A CLASSIC REBORN
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Sun, Jul 27, 2008
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
© All photos by Harvey Schwartz
VANISHING POINT
After 35 years, the Dodge Challenger two-door performance coupe is back and
better than ever. The original Challenger premiered in 1970, and ran through
model year 1974. It was the last of the Big Three to offer a pony car to the
consumer, and to compete against the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro in TransAm
racing.
The all-new, five-passenger Challenger captures the emotion of the original
two-door, rear-wheel-drive Challenger, but with an updated twist. The exterior
design combines Challenger's heritage of bold, expressive, modern Dodge style,
while the race-inspired interior is reminiscent of the original Challenger with
all the modern amenities and technology that we expect today.
The all-new Challenger SRT8 offers exterior styling cues that are signature
Dodge. Exterior proportions evoke a bold, instantly recognizable vehicle that
has a wide, stable stance on the road. A full-width grille and fog lamps
reminiscent of the original Challenger are married to the modern 'Dodge'
attitude. The result is an aggressive face that is unmistakably a muscle car.
The hood, with a raised center, carbon fiber-like stripes and functional dual
scoops, stays true to the Challenger heritage, as does the
A-line and beltline.
The new front end also incorporates numerous functional design features
including a fascia that directs air around the front of the vehicle, a large
black splitter that helps with downforce, and dual cutouts that directs air to
the brakes, dual snorkel hood scoops that bring cooling air into the engine
compartment.
From the side you see a lower and sleeker Challenger with a swept-back
windshield pillar, arrowhead rear window appliqué, power remote/heated side
mirrors similar to the original Challenger mirrors, pillar-less door glass,
flush, pull-up door handles, lower rocker panels, and the 'piece de resistance'
a flip-out chrome fuel filler door similar to the original Challenger.
A black rocker and valance on the rear amplify the Challenger SRT8's classic
aggressive look. The rear spoiler is not only reminiscent of the original Dodge
Challenger T/A model, but is a functional part of the new car generating
significant rear downforce. Cut through the lower bumper are dual rectangular
exhaust tips that help to more efficiently exit the hot gases, and provide a
loud growl when you put your foot down hard on the throttle.
The crease along the C-pillar and around the rear glass is exactly as seen on
the Dodge Challenger concept car, while the full-width graphic for the tail lamp
with reverse lamp in the center evokes the original Challenger. I love this car
and the way it grabs the attention of everyone passing by.
The race-inspired interior of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 also utilizes the
original Dodge Challenger-and the more recent Challenger concept car-for
inspiration, while offering consumers a wide array of modern amenities and
interior finishes.
Interior highlights include a dark headliner giving it a sinister, more
businesslike atmosphere, race-inspired leather seats with added side bolstering
and an exclusive orange accent stripe, exclusive stitched accents on the seats
and the leather-wrapped, tilt/telescoping, four-spoke steering wheel, four
easy-to-see gauges with tachometer and 180 mph speedometer in the center, and an
SRT-exclusive Reconfigurable Display with Performance Pages that provide drivers
with instant feedback on 0-60 mph time, 60-0 mph braking distance, g-forces and
quarter-mile time.
The trapezoidal theme of the door and gauge cluster, the dark headliner, and the
slanted shifter console are all based directly on the original Challenger. The
SRT8 badging, titanium weave instrument panel, center cluster bezel, chrome
surround for the gated, leather wrapped stick shifter, and 13-speaker Kicker
High Performance AM-FM-CD-MP3 audio system that features a 322-watt amplifier
and 200-watt subwoofer, plus SIRIUS satellite radio, are all standard. Chrysler
GPS navigation and MyGIG infotainment system are optional.
The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is the ultimate performance muscle coupe.
The two-door, rear-wheel-drive coupe is based on the Dodge Charger sedan
platform. Sporting a 116-inch wheelbase, the Challenger is four inches shorter
than the Charger sedan. With a low ride height, a brake-lock differential, SRT-tuned
coil spring rates, shocks, sway bars, and a uniquely-tuned Electronic Stability
Program, the 2008 Challenger SRT8 offers world-class ride and handling
characteristics across a dynamic range.
"The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is the ultimate modern muscle car-built by
gearheads for gearheads" said Kipp Owen-Director, Street and Racing Technology
Engineering.
"SRT understands what customers want in a performance car, and with the
Challenger SRT8, we will exceed their expectations." You will truly enjoy the
outstanding performance on the street or on the track.
Built on a unibody construction, the all-new Challenger SRT8 features a
multi-link short and long arm (SLA) front suspension. The front suspension
cradle combines hydroformed steel tube side rails with a stamped box section
lateral member to provide the appropriate level of stiffness. The stiffness is
tuned to avoid the transmission of noise, vibration and harshness from entering
the passenger compartment. The multi-link SLA suspension also provided SRT
engineers the opportunity to tune bushing compliances for reduction in road
noise, while maintaining vehicle dynamic handling performance. This
precision-designed front suspension features a high upper 'A' arm, lateral and
diagonal lower links, coil springs over Bilstein monotube gas-charged shocks,
and a solid stabilizer bar.
The five-link independent rear suspension offers a better ride by allowing for
independent tuning of the ride and handling characteristics. Multiple links
maintain independent control of camber and toe during suspension movement. Lower
unsprung mass offers a better ride and the decoupling of left and right wheels
over road imperfections maintains better tire contact with the ground and
results in better ride comfort. Multiple bushings in the rear offer the
flexibility to tune for ride and comfort. In addition, stabilizer bar
attachments to the knuckles provide maximum response to vehicle lean. This
precision-designed rear suspension features coil springs, link-type stabilizer
bar, Bilstein monotube gas-charged shocks, and an isolated suspension cradle.
