<![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed - Jalopnik Comments]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed - Jalopnik Comments]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]>

I just spent 3,000 miles behind the wheel of a new 2008 Challenger SRT8 on a trip from LA to Denver and back. Not only that, but on the trip back, we had with us a restored, stock 1970 426 Hemi Challenger R/T that made the entire trip, save for 200 miles in a snow store in Utah, when we put it in the trailer until we arrived in Salt Lake City.

Oh, one more thing, the route we took was the same as Kowalski in Vanishing Point. It was quite a drive.

The story will appear in the next (July) issue of Musclecar Enthusiast, out at the end of May.

You can get a preview, along with some cool videos over at Automotive Traveler - [www.automotivetraveler.com.] Drop in and take a look!

autotronic

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> "That's not a race car. That's a cooze cruiser."

dolo54

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> I just spent one week and 3,000 miles in a new '08 Challenger SRT8 for a feature that will appear in the next (July) issue of Musclecar Enthusiast that mails to subscribers on May 20th. You can get a sneak peak at the article, along with a whole lot more by visiting automotivetraveler.com. Not only did we drive the new Challenger LA to Denver round trip, but on the trip back, we did it over the Vanishing Point route with a vintage Hemi '70 Challenger R/T. Lots of photos and video.

Best of all, while we did take three very high speed runs on some very deserted Nevada back roads, the rest of the time we kept things right at the speed limit (the vintage Challenger was running 3.73 gears) and got 21.3 MPG burning regular gas!

Drop by, take a look at what we've got posted.

Rich Truesdell
Editorial Director, Automotive Traveler
Contributing Editor, Musclecar Enthusiast

autotronic

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @Uncle_Bo is El Commentamino:

For some of us, that's not as humorous as you might think...

I wish for text-based 'video games', after Doom and Duke Nukem, that is.

I'm with many others here...I'm VERY happy to see the new Challenger, but it needs to go on a diet...a hard-core one, at that....

Kelly

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> There was a time when muscle cars were killed by rising fuel costs and emissions restrictions, right? Am I the only one who sees parallels here? Admittedly, the car is good, but is it good enough to keep people at the party when the music stops?

DSLPWR

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> Edmunds gave it a good review as well as Motive Mag (which was posted here on Jalop as well).

Motive noted that though the GT500 is more powerful on paper it doesn't lay it's power down nearly as well as the Challenger resulting in nearly identical performance.

Chrysler at least knows how to make a proper, red-blooded, tire-smoking, quarter-mile munching muscle car even if they can't make anything else right.

TriShield

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> I'll take mine with the 8-track navigation system, green CRT in-dash phosphor screen and Kaypro CP/M operating system so I can program using my 25 yr old BASIC programming skillz.

I want 8-track storage in the center console for my Bachman Turner Overdrive and Linda Rondstat tapes. Oh, and in the glove box I want storage for my Mattel handheld video games in case I get stuck in traffic or something.

The trunk looks big enough to hold my Osborne System One and my back issues of BYTE magazine, so no worries there.

Uncle Bo, ironically aestheticized

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @BlackIce_GTS: Exactly. No car rolls off the assembly line perfect for everyone. They sell it at a "happy medium" setup that the enthusiast can build upon.

You don't like the exhaust... Spend a couple hundred and make it as loud as you want. Don't like the tires... Buy new ones with those tall sidewalls you want. Don't like the GPS... Put in an that 8-Track you've always wanted. People get bent up about about small things and act like the car is a flop because it wasn't designed to their specs. If you're gonna drop 40K on a car you might as well spend the extra grand or so to make it what you think it should be.

DustyButt

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @BlackIce_GTS: Indeed, if a car like this doesn't get at least one bolt-on before the sun has set after bringing it home from the dealer, you're doing it wrong!

tenbeers

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @BlackIce_GTS: +2 Exhaust is almost an automatic upgrade on any new purchase...

sho220

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> "The only things we miss are a more vocal exhaust note and a manual gearbox"
Why doesn't anyone (except SCC) acknowledge the existance of the aftermarket in new car reviews? I understand swapping in a manual transmission isn't an option most people would consider, but why can't they say 'get some flowmasters because it sounds like a dog sneezing.'

BlackIce_GTS

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @graverobber- Same great taste, new low price!: BTW; I'm fighting a cold, so my grammar and typos-typically pretty bad- will be worse for the next day or so. Just so everybody doesn't think I'm just a tard.

graverobber- It says Loud Pipes Save Lives

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @JeepyJayhawk: Actually, I'd consider a CNG-fueled version. The two major issues would be the trunk-space eaten up bay the tank, and the need to make the engine larger, or add forced induction in order to compensate for the lower BTU content of CNG. I think both issues could be overcome, and offering a CNG option would expand the market for what is admittedly a very niche product.

graverobber- It says Loud Pipes Save Lives

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> Civility? Easy to rein in? Only a slushbox? Mellow exhaust note? I just keep getting less and less interested in this car.

crevans

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @ graverobber- Same...

