Dodge Challenger SRT8 Revealed

425hp retro rocket hits Chicago

Dodge Challenger
by Michael Gauthier
February 6, 2008 1:49 PM
Filed Under: American, Chicago Auto Show, Dodge

After numerous leaks and a terrific job by spy photographers, Dodge has officially pulled the wraps off the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. Staying true to the concept which debuted at last year’s Chicago auto show, the Challenger is powered by a 6.1L Hemi V8 engine that puts out 425hp and 420ft-lbs of torque. Based off the LX platform that also underpins the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, the Challenger looses two doors and four inches of wheelbase to create a modern day muscle car.

Orders for the $37,995 Challenger SRT8 began to be accepted in December for the initial limited production run.  The initial run is limited to 6,400 individually numbered units in either Hemi Orange, Bright Silver Metallic or Brilliant Black Crystal. The first Dodge Challenger SRT8 has already been sold, while job #43 will go under the eBay hammer soon.

If you didn't act quick enough to get one, 2009 will see the introduction of cheaper non-SRT versions with a choice of V6 and 5.7L Hemi engines which will be offered with a manual. 

Full 2009 Dodge Challenger photo album to follow soon!

Source: Chrysler LLC via www.Autoblog.com
Press Release (Click to expand)

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.

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Comments

afterace2
February 6, 2008 2:05 PM
nice, but what a rubbish interior :/ and it will never look as good as the original :)

Blaconque
February 6, 2008 2:08 PM
the truth is ... u can't judge on any interior till u see it in real ...

foose1397
February 6, 2008 3:35 PM
Yeah you can cuz it comes from the chrysler company...gorgeous outside then once again, the interior is shit...The interior is generic america

ck314
February 6, 2008 10:23 PM
Totally agree.

Q. Great exterior design, drop dead pathetic interior design. A. Chrysler/Dodge.

Correct!

radmeister
February 6, 2008 10:26 PM
Well you have to remember that this is a 38,000$ car not 80,000$. I think in this case you get more than what you pay for, the interior might not look its best but at least those seats are really comfortable.

ck314
February 6, 2008 10:35 PM
Oh and same applies to Jeep btw.

ck314
February 6, 2008 10:43 PM
radmeister, It's not so much about hard plastics or average fit, it's about interior atmosphere, I mean, creativity/taste is free as long as you have it. Perhaps the exception that confirms the rule is the Sebring's dashboard.

JohnnyG
February 6, 2008 11:25 PM
radmeister-I have to agree with CK, not really much about the material used more the design. Look at the Mustang and especially the new Camero (interior is very on par with the concept).

foose1397
February 7, 2008 4:59 AM
Agree with every one...it is about everything...take a look at Hyundai, they can make low end interiors look and feel good...38 g's is enough money for me to spend to get a solid interior, and dodge once again comes up short with what looks like an interior that could have come from a hummer

Blaconque
February 6, 2008 2:13 PM
its realy an amazing car ... i realy realy adore it!! but i have to sea the old and the new challenger toghether to know which one is more (sexy) :P

JohnnyG
February 6, 2008 5:32 PM
Exterior is wonderful and the powertrain seems very solid too. But then again, per usual, Chrysler has to ruin a very nice car by giving it a very crapy interior. The interior doesn't have the retro feeling at all and seems like a complete different car from what the exterior is showing us. God they even put more thought into the interior of their new Ram! What's the deal Chrysler? Fire your dang interior designers because they are pretty pathetic.

NICKKOP
February 8, 2008 5:26 PM
agree... outside looks aggressive, characteristic, and befitting, in other words, BAD ASS... and the interior looks like a high end 300 with nicer seats... not consistent with the exterior character at all.... materials and quality aside..

CarFan1978
February 6, 2008 6:36 PM
Another gas guzzling American muscle car that can't corner... Looks great, but the interior is a total let down. What were they thinking!?! I guess they weren't.

Starscream123
February 6, 2008 7:54 PM
Looks beautiful! Will it be as good as the 2009 Camaro?

joelynn
February 7, 2008 1:38 AM
Yeah the interior goes a long way towards spoiling the car, a little bit of brushed aluminium detailing and darker black/Red edging and seat piping and it could be good, you wouldn't have to re-design the whole thing

l3fty
February 10, 2008 12:32 AM
Guess I'm not the only one that cringed when I saw the interior. The Proto had better styling and like joelynn said. A bit of brushed aluminium can do alot.

Where Dodge realy missed the boat is with some of the originals selling for 100k+ and limitting the number of how many SRT8's are actualy going to be built. They should have have gone with a higher asking price (Thus nicer aminiteys. ie: interior, no crappy plastic spoilers) and made it a car realy worth collecting. They still would have all been sold before they were even off the production line at 70-80k.

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