"The original Dodge Challenger was best known for its straight-line prowess at
the drag strip, "said Owen. "The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 not only lives up to
that heritage, but was engineered to offer world-class ride and handling
characteristics when on the street, at a drag strip, or at a road course.
The rack & pinion, with hydraulic power assist, steering system has a
performance gear that gives better feel for the road, and seamlessly goes where
you point it to go.
This all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger rides on huge, SRT-exclusive, fully-forged,
five-spoke, 20X9 Alcoa aluminum wheels wrapped with 4-season, Goodyear 245/45R20
Eagle RS-A tires. You can option for the 3-season, Goodyear 245/45R20 front, and
255/45R20 rear, F1 Supercar tires, for superior grip and traction.
At the heart of the all-new Challenger is the exclusive, 6.1-liter HEMI V8
engine that generates 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, and is mated
to a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick. This proven and powerful
HEMI V8 engine is a 90-degree V-type, with a deep-skirt cast-iron block with
cross-bolted main bearing caps, aluminum alloy head with hemispherical
combustion chambers. The valve system is a pushrod-operated overhead setup with
16-valves, conventional hydraulic lifters, all with roller followers. The
compression ratio is set at 10.3:1.
This high-output V8 is mated to a SRT-tuned electronically controlled five-speed
automatic with lock-up torque converter and AutoStick. Three sets of planetary
gears provide the individual transmission ratios, while six friction clutches
and two overrunning clutches select them. An aggressive first gear ratio
provides outstanding launch performance. AutoStick gives you the ability to
select a higher or lower gear while the transmission controller calibration
prevents fuel shutoff during power shifts.
Fully adaptive electronic control of all shifting makes the powertrain feel
responsive with harshness. Electronically controlled engine torque management
provides smooth full-throttle launches, quick wide-open throttle up shifts and
quick two-step, kick-down shifts that are smoother. Extensive use of an
electronically modulated converter clutch improves fuel economy while
maintaining smooth operation.
Benchmark braking, one of the pillars of SRT, is delivered via a specially
designed system for the all-new Challenger SRT8 that will slow and stop the car
quickly, safely and predictably. All four wheels are equipped with red, painted
Brembo calipers that feature four-pistons each for even clamping performance.
These aluminum housed calipers clamp on 14.2-inch vented and grooved rotors up
front, and 13.8-inch vented and grooved rotors in the rear.
Standard safety features include advanced multistage front airbags, supplemental
side curtain front/rear airbags, three-point safety belts for all five places
with front load-limiters and pretensioners, front/rear crush zones, steel beams
in each door, electronic stability control, all-speed traction control, and ABS
braking system.
Standard features not mentioned above includes push-button start/stop, remote
keyless entry, cruise-control, rear window defroster, power trunk release, A/C,
power eight-way driver seat, heated front seats, manual driver/front passenger
lumbar adjust, front power windows/door locks, front console with fore/aft
sliding armrest, UConnect hands-free communication, rear seat armrest with dual
cupholders, steering wheel mounted audio controls, auto-diming rearview mirror,
heated, power-remote side mirrors, sun visors with illuminated mirrors, vehicle
information center readout, trip computer, universal garage door opener, luxury
front/rear floor mats, 12-volt center console power plug, HID headlamps,
foglamps, and automatic headlamps.
It's clear that SRT engineers and designers have done there work well with the
all-new Challenger. It is the real deal in modern American muscle cars with a
true retro-modern look of a classic. Under the skin are the added pluses of
today's SRT engineering in the form of a potent 425-horsepower HEMI V8, tuned,
fully-independent suspension for a smooth ride with exciting handling
capability, and world-class braking to keep quickly and safely slow you down.
The only thing that I would add is a set of aluminum pedal pads over the two
foot pedals to give it an even more, sporty look inside.
The Challenger has met its performance targets right on with 0-60 mph in just
5 seconds;
1-100-0mph under 17 seconds; quarter-mile under 14 seconds; 60-0 mph in 110 feet
and 0.88 g's on the skid pad. Truly great numbers for any sport coupe.
© Words and pictures by Harvey Schwartz
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
If 'Kowalski' had the new Challenger, he would have evaded the authorities all
the way.
For more information on Dodge products, go to
www.dodge.comÂ
More photos from Harvey Schwartz can be found at www.autofotos.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Name:
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
Price:
$37,320.00
EPA mileage:
13mpg/city, 18mpg/highway
Engine:
6.1 liter HEMI V8, cast iron block/aluminum heads
Horsepower:
425 at 6,200 rpm
Torque:
420 pound-feet at 4,800 rpm
Drive configuration:
Front engine/rear-wheel-drive
Transmission:
5-speed automatic with AutoStick, tuned by SRT
Front suspension:
Independent, SLA with coil spring-over-Bilstein mono-tube shocks, solid
stabilizer bar, lateral and diagonal lower links
Rear suspension:
Independent, five-link with coil springs, link-type stabilizer bar, Bilstein
mono-tube gas-charged shocks, link-type stabilizer bar, and isolated suspension
cradle
Wheels/tire:
20X9 fully forged Alcoa aluminum wheels/245/45R20in. front/255/45R20in rear
Goodyear F1 Supercar tires
Brakes:
Front: 14.2-in. vented/grooved Brembo rotors clamped with 4-piston calipers
Rear: 13.8-in. vented/grooved Brembo rotors clamped with 4-piston calipers
Overall length:
197.7 in.
Overall width:
75.7 in.
Overall height:
57 in.
Curb weight:
4,140 lbs.