How many different ways could a hybrid muscle car be wrong?

I can think of at least two...

JeepyJayhawk

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @Al Navarro: Well, it's definitely the funniest...looking

DrewWorksToo

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> so embargo was broken by a day it seems.

Rabbi Dave

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> I don't understand the fickle nature of these car companies when it comes to test drive invites.

Didn't Ray drive the new Camaro mule a while back? Isn't this site one of the leading automotive blogs (and perhaps the funniest?)?

Puzzled.

Al Navarro

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> This car gets a lot of things right, and I for one am glad it exists, slushbox or not.

tenbeers

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @Parramore46: RE: the weight. Agreed. Seems to be 1000 (or more) pounds too heavy. Even if they could've kept it to 3500 or so, I could be happy with it. But over 2 tons of Challenger? Somethin' ain't right.

smalleyxb122

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @WheatKing: You sound like a lucky guy. Don't let her read Consumers Reports. I can't imagine they have much nice to say about the Magnum (but I could be wrong). At least when I like something they don't. I usually do the opposite of what they recommend and it's worked for me.

mytdawg

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> I think this thing is going to hit the streets right about the same time gas reaches $4.50 a gallon average. The Camaro will meet up with $6.00/gallon. I think this will impact sales/profitability in this category and hence I predict a very short life span for this generation of pony car wars.

BTW; do you have any additional pictures of this car in orange? If so, I would be interested in seeing them.

graverobber- It says Loud Pipes Save Lives

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @DustyButt: Not nearly aggressive sounding as I'd have expected - seriously, the Neon SRT4 sounds better. Oddly silent considering its got the big V8 and the tires are spinning. Since they're going retro, I'd have expected a nice, big-cam burble, not a quiet hum.

It does, however, turn tires into smoke quite expertly.

FЯeeMan

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @Uncle_Bo is El Commentamino: I'm definitely looking forward to seeing them cruising around. Just checked the weight though, and I have to say I'm a bit disappointed.

@racebeer: That's gonna look pretty dumb when the G8 passes the radar car sitting conveniently in the Bojangles parking lot.

Parramore64

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @racebeer: I'll look like someone who doesn't give a shit about street racing because it's stupid and dangerous and I'll continue on my way, enjoying the car I wanted to buy.

Number_Six

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @racebeer: Better than the G8 bland styling?

DustyButt

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> The only problem is, when that 4-door G8 keeps up with you from the light and then goes around Ya at 110mph, how is THAT gonna look???

racebeer

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> I sent in a link to the burnout video to jalops like 3 weeks ago. It's like warm honey!

+ Watch video

DustyButt

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> Re: manual trans option, I think the delay has to do with federalizing the car for emissions. I believe the manny tranny car has to go thru the whole litany of tests and approvals for EPA certification, whereas the slushbox version already has the certification in hand via the SRT8 Charger/300C variant. Besides, the sell thru rate of manz tranz cars is going to be low, anyway so might as well delay the offering a year or so. The few people that want them will wait.

Anyway, I saw this car at the auto show along with the Camaro convertible and all the Mustang versions and I gotta say, the Challenger is really good looking in person. Seats and most of the interior are lifted from the SRT8 Charger. I'd like to see it in other colors than orange and they didn't show the V6 SE version, which I'm sure will be popular. May not be Mustang popular but I think we'll see plenty of these on the road in a couple years.

Uncle Bo, ironically aestheticized

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @mytdawg: I saw a lightly used magnum SRT-8 in the trader the other day.. $18K or so.

My wife wants a wagon. She likes the mangums, and the turbo volvos (yes my wife rocks) and asked, whats so special about the srt-8. I mentioned 425hp and 420lb-ft or torque and she immediately started looking at financing options.

The future is looking bright for us poor hoons.. despite the price of gas.

WheatKing

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> I don't mind the bland wheels. They could be blander, actually. It would look really sweet with some black steelies, with polished rings and dog dishes.

As for the auto-only. While it (along with being out of my price range) will keep me from buying one, it does make sense from Chrysler's side. Special orders are expensive to process. Commonizing the vehicles (especially for a first run) is good for cost, assembly efficiency, and quality control. That said, if you're only going to offer 1 transmission, the slushbox is the only way to go (from a corporate, not enthusiast perspective). You can sell a slushbox to probably half of the people who would prefer a manual, but you can't sell a manual to anyone who won't (or can't) drive stick. The number of people who can't drive a standard/are willing to settle for an automatic is far greater than the number of manual transmission purists.

smalleyxb122

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> Looks like a camaro.

newbski

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @comedian: The delay in some of that stuff may have more to do with expediting getting the line up and product out and then adding bells and whistles.

It has the same effect as you describe but may be related to efficiency of scale as opposed to desires of customers.

mytdawg

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> Dang! This post's lead-photo would seem to indicate that Chrysler's PR folks, stung by Jalopnik's earlier thrashing, decided to pop for the FULL version of Photoshop.

