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]

John's boys from Texas are still in the process of tweaking the Challenger, but expect a 0-to-60 mph time in the low four-second or high three-second range, and a quarter-mile time in the sub-12.0 second area. Hennessey only plans to make a limited numbers of their extremest Challenger, so now there's one more hoop to jump through for those who already did the footwork to get an SRT8.

Photo Credit: Matt Hardigree / Jalopnik

[Challengertalk.com]

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jun 9, 2008 - Dodge announced pricing today for the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger. The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) will start at $21,995, which includes $675 for destination. Dodge dealers across the country are now taking orders for the 2009 Dodge Challenger, which will arrive this fall.

"The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger gives customers a modern-day muscle machine at an incredible value," said Mike Accavitti, Director - Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. "For less than $22,000, we've brought Dodge Challenger back and loaded it with head-snapping styling and cutting-edge technology."

The Dodge Challenger is the first five-passenger two-door coupe produced from the Company's proven rear-wheel-drive platform that delivers the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. Developed with Dodge's credo of "bold, powerful and capable," the 2009 Dodge Challenger is available in three models featuring head-turning styling, three available engine options and an automatic or manual transmission.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger has several modern amenities available including uconnect gps with navigation system and real-time traffic, uconnect phone featuring Bluetooth® technology, uconnect studios with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Remote Start and Keyless Go push-button start. In addition, the Dodge Challenger has more than 25 safety and security features including supplemental side-curtain air bags, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist, Traction Control, automatic headlamps, tire pressure monitoring and Hill-Start Assist in Dodge Challengers with the six-speed manual transmission.

Three models are available in the United States: Dodge Challenger SE, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SRT8®.

2009 Dodge Challenger SE
With a U.S. MSRP of $21,995 (including $675 destination), the Dodge Challenger SE comes standard with a 3.5-liter High Output V-6 engine which produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. (339 N•m) of torque. Mated with a four-speed automatic transmission, the Dodge Challenger SE achieves an estimated 18 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Other standard features on Dodge Challenger SE include comfortable seating for up to five adults, best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.), 60/40 split-folding rear bench with arm rests and two cup holders, 17-inch aluminum wheels with P215/65R17 all-season tires, four-wheel disc brakes, side-curtain airbags, remote keyless entry, eight-way power driver's seat, fold-away power mirrors, power locks and windows with express-down, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD radio with MP3 capability and four speakers, cloth low-back bucket seats, manual-tilt and telescoping steering wheel, dual-covered visor vanity mirrors and tire pressure warning lamp.

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T
The U.S. MSRP for the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T is $29,995. Featuring the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, the Dodge Challenger R/T produces an estimated 370 horsepower (276 kW) and 398 lb.-ft. (540 N•m) of torque when paired with the standard five-speed automatic transmission. The 5.7-liter HEMI engine with five-speed automatic transmission is equipped with fuel-saving multi-displacement (MDS) technology which increases fuel economy by as much as 20 percent without sacrificing performance.

Other standard features on the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T include dual chromed rectangular exhaust tips, ABS, ESP, Brake Assist with vented brakes, 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with P225/60HR18 all-season touring tires, fog lamps, body-color exterior mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, rear body-color spoiler and cast-metal fuel door.

The available Track Pak features the Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission with "pistol-grip" shifter for $995. When the six-speed manual transmission is paired with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, it produces an estimated 375 horsepower (280 kW) and 404 lb.-ft. (548 N•m) of torque. The Track Pak also includes Hill-start Assist, limited-slip differential, bright pedal covers and performance steering.

