2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 -
Pics & Specs

February 6, 2008 - By John LeBlanc

After a 35-year absence of the cult car flick Vanishing Point and good ol' motoring muscle welcome the return of the iconic Dodge Challenger.

Developed by Chrysler’s in-house SRT gang, and manufactured at Chrysler’s Brampton, Ontario, assembly plant, the '08 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will come in three colors: HEMI Orange, Bright Silver Metallic and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat. Each of the  first year  two-door, rear-wheel-drive SRT8 coupes 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.

Performance targets for the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 include a 0–60 mph time 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.

There will be 6,400 made before the SRT8 is joined by other models in the Challenger range a year later. These will probably include variants all the way down to a 2.7-litre V6 secretary special, with maybe even an all-wheel-drive model.

“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.”

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.

Canadian availability and pricing should be confirmed at next week's Toronto auto show. Until then, enjoy the pics.

- John LeBlanc, Publisher