2008 Dodge Challenger - Return of an American Classic

The Dodge Challenger was first reintroduced in 2008 with a much anticipated debut. The Challenger of this generation is modern, yet clearly an interpretation of a classic American muscle coupe. The two-door, rear-wheel drive Challenger is actually based on the Dodge Charger sedan platform, which was rolled out two years before the Challenger.  There are some major differences between the two new stars in the Dodge lineup.  The Challenger is four inches shorter than the Charger. The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, an ultimate performance muscle coupe, was designed by the automaker's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division. With a low ride height, a brake-lock differential, SRT-tailored spring rates and shock rates, sway bars and a uniquely-tuned Electronic Stability Program (ESP), the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers world-class ride and handling characteristics.  Although the original Challenger lasted only five model years, it became one of the most storied muscle car nameplates in automotive history.  The return of the iconic Dodge Challenger brings what pony car fanatics crave: ground shaking performance, unmistakable design cues reminiscent of the original Challenger, world-class ride and handling characteristics and benchmark braking. Echoing the original Challenger is this Challenger's dual "carbon-fiber" hood stripes. Air conditioning, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, cruise control, and electronic stability control come standard. Dodge only built 6,400 for 2008, and only in the high SRT8 trim level.  The Challenger's competition includes the Ford Mustang, Nissan 350Z and the Chevrolet Camaro.

Inside the '08 Challenger

 A black headliner, more commonly know as ceiling fabric, pays homage to the classic Challenger, but the interior otherwise emulates the Charger's - specifically the SRT8 trim level, which itself has exclusive materials and prominently bolstered leather sport seats with accent stitching and embroidered SRT8 logos. Each of the limited-production 2008 models has a dashboard plaque displaying its number in the production run.  Cabin highlights include race-inspired leather seats with added bolstering and an exclusive orange accent stripe, exclusive stitched accents on the seats and steering wheel, four-bomb gauges with tachometer and 180 mph speedometer in the center, and an SRT-exclusive Reconfigurable Display (RCD) with Performances Pages that provide drivers instant feedback on 0-60 mph time, 60-0 mph braking, g-forces and ¼-mile time. Standard and optional modern amenities include a premium stereo, Sirius Satellite Radio, a navigation system and MyGIG, an advanced entertainment system.

Challenger Handling Abilities

 Unlike the Mustang, the Challenger has an independent rear suspension. It's sport-tuned for handling, but Dodge says its ride quality is comfortable. The AutoStick clutchless-manual mode is the only transmission offered.  Fully adaptive electronic control of all shifting makes the powertrain feel responsive without 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 (EMCC) improves fuel economy while maintaining smooth operation. Benchmark braking, one of the pillars of SRT, is delivered via a specially designed system for the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 that will slow and stop the car quickly, safely and predictably. The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features a multilink 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 (NVH) into the passenger compartment. The multilink SLA suspension also provided SRT engineers the opportunity to tune bushing compliances for reduction in road noise, while maintaining vehicle dynamic handling performance.

Dodge Challenger Exterior

 Unlike the Charger sedan, which borrowed only a name from the muscle-car era, the Challenger was designed after the 1970 model and is unmistakably the Challenger from any angle. It has a broad grille and rear-end treatments, for 2008 three colors were offered. The true dual exhaust ends in chromed rectangular tailpipes tucked into notches in the bumper. Exterior proportions evoke a bold, instantly recognizable vehicle that has a wide, stable stance on the road. The hood with a raised center, carbon fiberlike stripes and functional dual scoops stays true to the Challenger heritage, as does the A-line and beltline. Carbon-fiber-patterned racing stripes on the hood are standard, as are two vents alongside the center ridge that cool the engine compartment. Twenty-inch aluminum wheels are standard.

Power for the Challenger

The 2008 Challenger, in its initial year, was only offered as an SRT8, meaning a 6.1-liter HEMI V8 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift control is its sole powertrain. The engine gets 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. As in all the other Chrysler and Dodge SRT8 models, this engine does without the fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation technology of the smaller Hemi. The performance "targets" were a 0-60 mph time in the low fives, a quarter-mile in less than 14 seconds, at least 0.88 g's on the skidpad and a 60-0 mph stopping time of about 110 feet. To make the SRT8 trackworthy, engineers employed a multilink short and long arm suspension up front. In the back, the Challenger sports a five-link independent suspension with multiple bushings, allowing it to be tuned for ride or comfort. The brakes are Brembo four-piston calipers at all four wheels, with 14.2-inch vented discs in front and 13.8-inch discs in the rear.

Summary

The return of the Challenger all began in 2008, and it was a truly exciting event for many. From drivers who remember the Challengers of the past, or those looking for the experience of a modern day muscle car, the Challenger proved to be an instant success for Dodge.  Optional equipment includes navigation radio, sunroof, and performance tires. The safety features include side curtain airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system with traction control. Xenon headlights are standard. The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vehicles were manufactured at Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario, Canada assembly plant.