Dodge Challenger SRT8
The U.S. MSRP for the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is $39,995 (including $675 destination). The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers an available six-speed manual transmission or standard five-speed automatic transmission mated to the SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine that produces 425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 N•m) of torque. New for 2009 is a standard limited-slip differential, High Performance Red and B5 Blue (late availability) exterior paint and black hood stripes. A classic "pistol-grip" shifter is included with the available Track Pak which includes the Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission with Hill-start Assist.
Other standard features on the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 include a race-inspired interior featuring performance seats with a red accent stripe and added bolstering which keeps customers in place under spirited driving conditions, four-bomb gauges with tachometer and 180 mph speedometer in the center, "Performance Pages" reconfigurable display that features 0 - 60 mph, 1/4 mile, and 1/8 mile times, uconnect gps, unique SRT-tuned ESP and ABS calibrations, 20-inch fully-forged aluminum wheels, red, painted Brembo brakes, hood with functional dual hood scoops, functional black painted rear spoiler and a unique exhaust note.

Street and Racing Technology (SRT) is Chrysler's in-house performance engineering organization that focuses on five pillars for 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.

Snoop has claimed, in the past, that "[I] drive my own cars, and wear my own clothes." So Snoop, we have to ask, is that Challenger yours? The people have a right to know. [RLD]

We love Luke Wilson in a way that only a heterosexual dude can love another dude, so we're going to fill this space with a Rushmore quote. "They're OR scrubs." O R they? [ RLD]

Hey, remember when you were on the wildly successful The West Wing and then left to do The Lyon's Den, which no one ever watched? Well, now you get to drive Challengers with David Spade! [ RLD]

We're told there's this show called The Hills on MTV. We're also told she stars in it. We think it's a show about sexy geologists. We've no idea whether any of those claims are true. [ RLD]

Oh David Spade, if only we could go back in time to the 90's and Weekend Update so you could make fun of yourself so our commenters won't have to in the comments below. [Flickr via RLD]

Yes friends, that's the current view of the lot outside of Brampton — Challengers, Chargers and 300s as far as the eye can see. And when we first saw it, we almost wept at the beauty we beheld. It's amazing. Frankly, there's nothing more to be said. If we were to say anything else here, it'd be superfluous because for this one moment we forgot every problem in the world. High gas prices. CAFE. Everything. Just look for yourself in the up-close gallery below.
(Hat tip to Rick!) [2gstratus]

May 12, 2008 - Orange County, California. Steve Saleen and his new company SMS are pleased to introduce the first product in his line of Signature Series ultra-high performance vehicles, the SMS 570TM Challenger and SMS 570XTM Challenger.

As a professional racecar driver and innovative businessman, Mr. Saleen is well known as the founder of a number of Steve Saleen brands including Saleen Autosport, Saleen Productions, Saleen Speedlab, Saleen Performance, Saleen, Inc. and now SMS. In the years of building the many brands, Mr. Saleen oversaw and participated in every aspect of the business, in product development, sales and marketing. Mr. Saleen's latest endeavor will focus on the expansion into the high-end of the diverse American Muscle Car markets.

The fully certified and street legal SMS 570TM Challenger and SMS 570XTM Challenger will be based on the all-new and exciting 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T platform and will feature a SMS Supercharged 5.7L Hemi with respective power ratings from 500 to over 700 horsepower! Both models are fully equipped with a compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components including: drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.

"The horsepower and torque that we are developing from the SMS Supercharged Hemi is phenomenal" explains Billy Tally, SMS Chief Technical Officer, "combined with suspension and braking improvements our SMS Challenger will be an incredibly capable, refined and tractable automobile".

Each of these limited edition vehicles will be personally signed by Steve Saleen as part of the SMS Signature Series product line complete with unique badges and graphics. Production numbers will be limited per year depending on the model, and the opportunity to be one of the few owners is limited to a first-come, first-served basis, so prospective customers need to act now as production is commencing in the fourth quarter of 2008.

"The Dodge Challenger is a great canvas to start with" notes Phil Frank, Chief Creative Officer, "the SMS Challenger will help define our design DNA as we introduce some exciting and functional aesthetic innovations to this already great platform".

"I am drawing upon 25 years of rich experience in the automotive industry to address the rapidly expanding global market of automotive lifestyle vehicles, technical performance parts, accessories and apparel" explains Mr. Saleen "SMS is enabling us to do what could not be done at Saleen, Inc. due to the their heritage with the Ford dealer network and Ford vehicles. We are using this freedom, along with our new technology developed at SMS, to create world-class specialty vehicles."

