Stealing some thunder from Detroit, it was in Chicago that Dodge returned to its muscle car roots to introduce the new…
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
And what a good time it was! Dodge even brought in Paul Teutul Sr. and Jr. from the American Chopper TV series to help unveil the latest version of its iconic muscle car.
Although a peek at the car was leaked by Chrysler a week earlier, it hardly did justice to how it looked in person. The lines of the Challenger perfectly evoke the 1970-1974 versions. One change that was made from the concept car that was revealed at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show was the change from the Dodge cross-hair grill to a plain style more reminiscent of the ’70 model.
Other styling cues taken from the older model include the long hood, short rear deck lid look and full width tail lamps. The plain fuel cap of the vintage model has been replaced by a chrome racing-style filler door with the word “fuel” written in black.
With all the styling cues from the muscle car era, Chrysler’s take on the Challenger is reminiscent of Ford’s attempt to revive the Thunderbird nameplate. Unlike Ford, however, Chrysler has backed up the looks of the Challenger with some serious performance parts.
The only available engine is a 6.1 liter Hemi V-8. Producing 425 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, it will launch the SRT8 from 0-60 in 4.9 seconds and trip the quarter mile timer at 13.3 seconds. Putting this power to the pavement is a 5-speed automatic with “Autostick” that can be driven in normal or driver-selected manual mode. (Currently the only transmission available, Chrysler brass admitted that a manual was under consideration – “stay tuned”). And while the original was known for straight line performance and little more, the new Challenger’s fully independent suspension signals a vehicle that will handle a road course as well as a drag strip.
Stopping this monster will be a set of Brembo 4 piston caliper discs all around with 14.2” rotors up front and 11.26” rotors in the back. Assisting in the job is four wheel anti-lock with traction control, electronic stability control and brake assist as well as brake knockback mitigation. All this technology brings the Challenger to a stop from 60mph in just 110 ft.
Based on the same platform that spawned the Chrysler 300C, Dodge Charger and Magnum, the Challenger SRT8 has a wheelbase that is 4 inches shorter than its stablemates at 116 inches. Overall length, at 197.7 inches, is almost 1 inch longer than the 300C, but slightly more than 2 inches shorter than the Charger.
Compared to the original Challenger, the SRT8 is 6 inches longer in overall length as well as wheelbase. Overall height is 7 inches taller on the new version while width is down by less than a half inch. More headroom and legroom for the two front passengers is offset by the loss of legroom and headroom in the back compared to the 1970 model.
Preorders of 4,300 on the first day orders were accepted caused Chrysler to increase the original run of 5,500 2008 models to 6,400 (Hey, when you’re hot, you’re hot!) And certainly with the new Challenger, Dodge has a winner on its hands.
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