Acceleration

SRT8	Class Average
9	6.6

Enormous thrust is available from any speed at any time. Dodge claims Challenger SRT8 will do 0-60 mph in around 5 seconds, which feels reasonable to us. Though not subtle, the responsive transmission shifts without harshness.

Fuel Economy

SRT8	Class Average
2	5.3

No opportunity to measure. Challenger SRT8 requires premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

SRT8	Class Average
4	4.1

Challenger's ride is surprisingly supple, especially given this car's performance mission. Even small bumps and ruts are felt, but only major impacts can be described as harsh.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SRT8	Class Average
7	8

Accurate steering is marred to a fault by excessive power assist. A shame, because Challenger is an otherwise sharp handler, with impressively controlled lean in corners and abundant, usable grip.

Quietness

SRT8	Class Average
3	3.2

Sound levels are not excessive, but are in keeping with this car's high-performance character. Engine, exhaust, and road noise are omnipresent, even in relaxed highway cruising.

Controls

SRT8	Class Average
8	5.6

Major gauges are deeply recessed and plainly marked, making them easy to read, even in bright daylight. The Chrysler-standard control layout places most systems within easy reach. The navigation system incorporates most audio functions, but mostly with good results.

Details

SRT8	Class Average
4	4.8

Challenger's cabin is assembled with care, though feels as if materials were chosen with an eye on keeping costs down--not cheap looking, but certainly not special, either.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SRT8	Class Average
8	5.3

There's ample space for even larger and taller drivers. The aggressively bolstered seats provide long-trip comfort. The large doors are a pain in close parking situations, but offer easy entry and exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SRT8	Class Average
3	1.4

Compared to the similar-mission Ford Mustang, Challenger's rear-seat accommodations are palatial. In reality, smaller adults may tolerate short trips, while kids will fit fine.

Cargo Room

SRT8	Class Average
4	2.9

For a sports coupe, Challenger has impressive trunk space. Compromised somewhat by a high liftover, the usefully deep trunk offers more room than many midsize sedans.

Value within Class

SRT8	Class Average
5	6

With fuel prices foremost on many shoppers' minds, Challenger's (re)introduction seems ill timed. That said, Dodge's muscle machine comes off as more practical than Ford's Mustang, and is less expensive than Chevy's Corvette. Prices are high now, as a top-line SRT8 model is the only version offered for 2008. We look forward to moderate prices when the planned 5.7-liter R/T and V6 SE models arrive for the 2009 model year.

Total Score

SRT8	Class Average
57	53.2

Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		42
Average Score		53
High Score		70