Editor

After putting the first Challenger in the fence yesterday, co-drivers Erich and Rob, design engineers for Chrysler, have returned to the circuit with a whole 'nother car. One Lap of America will be an exhibition run for them now, since you can't officially run for points once you've replaced your car—so now they're just in it for kicks. The orange SRT rolled into the paddock this morning at Mid America Motorplex in Pacific Junction, Iowa, and completed a perfectly respectable and wreck-free run out on the track.

Rob told me that they drove wrecked Challenger 200 miles in the shape it was in yesterday with no problems, getting 19 mpg on the highway. It's getting repaired at a friend's shop, and Rob confirmed that it'll likely be run in the Targa Newfoundland, Canada's version of the Mille Miglia. It's a good thing that race cars never die!

[via CarDomain]

"This Hemi is most definitely not shy or watered down. But what surprised us the most about the Challenger SRT8 was its civility. Power is abundant, but never to the point that we couldn't rein her in. Our two-hour highway drive home from Willow Springs was quiet and smooth—characteristics more akin to a grand touring car than a muscle car. The only things we miss are a more vocal exhaust note and a manual gearbox, the latter of which will be available in the fall of 2009. "

"After flogging the 2008 SRT8 on the track and driving home in insulated comfort, we can safely say that the Challenger ain't what it used to be—it's a whole lot better."

Editor-in-Chief

Rich Truesdell picked up the new Challenger yesterday morning and met up with a bunch of Mopar buddies in Las Vegas. After the jump I have four more pics of the old Mopars that escorted him out of town—I love that '68 GTX. Tonight everyone is meeting up at the Best Western in Lakewood, Colorado before they start retracing the Vanishing Point route. Stay tuned for more stories, pics and video from the road.

Either a '78, '79 or '80. Also sold as Dodge Challenger. It's a Mitsubishi Galant Lambda, or Scorpion. RWD; 2.6 Astron 4 cylinder with silent shaft and MCA Jet (similar to Hondas CvCC) extra valve for emission control. It was Japanese version of the "luxury personal car"; counterpart to Chrysler Cordoba, et al. It was also the predecessor to the Starion, which shared the same basic platform/chassis, and engine (turbo, of course). It did not sell very well. This example has 45k miles on the odo, and looks very well cared-for. Textured vinyl roof, targa band, opera lights, pure Japanese Malaise-mobile.

The S/E isn't exactly carnival-midway material. First, it lacks the Challenger R/T's six-speed Tremec TR6060, or any other manual transmission. Second, with 250-horsepowers' worth of sad ham under its hood, the weighty S/E's zero-to-60 time is probably closer to that of a '78 Tradesman van than a 268-hp Toyota Camry SE. Can you imagine a greater humiliation than being dispatched by a middle-aged suburban bank branch manager late for her 11:15? I can, but it would involve farm animals, Irish whiskey and glossy photos.

Despite all of that - and it's quite a lot to spite — the Challenger S/E has remained foremost in my thoughts.

My obsession is mainly with intangables. The S/E on display looked simply stunning in a color approximating the classic Mopar B5 blue. It's also decked, such that it is, with 18-inch wheels and a pert lip spoiler. On paper, the car should be a no more alluring than any other rental upgrade. Nonetheless, the base Challenger projects a kind of butchness the base V6 Mustang only imagines while wearing its dad's Hathaway shirts. Despite the availability of V6 turbocharging kits, Ford's base-level pony car cannot seem to cast off the hairy sweater it's been wearing for 40+ years. The most obvious slight at the base Mustang is that it's the ultimate "secretary's car." The Challenger S/E is a secretary's car too; think Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter.

Plus, think of the practicalities. Speed isn't everything for a daily driver, a role for which the Challenger is well suited. It's roomy enough to fit two work-weary, inflation-slapped adults in the front, and accept a baby seat and a full-sized adult in the back seat. For the most part, it's sure to treat gasoline as the swiftly appreciating commodity it is. Face it kids, we all grow up, some more grudgingly than others.

