2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
by Jim Prueter - 05/08

Dodge brings back the Challenger

How many times have we wished for a second chance so we could do things differently than the first time around? Had I only known back in 1970 what a Hemi-powered Dodge Challenger would be worth today, I would have bought a garage full of them.

Or maybe you’re one of the folks who actually bought one back in the day but sold it and have been kicking yourself in the behind for the last 30-plus years.

Well, thanks to Dodge, your second chance ticket has arrived with the much-heralded return of the reborn Challenger. And the execution of the muscle car’s design does not disappoint.

Similar to what Ford did with Mustang and Toyota with its FJ Cruiser, Challenger has been revived with a style meant to reflect a look evolved from the original 1970 pony car. It’s completely unlike what GM did with its failed revival of the GTO a couple of years ago, taking an Australian-built Holden and slapping on a Pontiac GTO badge. Heck, they didn’t even bother putting the twin hood scoops on the thing until roars of protest got the better of them.

The newest Challenger will show up in dealer showrooms later this month, and will be limited to just 6,400 units for 2008. It’ll only be available in the high-performance SRT8 trim level with a choice of three colors: metallic black, silver and orange, a color Dodge calls TorRed. Each will come with a numbered plaque on the dash. Base price is expected to be $40,158, but you’ll be hard pressed to get one for that money. Dealers say they’re sold out but we found many being offered on eBay for $55,000 to $60,000, many from Dodge dealers.

Wait a few months and the 2009-model-year Challenger will be available in a broader range of trim levels, including a V-6 version. We expect prices to start in the low $20,000 range.

Challenger is based on a shortened LX platform that is also used for the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans. Getting your first up-close look at the Challenger, you’ll be surprised at how large it is, especially thinking it was going to be about the same size as the Mustang. Wrong. It weighs in at around 4,140 pounds and is just 2.5 inches shorter than the Charger, with a four-inch smaller wheelbase.

The exterior design is a knockout and retro right down to the black carbon-fiber-looking racing stripe appliqué on the hood, with telltale “6.1 Hemi” chrome letters and, of course, functional twin hood scoops. The name Challenger only appears deep set on the non-Dodge crosshair grille and just above the glove box.

There’s a well executed small front spoiler (with fog lamps) painted in low-luster black, the same color used around the single element headlamps, rocker panels, rear spoiler, taillamp surround and rear valance. Huge 20-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle RS-A all-season tires and dual chrome exhaust pipes complete the exterior look. Our tester came equipped with the optional Goodyear F1 255/45R summer performance tires.

Unlike the original Challenger, the new edition features a B-pillar rather than a true two-door hardtop. Small rear-seat windows are stationary.

Inside, other than the black headliner, Dodge made no attempt to replicate the nostalgic feel of the ’70s like Ford did with the Mustang. The dash and steering wheel are almost exact duplicates of the Charger’s.

The front sport bucket seats are the same heavily bolstered leather and suede seats from other Dodge and Chrysler SRT8 editions. There’s an orange horizontal insert on the seatback and the embroidered SRT8 logo.

The rear seat is extremely tight and with this extra-tall driver, the front seatback was tight against the rear seat bottom cushion.

The Challenger SRT8 is powered by a 6.1-liter 425-horsepower Hemi V-8 with 420 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission with “AutoStick” capability. Unlike the Mustang, no manual shifter is offered. Dodge says a six-speed automatic is in the works.

Dodge says getting from zero to 60 miles per hour will take just 4.9 seconds, with quarter-mile times somewhere in the 13s. Top speed is said to be 170 miles per hour.

We were only able to get our hands on a pre-production SRT8 Challenger for three days, but it exceeded every expectation we had behind the wheel. This car moves and moves quickly. Acceleration is like a rocket sled with slam-you-back-in-your-seat kind of power. We loved the unmistakable roar from the huge Detroit muscle V-8. Combined handling and ride quality seemed just right — not too firm, not too much body roll on curves, quiet at highway speeds and superb braking from the massive Brembo brake package with a new ABS system that keeps the pads kissing the rotors at all times.

Other things we liked about the Challenger were the chrome fuel-filler door, massive trunk, the reconfigurable display with performance pages feature on the speedometer face. It can be set to give readings of 0-60 mph and quarter mile times, braking performance and road holding indicated as lateral g force.

Safety gear includes front and side curtain airbags, traction and stability control.