The Challenger was debut as a concept two years ago at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show. And now two years after its debut, the Dodge Challenger is ready to hit the streets. The Challenger is reviving a name last used in the late '70s and early '80s on a compact, four-cylinder Mitsubishi-built coupe. This time, the name is going back as a big muscular rear-wheel-drive coupe, available exclusively with a 6.1L HEMI V8 that will power the new Challenger 60 mph in the low 5-second range. It shares the automaker's LX platform with the Charger and Chrysler 300. The production version of the car was only a little changed from the concept.
The most noticeable differences are up front and include the loss of the cross-hair grille and a slim black air dam at the bottom of the bumper. Out back, the rear bumper is now more prominent and the detailing of the taillights has been revised. A flat black lip spoiler is now mounted on the trailing edge of the deck lid while the Challenger badges on the rear fenders have been dumped. The rear driver side fender now also features a prominent chrome fuel filler cap. -Continued after the jump...
Gallery: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8
The interior design becomes many components from its platform mates, such as the steering wheel, instrument cluster and switchgear, otherwise the rest of the dash is unique to this model. The cluster hood is shaped something like the version in the concept, but unfortunately the rest of the dash appears to be a cost-reduced setup compared to the original. The seats appear to the seats of other SRT models.
Dodge will only build 6,400 Challengers in the 2008 model year run, all in SRT8 form. That means all examples will be powered by the the same 6.1L HEMI with 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque as other SRT8 variants. 2008 Challengers will only come in two-pedal, self-shifting form. Starting in 2009, Chrysler is expected to add availability of the 5.7L HEMI, as well as a V6. Pricing will start at $37,995 for the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8.
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