Okay, maybe they're not exactly designed to hold your beer, but they were designed to hold nuts and bolts while you're working under the hood of your Challenger. Were they anticipating break downs? (image via chargerforums)

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Noticeable cuts include the new front spoiler, nasally shaker hood, a fresh rear fascia with pass-through dual exhaust and a set of LED tail lamps. We're shocked they didn't go all the way and weld up a custom widebody. Keep your browsers glued here for our continuing coverage of SEMA 2008. [Carscoop]

Under the skin, the '70 gets custom upper A-arms riding on relocated pickup points, aluminum tie rods, struts with Heim joints, two-inch-drop springs, front and rear way bars, Flowmaster exhaust and Stoptech brakes hiding behind Forgeline wheels riding on a set of Yokohamas. All of it can go back to stock, and we suspect it probably handles a helluva lot better than the wet noodle it started as, but some things should just go undone. Must parts makers always bring the gaudy heat to SEMA? Oh wait, it's SEMA. Press release follows.

NEW MOPAR TRACK BURNERS & SUSPENSION SYSTEMS TO DEBUT AT 2008 HOTCHKIS SEMA BOOTH

Complete High-Performance Handling Systems Now Available for Classic and Modern Dodge Challengers and Other Mopar Muscle Cars

Santa Fe Springs, CA – Hotchkis Performance is set to unveil several new bolt-on Chrysler suspension systems at the upcoming 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Handling expert John Hotchkis and his team of engineers will showcase a full array of Chrysler performance mods on a duo of Mopar muscle cars – a 1970 Challenger T/A and Mr. Norm's Super Cuda: a 2009 Challenger SRT that has been transformed into a hard-charging Barracuda. Both cars will showcase the latest advancements in handling technology.

The 1970 Challenger, codenamed E-MAX, started out as a totally stock '70 Challenger converted by a previous owner to 340 Six-Pack trim. Hotchkis components include new fabricated steel upper a-arms with bolt-in relocation suspension pickup point brackets, fabricated strut rods with Heim joints to eliminate excess front suspension play, bump steer corrected aluminum steering rods with adjustable Heim joint ends, a new balanced front and rear sway bar package, performance springs that lower the car two-inches and fabricated steel subframe connectors for improved rigidity.

These front suspension products create a proper negative camber curve, sufficient positive camber for high speed stability and full bump and droop travel without bumpsteer. Essentially Hotchkis has revised the antiquated front suspension with modern geometry. E-MAX will also feature Stoptech Brakes, Forgeline Wheels, Yokohama Tires, Flowmaster Exhaust, Red Line Oil and engine fluids and power by Optima Batteries. The car will retain its 340 Six Pack powerplant and Hurst Pistol Grip equipped four-speed transmission.

For nearly two decades, Hotchkis Performance has been making muscle and sports cars faster on the track and more fun to drive on the street. The Hotchkis philosophy of engineering bolt-on, no-cutting required performance parts that have been thoroughly track tested and race proven means enthusiasts can modify their car for a dramatically improved, grin-inducing driving experience without permanently altering their car. Simply stash your old parts in the garage, bolt-on a Hotchkis Sport Suspension system and hit the gas. If you ever want to bring your ride back to factory stock, simply pull the old parts out of storage and you're good to go.

"Mr. Norm" Kraus, who rose to fame as the proprietor of Grand Spaulding Dodge and a drag racing icon, will also be talking to fans and signing autographs in the Hotchkis booth from 2:00 – 3:00pm Wednesday, November 5th at the SEMA Show.

[Hotchkis]

Here it is fan-boys, this is a photo we've waited patiently to see for what seems like an eternity. This photo of the threesome of new muscle cars from Detroit is the first time the 2010 Chevy Camaro RS, a 2009 Ford Mustang CS and a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 have all been captured in the same photo. Yes, we traveled a great distance, risked a great deal and received quite a mouthful from one snarling PR person in order to bring you this first shot of the trio. Although well worth it, at least one staffer on site wasn't as happy to have a picture of Chevy's new muscle car taken as we'd hoped he would be. Whatever. Credit Ford and Dodge for being pleased as punch to welcome back the Camaro to the muscle car war block in the best way they know how — by letting us rev the engines of their latest entries hard outside San Diego's Hard Rock Hotel. They would have preferred to do a burnout, but there were too many law enforcement officers around. Check back later on tonight for the full story, complete with video as we show just how hot these muscle car wars are getting! Many thanks to the Craig from Streetfire, Garage419 and Ned Hepburn!

