There is no mistaking the new Challenger SRT-8 for anything else. Just a brief glance and you know you’re looking at one. Chrysler has done a great job of bringing the look of the car to the 21st century. The side view shows lines that are shared with the famed version from the early ’70s (I think it’s better for everyone involved if we choose to forget the version from Mitsubishi that sold until the ’80s).
Backstory
While the SE and R/T versions of the Challenger will bow in for the 2009 model year, the ’08 is only available in a five-speed auto equipped SRT-8 model that packs the potent 6.1-liter Hemi (425 horsepower at 6200 rpm with a peak torque of 420 pound feet at 4800 rpm). This works out to about 70 horsepower/liter, impressive in the ’70s, but falling behind the current benchmarks of today. This is probably because the engine uses some serious old-school technology: two pushrod actuated valves per cylinder that use hydraulic lifters.
With an estimated curb weight of 4180 pounds, the power to weight ratio is an impressive sub 10 pounds per horsepower. This is what gives the car a factory-claimed zero-60 time “in the low five seconds.” After driving one briefly on the street, we can see no reason to argue the claim.
Technology
While the engine is somewhat retro, there is lots of new tech built into the car. ABS, traction control, brake assist and stability control are all standard. The suspension is not ’70s muscle car primitive, sporting a short-long A-arm geometry up front and a 5 link independent set-up out back. Bilsteins coil-overs are used at all four corners. Not old school muscle car at all. All this means that you can have a car that looks like the 70s muscle car but can negotiate corners with (some) grace.
When you read all the details that go into the package, it’s a very impressive list indeed. Modern engineering provides a chassis that is stiff indeed (it’s based on the LX platform shared with the Charger/300) and this is very noticeable on both the street and track. In fact, a brief drive in a pre-production version on the street gives you the impression of a truly modern car that absorbs bumps well (for a two-tonner). Mash the go pedal and it, well, goes really quickly, too.
Chrysler claims the dash is designed based on the look of the dashboards of the 70s and we agree with that. We don’t really remember the dashes of that era to be anything that special, and this one isn’t either. But it has all the modern conveniences, and in the brief seat time we had driving on the street, it seems perfectly functional, but it’s just not that memorable.
Performance
The Challenger was a popular ride at the media ride and drive, but what we were really looking for was how it all came together on the track. We did get to drive the car at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and if this had been an original model from the ’70s, this would have been a risky proposition indeed. But with today’s car, all the engineering really paid off.
So here’s the good news. The car accelerates very quickly. Press the pedal and you’re off with the tach swinging to red-line very quickly. There’s a bit of understeer, as you would expect from a front engine rear drive layout with over 55 percent of the weight riding on the front wheels. The chassis stiffness works well on the track, and all the fancy suspension bits do come together so that turning isn’t a white-knuckle event. The Brembo brakes (14-plus inches up front) do a fine job of slowing the beast as well.
So now the bad news. We felt very disconnected from the whole experience. Yes, the car is fast, but you don’t feel like you’re really going fast and when you look down at the speedo you’re shocked to see really high numbers. You turn the wheel, it changes direction well, with the understeer easily controlled with a bit more input or slight application of power. But still, something was missing. It was sort of like playing a video game. We hate to say it, but we got a bit bored. Especially when compared to lots of the other rides of the day that were just as competent and much more fun.
Why you wouldn’t buy one
Maybe the disconnected experience will change when more options like the manual transmission become available next year, but for now, if you want to drive the new Challenger, give the video game a try. It’s about as much fun, and you don’t have to pay for the gas!
Why you would
If the styling of the Challenger tickles your fancy and a powerful engine is on the top of your priority list, this car might be worth a second look. We’d certainly take one over a Mustang.
Words and photos by Matt Richter
04/30, 12:25 PM
posted by:
F451
So you are reporting that they gutted the soul of the Challenger, and its V8 experience? Sad.
04/30, 12:25 PM
posted by:
HemiRoadRunner
What a bunch of retards at LLN. The 6.1 puts out 425HP not 370. And what kind of idiot gets bored with a car like this, even if it is an auto, but gets their rocks off on a slow @$$, 50 year old balding man, girly @$$ convertible, I live in the suburbs and drink Zima kind of car.
04/30, 12:52 PM
posted by:
murphy1
an “amazing job of bringing the car into the 21st century”……. huh?? im fairly certain with my limited skills i could have copied the original the way the dodge “designers” did. there was very little work done to this car that makes it a “new” model. palease….
i owned a 70 cuda so im not biased against this car. i just dont see all the hard design work that supposedly happened….
04/30, 12:53 PM
posted by:
HemiRoadRunner
What happened to your 70 ‘Cuda?
04/30, 12:54 PM
posted by:
FordTaurusForever
The Shame here is that Gas mileage will be Poor
04/30, 12:55 PM
posted by:
HemiRoadRunner
You don’t buy this car for gas mileage. If you want that buy a hybrid. Why can’t people understand that?