Mark Miller

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]>  
@Adamskiy: I've always figured the reason for staggered releases is to increase the total demand for the model.

Sell slushboxes at first to satisfy appearance-hounds that don't care about the transmission. After the initial "I don't care what tranmission it has Gimme-Gimme-Gimme" demand is satisfied, then sell the manual version later on because purists will be willing to wait.

The same thing happens with features like uprated motors, all wheel drive and drop tops options. Sell the more basic model first while demand is most plentiful, then start serving the smaller segments of the market as the big initial demand pulse gets fulfilled with the vanilla-mobiles.

Just a theory, and I'm sure an economist would likely have more purpose specific words to describe this idea.

comedian

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> Man, I wish I had some serious disposable income so that I could justify one of these monsters!

Sloop_John_B

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @macecalrissian: If they are anything like the original ZR-1 you'll be able to pick one up cheap from some speculator-wannabe when the market dries up and blows away.

Not that I'm saying niche vehicles are a bad thing, just wake me up when they get down around 10 G's. There may be a long fall between the dealership and the driveway.

mytdawg

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @M0L0TOV:

I think it was the famous WRC driver, B. Lightin' Franklin, when asked about unsophisticated and cheap women, replied that they "...neither smell, swell, nor tell and are eternally grateful."

smokeydog001

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @WilliamG.:
As much as I love the idea of these cars, I don't really see the general public flocking to these. 2 door cars are vanishing faster than (insert your own Vanishing Point reference here). When BMW can offer the X6 and throw the words sports and coupe together in reference to that vehicle I have my doubts. When Acura can discontinue the RSX and throw a turbo in it's replacement, the RDX my skepticism grows. I know those cars are aimed at a different demographic but I also know that the 2-door market in general is dissapearing. I hop e for my sake I am wrong so I can cop a used Challenger that hasn't been destroyed by the driver or the aftermarket in 4 years

macecalrissian

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @Adamskiy: They sold out the entire MY2008 production run in a few days without having to pay the million bucks or so to get federal certification of the manual trans driveline for such a short model year. I'm not seeing where that's a problem, from their perspective.

georgejetson

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @CptSevere: I agree but along the same lines, I would like to see more tire and less rim. I guess in time we will see all the variants as people customize them.

NovaloadMissesPolar

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> The true test is what happens when the novelty wears off and there's dozens of six-bangers prowling around... along side all those retro 'stangs you see everywhere now.

WilliamG.

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @PAPAL POLAЯ: reall + y = really

POLAЯ is taking his work underground. He can't let it fall into the wrong hands again!

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> Challenger = excellent retro styling effort
Camaro = Another GM fail


loyter

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> I can just picture their disappointed faces when the PM staffers discoverd that the challenger couldn't reall fly...
or double as a boat...
or run on dryer lint.
=(




POLAЯ is taking his work underground. He can't let it fall into the wrong hands again!

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @Maymar: Well, I guess if you can afford this, you probably would be able to afford decent health coverage for your woman. It would be problems with your HMO that would drive you towards an abrupt at end at the wheel of your new Challenger.

Number_Six

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @Hello_Newman: Yeah, the rims are boring. the thing looks like it ought to have chrome Cragars, or sand cast Torque Flights. Something that looks Sixties Retro, to match the rest of the package.

CptSevere

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> I like the looks and all except for the painted grey wheels. Who do they think their market is in not offering an SRT8 without chrome carbon fiber rims with a chrome option?
From what I've seen the stereo and rest is up to par, but grey painted rims is an abomination and waste of money from the factory.

Hello_Newman

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @Mad_Science:
Well, unsophisticated and cheap women require less maintenance. Preach on brother.


M0L0TOV

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @Adamskiy: Because most people buying these care less about real performance than they do about a Disneylandified version of the muscle cars they never got to have in high school.

(Because let's face it: if you were super-cool in high school in 1970, you probably didn't go on to make $40k car money).

I love muscle cars, but only when they're unsophisticated and cheap.

(insert joke about my taste in women if you will)

Mad_Science

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @Number_Six: There's really only one way to solve this: breakdance-off.

No, wait, that's not right. Burnout competition? Most tires destroyed in the time it takes to get through Van Halen's self-titled album wins.

That being said, if this car is as effective as its predecessor on existential roadtrips, without suicide being the only solution, I'm interested.

Maymar - future Suzuki booth babe

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> @Adamskiy:

The world may never know... Same goes for the 300, Charger, Magnum and Grand Cherokee.

ShantJ

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> This is definitely winning the muscle car fantasy battle raging inside my empty skull. It looks hawt in that silver and simply thrashes the pantaloons off the Camaro.

Number_Six

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> My pants just got tight.

GreenVanMan

]]> <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Reviewed]]> Why offer only a slushbox at release?

Adamskiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiy

]]>