For this example, we'll be using the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, but the essential procedure can be applied to any number of slushbox-equipped RWD vehicles. Once you've mastered the technique, feel free to make your own video to show us all what you've learned. If you'd like some examples, check out our Corvette ZR1 burnout video, or this slow-motion Ford Mustang burnout video.

Photo Credit: Alex C. Conley

• 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Part One
• 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Part Two
• 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Part Three

The supercharger package is currently undergoing final tuning at the Vortech facilities and is targeted for sale in August. This one made an appearance at the All-Mopar Nationals last weekend where tipster Adam Geake, owner of HXC Performance, snapped a couple of shots for us. Expect more news from Adam soon, as HXC is working on a 'Cuda version of the Challenger for all those Plymouth fans out there.

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

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: Yes
Fashion Victims: Yes
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: Yes
Tuner Crowd: No
Hairdressers: No
Penny Pinchers: No
Euro Snobs: No
Working Stiffs: Yes
Technogeeks: No
Poseurs: Yes
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: Yes
Golfing Grandparents: No

Also Consider:
• 2008 Ford Mustang GT500
• 2008 Dodge Charger SRT8
• Waiting for the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS
• Waiting for the 2010 Ford Mustang GT500
• Sitting at home and drinking oil straight from a barrel.

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: Dodge
• Make: Challenger SRT8
• Model year: 2008
• Base Price: $37,320
• Price as Tested: $41,310
• Engine type: 6.1-liter SRT HEMI V8
• Horsepower: 425 @ 6,200 RPM
• Torque: 420 @ 4,800 RPM
• Transmission: 5-speed Automatic
• Curb Weight: 4,103 lbs
• LxWxH: 197.7" x 75.7" x 57"
• Wheelbase: 116"
• Tires: 245/45ZR20 - Front; 255/45ZR20 - Rear Performance Tires
• 0 - 60 mph: 5.13 seconds (as tested with onboard 0-to-60 meter)
• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 13/18 MPG
• NHTSA crash test rating: *****

Also see:
• 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Part One
• 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Part Two

Photo Credit: Dane VanSlembrouck

Note to Hoonage-Seeking Readers: We're not done yet. More to come on Monday...

Acceleration: ***
God, I love the built-for-America 6.1-liter Hemi engine. 425 HP and an almost equal amount of torque help make the performance tires on this beast squeal at the green light like it's a drag strip Christmas tree. Still, we're talking about 425 horses under the hood. It should jump harder, faster, stronger. It may have something to do with the 4100+ pounds it's trying to carry along for the ride.

Braking: ****
The big Brembos help this pony "whoa!" with the quickest of ease and you can't ask for much more than that.

Ride: ****
The nice thing about the Challenger is it's on the steady and capable LX platform. Unlike the bone-rattling ride of a Shelby GT500, the Challenger sweeps over the road, requiring a large pothole to even jostle it and taking the very largest to get anywhere near uncomfortable.

Handling: ****
I love to mash the gas around a corner, and there's nothing like feeling that back end sweep outward as I steer with my right foot; the multilink suspension in the back makes that kind of hoonage effortless.

Gearbox: **
Crap. OK, here's the rub with the 2008 Challenger SRT8 — it's automatic only. While it's great for the straight-line racing crowd looking for solid, dependable and always-the-same 0-to-60 times, it's not really great for us. And the +/- gate on the shifter is an annoyance at best. We'll apparently have to wait until the 2009 model year before we'll have a chance to see this car with the gearbox it was always meant to have.

Audio: ***
Our test unit was equipped with MyGig, but the damnable contraption wouldn't recognize our third-gen video iPod. So my "Muscle Car Meltdown" mix had to be played using the aux input rather than the preferred USB jack. Still, the big subwoofer kept pace with the low grumble of the exhaust well enough to make me happy.

Toys: ****
Good god, there's some fun toys in here. Even if you ignore the issues with MyGig, the 1/4 mile, 1/8 mile, G-force and braking meters make up for it in spades. Also, it has heated seats.

Value: ***
The fuel economy is blood-draining-from-the-face bad — 13 MPG city, 18 MPG highway. But with an as-tested sticker price of $41,000 — and reports of $70K+ including the dealer price gouging — if you're buying this car, you shouldn't care less.

