2008 Dodge Challenger
2008 Dodge Challenger
2008 Dodge Challenger
Dodge unveiled the hotly-anticipated 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 production vehicle at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. This two-door, rear-wheel-drive coupe gets its name and retro styling cues from Dodge's original Challenger pony car, which debuted for 1970 and lasted through the 1974 model year. The revived Challenger is based on a shortened version of the Dodge Charger/Chrysler 300 "LX" platform. The SRT8 will be the only Challenger available at launch and Dodge is expected to announce information on the forthcoming Challenger versions later in 2008.
Challenger SRT8s are top-line models that come only with a 425-horsepower 6.1-liter Hemi engine hooked to a five-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift gate. The engine is rated at 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, and Dodge claims a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 13.3 seconds. Standard SRT8 features include 20-inch alloy wheels, a Kicker-brand high-performance stereo system, and Sirius satellite radio. Other available features include a navigation system, Dodge's UConnect wireless cell phone link, and Dodge's MyGig 20-gigabyte hard-drive system that holds music or picture files.
Dodge began
taking orders for the 2008 Challenger SRT8 on December 3, 2007, and the
new model is slated to arrive in showrooms in spring 2008. The 2008
Challenger SRT8 will be limited to 6400 units, each with a numbered
dash plaque. Dodge has set the MSRP at $37,995 (including $675
destination), though we would not be surprised to see early examples
trading for more than that amount.
With one
exception, SRT8s will be offered in just three colors: Brilliant Black
Crystal Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic, and Hemi Orange, all with
carbon-fiber-look hood stripes. The exception will be SRT8 number #43,
which will be finished in "B5 Blue" to honor stock car racing legend
Richard Petty. Petty's #43 stock cars were finished in this signature
color. The #43 SRT8 Challenger will be auctioned off on Ebay to benefit
the Victory Junction Gang Camp, a charitable organization founded by
Richard's son Kyle Petty and Kyle's wife Pattie.
