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

"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."