Chrysler has unveiled their answer to the new era of muscle car and pony car revival with the Canadian-built production version of the New Dodge Challenger. Icons from the age of pony cars and muscle cars, are resurfacing after Ford launched a retro Mustang, with much success, in 2005. Chevrolet’s infamous Camero is getting the final touches to an all-new version that was well received at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, as was the Dodge Challenger. However, Chrysler will get the jump on GM by launching the all new Challenger next April. Launched in 1969 as a 1970 model, the Challenger was the first on the scene and does not want to be the last to join the revival. Chrysler chose the 2008 Chicago Auto Show to reveal the production-ready version after the positive all around reaction to Chrysler’s Challenger concept.
Assembly is ramping up on the performance coupe at Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario plant. Every SRT8 coming off the assembly line will carry a numbered plaque, displaying the limited-edition nature of the latest in a collection of horsepower-rich vehicles developed by Chrysler's SRT team, the ‘performance engineering group’. The Challenger is ear marked to go on sale in April, 2008, with an SRP (suggested retail price) of $37,995, including the destination charge. This sum was quoted in US dollars at the ‘08 Chicago unveiling.
Three different colours are being offered: Hemi Orange, Bright Silver Metallic or Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat. Its reputation precedes it. Enthusiasts of performance cars, familiar with the overhead-valve, 6.1-litre, 'Hemi' V8 engine as used on the SRT8 specials, Charger, 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee, will also be familiar of its performance and reliability. Output on this engine produces an estimated maximum of 425 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 420 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm with a recommended diet of super unleaded gas, with a minimum of 91 octane. Chrysler estimates, from a stop, start acceleration times in the mid-5 second range to the 0-100 km/h mark, and less than 13 seconds over the quarter mile. All this power is assisted through a five-speed automatic, electronically-controlled gearbox with lock-up torque converter and Chrysler's ‘tap' Auto Stick manual shift mode. That’s as close as it will come to a manual gearbox for this one.
The Challenger's performance and handling benefit from its standard brake-lock differential and a specially-calibrated version of ESP (no, not extra sensory perception! But close.).ESP (Electronic Stability Program) stability control system, one of several technical remains of former owners Mercedes-Benz. It includes all-speed traction control. ... In more ways than one The two-door coupe is built on a modified version of the, solid rear-wheel-drive LX platform that derived from the acclaimed and successful Chrysler 300 sedan's chassis. Its 116-inch (295 cm) wheelbase is 4 inches (10 cm) shorter than the four-door Dodge Charger. In comparison to its famous namesake from the Sixties, the new Challenger SRT8 is not exclusively all beef. The SRT8 has independent suspension units, with a multi-link, short/long arm design in front and 5 links for each rear wheel. Front and rear stabilizer bars are included, for hugging control of the road while cornering. The Challenger rides on a set of 20-inch forged-alloy wheels with either Goodyear Eagle RS-A 'all-season' tires or optional 'three-season' Goodyear F1 Super car, high performance rubber.
Of course, all this power has to be stopped and the SRT model has large disc brakes all around, providing strong braking, with red-painted, four-piston callipers manufactured by Brembo, the infamous Italian brake specialist. The brakes' ventilated rotors are 360 in diameter at the front and 350 mm at the rear. The braking system is state-of-the-art and includes antilock (ABS), but also a ‘Brake Assist’ mode that automatically applies full stopping force in an emergency situation. Chrysler is claiming 60-0 mph emergency braking at distances of 110 feet (33.5 metres) which would be exceptional indeed, but not as yet, verified. All this muscle with comfort and safety too.
The new Challenger SRT8 makes its predecessor from the sixties and early seventies, look like what it was, for the purist, a pony car. This car is a pure racehorse from a stable of high performance racehorses. Dodge claims 28 safety related features for its new performance coupe, including multistage front and side curtain airbags to xenon headlights. The car's body design may be directly inspired by a Pony Car from the times past, but the new Challenger is undoubtedly 21st century for its comfort, equipment and all the technology it offers.
The design is indeed following in the classic lines that this revival is looking for. The deep racing style of the leather bucket seats, wrap around you, which should help in those tight, high speed cornering. Accent stripes are stitched into the stylish seats and also on the matching leather steering wheel.
On the gauge cluster are four large, round analog gauges with tachometer with a 300-km/h speedometer front and center, as it should. The Challenger's dashboard is also equipped with a unique multi-configurable electronic display that Chrysler claims can provide drivers instant feedback such as acceleration times, full-on braking distances, and the lateral acceleration (g-force) sustained in cornering. For relaxed cruising and 'normal' driving, the Challenger has plenty to keep the crew both informed and entertained, including standard items such as a 13-speaker Kicker High Performance audio system with 322-watt amplifier and 200-watt subwoofer, plus Sirius satellite radio reception. Other available options include a hard-disk based 'info/entertainment' system, navigation system, 'Keyless Go' entry and hands-free communication to name a few. Can’t wait to drive it!