And if having a car that's as slow as warm potash becomes grating, there's always a turbo kit. Maybe someday.

Maybe not. The new V6-powered Dodge Challenger gets 250 horsepower, which is 20 more horsepower than the V8 standard on the original Challenger, while getting 25 mpg. The latest Shelby Terlingua Racing Stangs have historic muscle car DNA and feature a V6. So does the Shelby CS6. Given rising fuel costs, overall savings and the improvement of V6's would you buy a V6 muscle car?

We thought this time we'd reserve commentary on whether or not it's really been digitally enhanced to our readers. Mostly because we think you're smart enough to figure it out on your own. Perhaps this is what they mean when an automaker says they're experts in virtual product development. All we know is if what our eyes tell us is true, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is "virtually" identical to the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8. Deception? Cost Saving? Silliness? You be the judge.

The SRT8 is obviously the most important unveil with a 425 HP 6.1-liter V8 HEMI that is now available with a manual transmission. The Challenger SE has a 250 HP 3.5-liter V6 HEMI capable of 25 MPG on the highway and a 276 watt Boston Connect sound system. The Challenger R/T has a 370 HP 5.7-liter V8 HEMI that is also available with a track pack that includes a six speed manual transmission and more.

The R/T features a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with five-speed automatic transmission and 370 HP. The weakling of the group is the Challenger SE that has a 3.5-liter high-output automatic V6 that produced 250 horsepower.

Introducing the All-New 2009 Dodge Challenger

35 Years Later, Dodge Redefines Modern American Muscle

* Re-creation of vintage American muscle car blends nostalgic flair with modern engineering and technology

* First five-passenger, two-door coupe produced from proven Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger platform

* First modern-day, HEMI®-powered car offered with precision-shift six-speed manual transmission

* New-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 delivers increased fuel economy (an estimated 5 percent) with more horsepower (30 hp) and improved torque (8 lb.-ft.)

* 5.7-liter HEMI goes from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds

* SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine goes from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds

* Best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room provides spacious back seat for up to three adults

* Best-in-class trunk space (16.2 cu. ft.) equal to the Dodge Charger

* New "EZ" entry with high-mounted seat-back lever for easy, one-handed operation; enables second-row passengers to enter and exit with ease

* More than 25 safety and security features including supplemental side-curtain air bags, advanced multi-stage air bags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and anti-lock brakes

* Equipped with cutting-edge technology including MyGIG™ radio/navigation, UConnect® Hands-free Communication System, Keyless Go push-button start and Remote Start

* To ensure quality, Dodge Challenger engineers logged nearly 3.2 million customer-equivalent miles in the development process

* All-new 2009 Dodge Challenger to arrive this fall

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics — unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines, and technology — designed to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations.

"Our all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger is a modern-day muscle machine representing the best from the past and present," said Mike Accavitti, Director, Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. "Thirty-five years following the debut of the original, we are bringing Dodge Challenger back and loading it with essential hardware, styling and technology desired by today's buyer."

The Dodge Challenger is the first five-passenger, two-door coupe produced from Chrysler's proven rear-wheel-drive platform that delivers the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. Developed with Dodge's credo of "bold, powerful and capable," the Challenger delivers a modern two-door muscle car.

Three models will be offered in North America: Dodge Challenger SRT8®, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SE.

Essential Hardware

The Dodge Challenger R/T features the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission that produces an estimated 370 horsepower (276 kW) and 398 lb.-ft. of torque (540 N•m). For 2009, the HEMI engine is upgraded to get an estimated five percent improvement in fuel economy as well as an increase of 30 horsepower (9 percent) and 8 lb.-ft. improved torque (2 percent) over a greater range of engine speeds. The Dodge Challenger R/T also offers a precision-shift six-speed manual transmission — the first for a new-generation HEMI-powered car — that produces 375 horsepower (280 kW) and 404 lb.-ft. of torque (548 N•m) when running on premium fuel. The Dodge Challenger R/T can go from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features an SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine mated with a new-for-2009 six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick that generates a blistering 425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. of torque (569 N•m). The vehicle can go from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds.