04/30, 12:56 PM
posted by:
murphy1
i sold my 383 cuda 3 speed manual for 700 bucks in 1978………sigh.
04/30, 12:57 PM
posted by:
HemiRoadRunner
Damn, so your one of the older guys that have thankfully created the demand for a car like this again. THANK YOU!
04/30, 1:00 PM
posted by:
murphy1
but at least now i have a rare 79 t/a! an all original 301 which there arent many out there….its all show of course, but nothing made after 75 had any go
04/30, 1:02 PM
posted by:
murphy1
not that old hemi! i was 18 in 78!
04/30, 1:03 PM
posted by:
HemiRoadRunner
Not old! Just older. I didn’t say you sold off your Hudson in 1958. Just please tell me you didn’t have that late 70’s, Disco era, John Travolta swagger.
04/30, 1:05 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
i know- why would ANYONE who is buying this car worry about gas mileage, you buy a car to drive the damn thing- you want to save gas buy your 35mpg focus, you want V8 power, buy this- very simple choice
04/30, 1:09 PM
posted by:
murphy1
sadly, i did have the travolta white pants and satin shirt…….aaaack, i AM old!! but at least im not letting this car go this time around!
04/30, 1:11 PM
posted by:
HemiRoadRunner
I’m waiting for the R/T version in white, you should know why, I’m sure you’ve seen the movie.
04/30, 1:15 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Not bad but they should have put some money in the interior. I just hope they dont think of remaking the K car
04/30, 1:16 PM
posted by:
murderedout
Vanishing point, good movie HRR. Dirty Mary Crazy Larry, another good one. Taurus Forever is a complete ****ing idiot for making a statement like that. Anyone making a statment like that should not even be near a car!
04/30, 1:19 PM
posted by:
HemiRoadRunner
^^^^ Am I believing this? OK, I don’t know what happened but I want some of what your taking!
04/30, 1:35 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
This review is too harsh, and too much is made of the “disconnect” experience.
04/30, 1:37 PM
posted by:
xyunya
Wow, 50 year old technology and equally old looking car invokes so much emotions! At some point HemiRetardRunner & Co will learn to walk on hind legs. Then again, maybe I am sadly mistaken.
04/30, 1:49 PM
posted by:
murphy1
yep, vanishing point was definately the one to watch….sounded just like mine too…what a car! my cuda was factory white also…at least i still have the pics of it from back then. yessiree, its the one that got away! cant imagine what it would go for these days, havent seen any 3 speed manuals on the barrett jackson auctions….
04/30, 1:55 PM
posted by:
murderedout
Anyone who doesn’t like this car, is drinking there hatorade! I seen the same black one here in Mich on the road, a couple of months ago, way before it came out. Must have been a Chrysler worker, looked older in his 50s. Anyways very nice whip!
04/30, 1:56 PM
posted by:
HemiRoadRunner
I know, I have an original “R” code 1970 Road Runner sitting in the back of my garage now that I’m “patiently” waiting to restore while I get the parts I need in order to restore it. I want to put it back 100% original with some upgrades like electronic ignition and stainless hardware (bolts, screws etc.) I don’t have the #’s matching block but I have a warranty block and need the rest of the parts to go with it. When I get it done in another 3-4 years, xyunya will be singing a different tune out his @$$, or maybe he doesn’t know what these cars are going for now.
04/30, 2:00 PM
posted by:
xyunya
original “R” code 1970 Road Runner sitting rusted in the back of garage is going for nothing and nowhere. It will be completely restored when HemiRetardRunner will learn how to match serial numbers to parts in catalog. At his speed of development – never. Like drunk man said “you can’t fix stupid”.
04/30, 2:09 PM
posted by:
HemiRoadRunner
Never said it was rusted. It needs 2 lower quarter panel patches. The paint is now a faded out blue, the interior is old looking, but the funny thing is, the car is probably worth MORE in that condition that the sum of all your cars combined. You can’t fix stupid is right, you can’t change someone’s stupid @$$ arguements like yours who, clearly, has no idea what they’re even talking about. And tell your mom I got those knee pads for her, she can try them out tonight.
04/30, 2:22 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I to think this review is a little one sided. If it’s not your cup of tea just say so, don’t give us that ‘disconnected’ bs. If you’re surprised at the speed you’re doing just maybe that’s because the engineers have done their job. If you want the **** pounded out of you at speeds over 100mph then stick some different gears in a old Suzuki Sidekick and have at her. At 4100lbs this is simply not going to manuever like a Lotus Elise, and it wasn’t meant to. The Challenger is about turning heads, and I’m betting that will be main motivation for the majority who buy one.
04/30, 2:35 PM
posted by:
xyunya
HemiRetardRunner, my mom cant send her regards since she passed away. Whoever you are raping is obviously of old age and incapable to refuse your licking her bellow the belt. Well you get some good perks working in Florida’s old age home: salary not that impressive but “:chick” love you dilapidated ride and don’t mind stupidity. Most of them delirious and you mental disability is not impediment.
