02-06-08: At the Chicago Auto Show, Chrysler heats up the muscle car wars by unveiling the production version of the 2009 Challenger. If you are having a hard time differentiating the car pictured from the concept car that has been making tracks for the past year or so, it's no mistake.
The new Challenger is virtually identical to the concept car, save for the standard details that need to be massaged for real life wear and tear. Only minor tweaks have been made on the exterior design which is true to not only the concept, but in character of the original Challenger.
Underneath, the new Dodge muscle car will give Mustang a world-class challenge with regards to handling and driving pleasure. Sporting a fully independent chassis that is derived from Mercedes Benz, the Challenger shares it’s mechanicals with the well acclaimed Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, albeit shortened by 4 inches. The SRT-8 also wears 20" wheels, not even an option on the top performance Mustang, the Shelby GT-500.
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The interior is the one area where the production Challenger differs from the concept. One will find that the much of the dash design and interior bits are straight out of the Dodge Magnum and Charger. Not unlike it's classic counterpart, the interior is minimalistic and lacks the design flair of the Mustang's inner quarters. It's not all bad though as those SRT seats are something that Ford could take a lesson from.
“The all-new Dodge Challenger SRT8 is engineered to give customers everything they want in a modern muscle machine,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. “The new version of Dodge’s American classic boasts tire-smoking performance and head-turning design while offering a wide array of state-of-the-art technology, such as GPS navigation, ‘Keyless Go’ entry, a MyGIG infotainment system and UConnect hands-free communication.”
Developed by Chrysler’s in-house performance engineering organization, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 was engineered with a focus on the five pillars of every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.
Dodge will offer the limited-edition 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 in three colors: HEMI Orange, Bright Silver Metallic and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat. Each two-door, rear-wheel-drive coupe will be produced with a numbered dash plaque, carbon fiberlike hood stripes and will be powered by SRT’s 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine that boasts 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. There is no doubt that the 6.1 HEMI is a gorgeous looking powerplant. Chrysler can give Ford a lesson on engine compartment aesthetics and style. The only transmission will be a 5-speed auto.
The Challenger is porky, weighing in at just over 4100 lbs. That's 200 lbs more than the Shelby GT-500 that is still a tank at about 3900 lbs. And the Shelby has 75 more horsepower to boot. Performance in theory would likely come in at a bit faster than a standard Mustang GT, but slower than the Shelby.
Chrysler claims the Dodge Challenger SRT8 will do 0–60 mph in the low 5-second range, 0–100–0 mph in less than 17 seconds, a ¼-mile elapsed time of less than 14 seconds, 60–0 mph braking distance of approximately 100 feet, and a skid pad performance of 0.88 g.
With a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $37,995 (including $675 destination), the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 arrives in Dodge showrooms this spring. The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vehicles will be manufactured at Chrysler’s Brampton, Ontario, Canada assembly plant.
The lesser Challenger models will be unveiled soon, surely offering the 5.7 liter HEMI engine with fuel saving cylinder deactivation technology for cruising and all the power on demand. There is no word at this point as to whether a 3.5 liter DOHC V6 base model will be part of the line up, but given the coming CAFE regulations, it is pretty likely at least down the road.
While we are all about Mustangs here, we welcome the "challenge" from other automakers in bringing about true competition for Mustang in the pony car arena. It can only serve to make Ford work harder at keeping the Mustang on top.
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