The Dodge Challenger SE powered by the 3.5-liter High Output V-6 with a four-speed automatic transmission produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (339 N•m).

Patterned off the Dodge Charger architecture, the front suspension and five-link independent rear suspension system on all Dodge Challenger models provide excellent ride and handling characteristics.

Essential Styling

The Dodge Challenger design team stayed true to the concept revealed at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, while drawing upon elements from the original Challenger. The result: a bold, aggressive muscle machine that blends nostalgia with modern Dodge style.

"Our designers wanted to capture the mind's-eye view of what people today remember about the Dodge Challenger from 35 years ago," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Design, Chrysler LLC. "Their challenge was to excite today's customer by capturing the emotion of the original Challenger, while offering today's comfort and performance."

On the exterior, the long, raised performance hood with scoops and recessed grille with round dual headlamps are reminiscent of the original Dodge Challenger. The bold A-line, or character line, that runs from stem to stern gives the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger an instantly recognizable muscle car profile. Retro dual rectangular exhaust outlets complete the look from the rear.

On the interior, the trapezoidal theme of the door-panel cove and gauge cluster, dark headliner and slanted shifter console are inspired by the original Dodge Challenger. The modern interpretation of the Dodge Challenger offers exceptional rear seating for a two-door coupe, achieving best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room compared to the competition. Coupled with best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.) — equal to the Dodge Charger — the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger offers added comfort and functionality.

Essential Technology

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger offers customers a full range of innovative technologies including:

* MyGIG™ provides a cutting-edge multimedia audio and entertainment system, with built-in navigation

* UConnect® Hands-free Communication System provides convenient, voice-activated communication with Bluetooth® cellular phones

* SIRIUS® Digital Satellite Radio offers a variety of commercial-free radio programs and music for enhanced listening enjoyment

* Keyless Go allows the driver to start the vehicle with the simple push of a button

* Remote Start starts a secured vehicle with the key fob

More than 25 Safety and Security Features

Dodge Challenger offers more than 25 safety and security features including:

* Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags extend protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers

* Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) modulate the brakes for the driver to provide steering control while braking

* Electronic Stability Program (ESP) applies selective braking or throttle reduction to control oversteer and understeer

* Brake Assist ensures maximum braking action during panic stops

* Traction Control reduces the throttle and/or applies selective braking to optimize traction during acceleration

* Hill Start Assist (HSA) for Manual Transmission application assists the driver in launching the vehicle on an incline

* Automatic Headlamps turn headlamps on at dusk and off in the daylight without driver intervention

* Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) alerts driver about low tire pressure(s) in order to facilitate safe handling

2009 Dodge Challenger Production

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger will be built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. It will be built on the same assembly line as the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.

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 2007, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market.

The Dodge brand's first crossover vehicle — the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey — is available in the first quarter of 2008 and will be available outside North America in both left- and right-hand drive in mid-2008. Arriving this spring is the limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine that boasts 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram with game-changing exterior and interior design, innovations, best-in-class features and craftsmanship will arrive this fall. Also arriving this fall is the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid. Recently, the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan arrived in dealerships with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel 'n Go™ seating system. In 2007, Dodge Avenger and Nitro entered key volume segments outside North America, joining the Dodge Caliber, which launched in those markets in 2006.

This comes from Ed Garsten, Manager of Electronic Media Communications for Chrysler, who has nothing to do with the fictional Ed Gersten in the piece:

A full row of magazines with the Challenger winking from their covers isn't just dumb luck. It's part of a periodic tweaking of marketing strategies.

Indeed market research shows that the theory of "alliterative display," as I call it, could very well spread to other aspects of airport newsstands such as grouping all newspapers together with names that begin with "the." It's breathtaking to imagine the boost in sales by displaying THE New York Times, THE Detroit News, and THE Sporting News consecutively in the same rack. Anecdotal evidence tells us that this would not only reduce confusion for those who find it hard to differentiate between newspapers, but would further popularize the article "the."

