2008 Dodge Challenger Review

In 1957, Chrysler Corp. introduced futuristically styled cars and proclaimed, "Suddenly, it's 1960!" This year, Chrysler could almost introduce its new Dodge retro-style Challenger SRT8 by shouting, "Suddenly, it's 1970."

After all, the 2008 Challenger SRT8 rear-wheel-drive coupe has the same basic styling of the rear-drive 1970 Challenger coupe, with a long hood, short rear, wide stance, striped hood with scoops, bodyside crease line artfully hopped up to match the rear fender, horizontal taillights and rear spoiler reminiscent of the original Challenger T/A model's spoiler. The Challenger SRT8 also has a 425-horsepower Hemi V-8 -- as did the 1970 Challenger.

The Challenger should be especially popular in the Chicago area. It closely resembles the concept version, which was voted the "best concept car" at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. The production version was named the "best all-new production car" at this year's show here. It's basically a shortened Dodge Charger four-door model, but it is larger than the original Challenger.

Only 6,400 SRT8s are offered for 2008, each with a numbered dashboard plaque. The $37,320 car from Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology (SRT8) division is in great demand, so good luck finding one -- or getting one for less than sticker price.

The Challenger SRT8 is fully equipped with comfort, convenience and safety items. Among the few options are a $950 power sunroof, $890 navigation system package and $50 higher-performance Goodyear tires. My test car had bright retro "Hemi Orange" paint that really made it stand out, but silver metallic and black crystal also are offered.

Large exhaust pipe outlets and a big chromed gas filler cap that says "gas" might remind muscle car fans that the old Challenger raced in the Trans Am series and was a champ in the 1970-71 National Hot Rod Association's Pro Stock class.

The new Challenger is much better than the original because of leaps in auto technology since the early 1970s. For instance, It has much larger wheels and tires, stronger brakes with anti-lock and brake-assist features and an independent rear suspension. Safety items unheard of in 1970 include front- and side-curtain air bags and anti-skid and traction control systems.

The first Challenger was aimed at the more affluent end of the sporty compact car market, but nobody dreamed in 1970 that a Challenger also would have such standard items as keyless access and starting, heated front bucket seats and a 13-speaker high-performance audio system featuring an AM-FM stereo radio with an in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer -- besides satellite radio.

The now-collectible 1970 Challenger followed the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro by several years and thus was late to the "pony car" market, which got that title because the first pony car was the 1965 Mustang (followed by the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro). The new Challenger is larger and heavier than the 2008 Mustang, but it remains to be seen how big and heavy the revived Camaro (dropped after 2002) will be when it arrives for 2009.

When the Camaro debuts, the main contenders from the old muscle pony car wars will be with us again.

The Challenger was the pace car for the 1971 Indianapolis 500 and its biggest movie role was in the cult classic "Vanishing Point." But it arrived too late to do Dodge much good in the declining pony car market. It was dropped after 1974 because of slow sales. It also came as a convertible in 1970 and 1971, although most Challengers were coupes.

Muscle car versions of pony cars were hot in 1970. The 1970 and 1971 Challengers thus were offered with the 425-horsepower Hemi V-8, and "Hemi" coupes currently are valued at $135,000-$148,500 if in good condition. You could also get 1970-74 Challengers with different V-8s or six-cylinder engines, which are worth less.

Chrysler's big surprise was introducing the high-performance version of the Challenger first. To widen the new car's audience for 2009, the Challenger also will come as the R/T model with a smaller 370-375-horsepower Hemi V-8 with fuel-saving cylinder deactivation and as the SE version with a 250-horsepower V-6.

The 2008 Challenger SRT8 is sold only with a responsive five-speed automatic transmission with an easily used manual shift feature, but the two 2009 Hemi V-8 models will be offered with the five-speed automatic and also with a new six-speed manual gearbox. (The V-6 Challenger will have a four-speed automatic, with no manual-shift feature.)

The SRT8 will remain the fastest Challenger, with the most potent Hemi V-8, which has fully 420 pound-feet of torque. It seemingly gives the car rocket-sled acceleration, 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Add the Challenger's strong brakes and it can do 0-100-0 in less than 17 seconds. Top speed is at least 150 mph without breaking a sweat.

The firm-feel power steering is quick and the all-independent sport suspension provides flat cornering, good handling and a supple ride. The pedal that controls the huge Brembo brakes has a nice linear action. Also, let the hood glide up on twin struts and you'll see the Hemi V-8 is set far back for better weight distribution and thus sharper handling. The impressive-looking engine doesn't have a big plastic cover, as is the case with many high-performance cars.

The Challenger SRT8 is heavy for a two-door coupe at 4,140 pounds, so fuel economy is only an estimated 13 mpg in the city and 18 on highways, with 91-octane fuel recommended. However, most Challenger SRT8s likely will be a second or third family "fun" car for weekend warm-weather drives.

The five-passenger Challenger SRT8's quiet interior has race-inspired front bucket seats for extra support when taking curves or during emergency maneuvers. The rear seat area accommodates two 6-foot adults, or three in a pinch with a soft center seat area. However, there isn't much rear room to spare, even if front seats are just moderately pushed back. And getting in and out of the rear calls for extra effort.

The classic-styled, chrome accented four-gauge cluster has a 180-mph speedometer. Controls and cupholders are easily reached, but thick rear roof pillars create driver blind spots. There's a fairly deep covered console bin, and doors have small storage pockets.

The trunk has a high opening but is large.

While not inexpensive, the Challenger SRT8 seems a bargain, considering that prices of muscle cars from the 1960s and '70s are soaring well beyond its list price.

2008 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT8

Prices: $37,320

Likes: Flashy. Very fast. Sharp handling. Supple ride. Well-equipped.

Dislikes: Tight back seat. High trunk opening. Rear blind spots. Likely to pay list price -- or more.