe is back, packed with modern technology and innovation
• Demand for contemporary version of iconic pony car drives Dodge to accept orders for the 2008 Challenger SRT8® beginning Dec. 3, 2007
• Introduction begins with limited-edition Dodge Challenger SRT8 models - each with numbered dash plaque
• Complete, broader Challenger lineup details and pricing still to come
• 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 models feature 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 and are available in Black, Silver or HEMI Orange

Auburn Hills, Mich. - Dodge announced pricing today for the modern interpretation of the American muscle coupe. The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8® will arrive in showrooms next spring at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $37,995 (which includes $675 destination).

Due to unprecedented demand, Dodge dealers will begin taking orders on Dec. 3 for the limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 models. Each will feature a numbered dash plaque and a 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 engine. 2008 Challenger SRT8 models will be available in Black, Silver and HEMI Orange. All will feature dual "carbon-fiber" hood stripes, harkening back to the original Dodge Challenger.

"The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers pure American pony-car muscle," said James Press, Vice Chairman & President - Chrysler LLC. "With styling that stays true to Challenger's original heritage, an abundance of modern amenities and cutting-edge technology, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will deliver the SRT credo of benchmark performance at a tremendous value.

"The Challenger SRT8 is only the beginning of the story, as we'll soon follow with a complete lineup of Challenger models that will offer a wide array of features and deliver outstanding value for our customers," Press added.

Customers may begin placing orders at their Dodge dealer on Monday, Dec. 3. They can expect to take delivery of their vehicle next spring.

The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will be built at the Chrysler Canada Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario, on the same assembly line with the Dodge Charger, Charger SRT8, Magnum, Magnum SRT8, Chrysler 300 and Chrysler 300 SRT8 vehicles.

Pricing for the complete all-new Dodge Challenger lineup will be announced at a later date.

SRT performance vehicles - including the Dodge Viper SRT10, Dodge Caliber SRT4, Dodge Magnum SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, Chrysler 300C SRT8, Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8, and now, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 - are engineered by Chrysler's in-house performance organization: Street and Racing Technology.

The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 showcases the renowned, five key aspects of every SRT vehicle: exterior styling that resonates with the brand image; race-inspired interiors; world-class ride and handling characteristics across a broad range; benchmark braking; and standout powertrain. The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will unquestionably deliver in all five areas.

Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share.

Recently, Dodge introduced the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel 'n Go™ seating system. Dodge is entering key European volume segments with Nitro, Caliber and Avenger. The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey will debut in 2008 calendar year, and will be available outside North America in both left- and right-hand drive in mid-2008. Also in 2008, Dodge will introduce its modern muscle car the all-new Dodge Challenger.
###

"-Comes out in March as 08 model -5500 to be built, all SRT8's with AUTOMATICS for 38K -July 08 production begins for the 09 model year where they will offer 3.5L V6, and both 5.7L and 6.1L HEMIS will be available with 6-spd T-56's..."

"the dead Challenger do not come to Europe. In the business plan the manufacturer has taken into account purely a limited sale on the American market.

It is for the European liefhebbers of the model hope that new owner Cerberus returns on the decision of previous Chrysler-top and the modern interpretation of dead muscle adapts car for supply on the European market."

"Chrysler Group has confirmed that it will build a high-performance version of the Dodge Challenger. It is expected to launch sometime after the 2009-model base car rolls out. The SRT-8 Challenger will be based on the next-generation LX platform, the LY."

But are we sure we believe Ward's — I mean, they do know the first year of the car's going to be a 2008 model year, right? Or do they mean an SRT won't come out until the 2009 model year — the second year of the newly re-born muscle car from the Ram's Horn-y brand? Also by "LY" platform — do they mean "LC" platform? Are they the same? We're so confused. [SEMA eNews]