Alliterative display is somewhat subtle, but downright strategic and we salute Jalopnik for having the marketing chops to call it out.

If only Al Gore would have promoted the Internet thusly, it might have caught on.

The Car Connection is reporting:

"Chrysler's plans for its large 300/Charger sedans include a major makeover for the 2011 model year. But while Chrysler's new managers have been dropping hints about the future of the HEMI engine, there's not much they can do about the rear-drive layout of the big sedans."

"A switch to front-wheel drive could improve the fuel economy of the sedans, but reports to TCC say that there's no money set aside to make the switch to front-wheel drive."

It's the reveal that ate Chicago. We're as guilty as anyone else, covering the Dodge Challenger SRT8 here, here, here, here, here and here. Commenter Udman took note:

Ok, enough with the Challenger already..... It's here, it's Orange, It has a Charger Interior, You can get a HEMI. Is there any other cars at this show?

Personally, I don't know. I'm handling editorial duties for the J-Lop from L.A. and am not privy to either the show floor or the deep-dish after-hours pizza orgies. However, as Hardigree pointed out in preview, what we got here in Chi-Town is a truck show, mainly.

So no. No, Udman, there are no other cars at the show. There's a Corvette, but we think it's actually a time machine or something that's intended to shred the fabric of the cosmos.

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.

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.

History

Although the Dodge Challenger was the last entrant in the pony car ranks of Detroit's Big Three, it arrived with something its competitors didn't have: the greatest range of powertrain choices in the industry, from the small but durable 225-cubic-inch "Slant Six" to the fearsome "Elephant Motor" - the 426 HEMI®.
And although it lasted only five model years, the Dodge Challenger became one of the most storied muscle car nameplates in automotive history, with meticulously restored and rare examples today selling for six-figure prices.
1970
The Dodge Challenger made its debut in the fall of 1969 as a 1970 model. While it shared Chrysler's "E-body" short-deck, long-hood platform with the third-generation Plymouth Barracuda, Dodge Challenger's wheelbase was two inches longer, creating more interior space.
The Dodge Challenger was originally offered as either a two-door hardtop or convertible, in base, SE (Special Edition), R/T (Road/Track) and T/A (Trans Am) trim. But it was the range of powertrain choices that was truly remarkable:
• 225-cubic-inch I-6; 145 horsepower
• 318-cubic-inch V-8; 230 horsepower
• 340-cubic-inch V-8; 275 horsepower (290 horsepower in the T/A)
• 383-cubic-inch V-8; 290 horsepower
• 383-cubic-inch V-8; 330 horsepower
• 383-cubic-inch V-8; 335 horsepower
• 426-cubic-inch HEMI V-8; 425 horsepower
• 440-cubic-inch V-8; 375 horsepower
• 440-cubic-inch V-8; 390 horsepower
Driveline choices for various engines included Chrysler's TorqueFlite automatic transmission and a three- or four-speed manual which could be equipped with a Hurst "pistol-grip" shifter. Big-block Challengers could be ordered with a heavy-duty Dana 60 differential equipped with limited-slip differential.
Even the paint schemes said "performance," with colors including Plum Crazy and HEMI® Orange, accented with "bumblebee" stripes. Customers could further customize their cars with twin-scooped hoods, "shaker" hoods and rear deck wings.
Befitting the brand's performance heritage, the Dodge Challenger went racing in its first year. For the street, it was offered in the limited-edition T/A model to meet homologation requirements for Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans Am racing. The T/A was one of the first production vehicles to offer different size tires, front and back; E60 x 15 in the front, G60 x 15 in the rear.
In 1970, Sam Posey drove the lone Trans Am racing Challenger, prepared and run by Ray Caldwell's Autodynamics Race Shop. While he didn't win a race in the No. 77 car, Posey finished fourth overall in points.
Drag racers including Dick Landy and Ted Spehar also