04/30, 2:46 PM
posted by:
xyunya
johnnycanuck, you are right. The car is definite retro and will appeal to either older or very narrow minded younger generation. If older folks can afford to drive one, since cost of gas will not be any lower, young ones will create quick secondhand market. There will be a lot of them in used lots within a year, which is great for Chrysler – they will turn their Calibers. Either news are good for Cerberus and it’s owner Stephen Feinberg. I love to see bunch of Red Necks enriching Jew.
04/30, 2:54 PM
posted by:
buytheredcar
Maybe someone brought this up before but how can one of the “ultimate” muscle car from Dodge not have the corporate Dodge grill?
What happened?
Its almost too retro for its own good.
Even the wimpy Caliber has the corporate grill!
04/30, 3:23 PM
posted by:
Z06ified
That car looks awesome in black. That’s the first new Challenger I’ve seen in black.
04/30, 7:40 PM
posted by:
fuzz40
xyunya, do us a favor and drop the hating. I am sorry you are to narrow minded to see that this is one sweet ride for the price that it is selling at. Also add in the fact that this car looks like the original challenger and seems like an awesome deal to me. But then again I guess I am just another narrow minded younger generation person who appreciates muscle cars, both new and old.
04/30, 7:59 PM
posted by:
saint91
the car has a awsome new look and to own one would be be the best thing ever i wouldent give a crap about the mileage if i could cruise around in one of these
04/30, 8:54 PM
posted by:
autonut
It is great looking car and in the first year will be great for Chrysler. I hope it will bring some momentum to their recovery. How do you move forward with that model is another question. Well and the price of gas does not help. Perhaps Chrysler can do what Pontiac plans to do: drop turbo 4 into the bay.
04/30, 10:24 PM
posted by:
rodeo40
Totally BAD-ASS. Anyone who bought a Charger SRT is probably crying.
05/01, 12:32 AM
posted by:
global_lightning
As impressive as this car is, I’m still trying to wrap my brain around the 4180 lbs curb weight. That’s slighly lighter than a minivan. Is the chassis made of depleted uranium? Where are they putting all this heft?
05/01, 12:49 AM
posted by:
Need4SSpeed
lol just take a look at it global_lightning. It looks like a tank. ( I still really like the Challenger and the looks of it btw) I’m sure the body alone is pretty heavy, interior, and the 6.1L Hemi is no chevy small block (which is pretty light for a V8). The GTO was pretty heavy @3,725lbs. Which is 375 lbs lighter than this, although I personally felt the same sensation of it not “feeling fast” although it was. I just hope the 6 spd manaul can shave some seconds of it’s exceleration time.
05/01, 9:22 AM
posted by:
RaineMan
At 4000 pounds with 400hp this thing is a truck… not a car. Low 5 second 0-60… yeah right. I bet it gets a whole 10MPG at a time where everybody… and I mean everybody is concerned about fuel economy.
I see more Camaros, pickups, GTOs, and Fox Body ’stangs hitting the used market every day. The rednecks that would want this machine can’t afford the gas to put in it anymore.
Sorry Chrysler… shave 1000 pounds off of it… offer it with manual windows & a cloth interior… and drop 5 grand off the price… then you might have something.
05/01, 10:01 AM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
California sucks.
05/01, 10:13 AM
posted by:
HemiRoadRunner
California is that land of fruits and nuts.
05/01, 4:00 PM
posted by:
lamboz get a life
Xanadu is jealous. He’s probably 19 year old livin at home little punk. The closest thing he’s had to a female was a man’s shaved ass down at the YMCA shower room. His Mom is dead, she committed suicide when she realized her precious son, Xanadu was going to rot away jerking off to hairy chicks porn. Sad little faggot. He hates all that is America, perhaps he should go back to Laos, Cambodia or whereever it is his family came from.
05/07, 7:07 PM
posted by:
DialM4Speed
It’s a bird!
It’s a plane!
It’s a bathtub on wheels???
The New 2008 Dodge Challenger: Get yours a bar of soap today!
09/04, 7:44 PM
posted by:
MattR
Here’s a bit of a follow up. I got to drive the 2009 SRT 6 speed and the R/T with an auto. Both cars look good, that for sure. The SRT has a much better exhaust note than the R/T when really accelerating hard. The interior is competent, but one minor problem is that when you reach up to adjust the rear view, you’ll find that your fingers don’t fit between the top of the mirror and the overhead console that houses some map lights and a compartment for sunglasses. This who assembly feels a bit flimsy as well. But to be fair, these are really small issues.
The suspension on both is very good, with what felt a bit disconnected (but competent) on the track at Laguna works really, really well on the street.
The manual on the SRT makes a whole lot of difference to the whole driving experience as well, a much more engaging ride, that’s for sure. One other journalist I spoke with said the manual makes “it a whole different car.”
I didn’t get to drive the 6 cyl. That’s too bad because that’s what needs to really sell in volume to make the whole effort a success for Chrysler.
Matt