Overall: ****
Breathtakingly stunning looks, high horsepower and rear-wheel drive overcome gearbox issues, weight, a mediocre interior, and piss-poor gas mileage any day of the week. Yeah, yeah, I know. On any other vehicle, I'd award three stars, but seriously, it's a 2008 Dodge FREAKIN' Challenger SRT8. Those classic, proportionally sound muscle car looks just feel so good. It's a shame Chrysler didn't build this car much sooner.

Also see:
• 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Part One

Here's what Hennessey found on their dyno: On the first pull, the Challenger put down 527 HP (rear wheel) and 575 lb-ft of torque. The second time they were able to squeeze out 536 HP (rear wheel) and 582 lb-ft of torque.

The SRT600 is going to get its debut at their track this weekend during the Midnight 1320 drags so we'll have a better idea of how well that power gets to the ground. Either way, we can say that this Challenger is going to be quite the sleeper driving around town.

(also see our tour of Hennessey HQ, Future Hennessey Plans and Weird Hennessey Vehicles)

I picked up the Challenger from Chrysler's fleet company in Madison Heights yesterday afternoon. Despite an itch to hit the road immediately, we first needed the obligatory glamour shots taken by Metro Detroit's star photographer Fabrizio Costantini and a quick bite to eat. So it wasn't until late yesterday night when I finally had the chance to take the new Mustang-killer out onto Woodward.

A few hours more doesn't bother someone that's waited three years since their first fleeting glimpse of the Challenger across a crowded Detroit Auto Show press introduction. Still, my excitement was obvious — if anyone had been looking that late at night — as I eased the muscle-bound two-door out on to the road and pointed the LX sedan-sans-two doors onto Northbound Woodward Avenue. I don't even know why I tried to contain my feelings. How can a person not be excited when they're driving a car with sheet metal so brilliantly retrospectively-inspired you're actually able to believe orange can work as a car color again?

Plus there's that power. Despite the Challenger's hefty 4,100 lb. weight, the big 425 HP 6.1-liter Hemi the Challenger SRT8 shares with its bigger, four-doored brother allows it to blast away from stoplights. Each and every time, we were provided with the effortless gratification of squealing performance radials.

But I grew up on Woodward Avenue. I know at night the police lay in wait, watching the stoplights, pens at the ready in eager anticipation of tickets to be signed and handed to unsuspecting hoons careless enough to do burnouts. I had no desire to be stopped tonight. Tonight, the fun for me is cruising my past with a car that's more of a time machine than any DeLorean. I wanted to drive. So I drove.

I drove past the hospital where I was born. Past the Red Coat Tavern, where my mom had once been a bartender and where she'd met my father. Past Vinsetta Garage, Michigan's oldest palace of wrench-turning — and a lot where I'd spent many an evening in my teenage years peering through the chain-link fence, trying to discern the differences between muscle cars by shape under bulky car covers. Past Birmingham, where I'd taken my driver's training and first kissed a girl. Past Cranbrook, my high school arch-rivals. Past Long Lake, and the remnants of the Fox & Hounds grill and across from the Merrill Lynch office my father, now gone, worked at over a decade ago. I drove past old family homes, old restaurants and old memories.

It's a credit to how similarly roomy this new Challenger is to the old early-'70s muscle car that I hardly noticed when I'd pulled around Pontiac and was already heading back to Royal Oak. The strongly side-bolstered seats and comfortable-to-grip steering wheel helped me to pass where I'd begun my trip so effortlessly, I decided to keep going — down all the way to where Woodward Avenue ends at the Detroit River. Not having enough of that low rumbling exhaust, I turned the beast around, rear wheels competently holding on as I steered with my right foot and came right back up Woodward. I did this over and over again last night. Each time, emotions long thought dormant welled up inside of me at every red light and would quickly explode outward on every green.

Gone were any cares of the day. The photos? Meaningless. Writing the review? Means nothing to me. The price of gas and a rating of 18 MPG? Ha! These are little things for little people. I'm a man — a real man driving a brand new meaty Mopar muscle car — something Motor City denizens haven't done in decades. The only thing that matters is continuing to drive.

OK, so it turns out there's one thing that matters more. Exhaustion. I pulled into the garage in the wee hours of this morning feeling emotionally drained, but with a wan smile on my face. Why shouldn't I? I knew I'd get to take it out again this morning. And that's exactly what I did, four hours of sweet sleep later and after waking with that smile from the night before still firmly affixed to my face.

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]

[via CarDomain]