Dodge launched its highly-anticipated Challenger SRT8 for the 2008 model year. As promised, the Challenger closely follows the design of the popular 2006 concept. Although some details have changed, the car is unmistakably a Dodge Challenger, borrowing countless cues from the original.

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Pricing

Chrysler has already disclosed pricing for the Dodge Challenger SRT8, which starts at $37,995 -- including destination -- with Dodge already accepting orders. Customers have a choice of three colors -- Black, Silver or HEMI Orange -- with all three coming with carbon fiber racing stripes.

The first offering of Challenger SRT8s come with a numbered dash plaque, with all using an automatic transmission.

Pricing for other Challenger models has yet to be revealed, but an announcement is expected to be made sometime in mid-2008.

Options

Customers who shell out the cash for a Challenger SRT8 -- including the $2,100 gas-guzzler tax -- receive a car that is pretty much fully loaded. Only three options are available: a set of summer tires instead of all-season rubber for $50, a MyGig Multimedia Infotainment system with navigation for $890 and a power sunroof for $950.

Powertrain

As with most SRT8 applications, the 6.1L HEMI kicks out 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.

A convertible is also expected to bow sometime in 2009 as a 2010 mode, with all three trim levels available.

Manual transmission cars come with Chrysler's Hill Start Assist technology -- as used in the Dodge Ram, Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee and the Liberty -- which maintains brake pressure until throttle is applied.

Dodge also offers a Trak Pack, which appears to be little more than a marketing name given to a specific package of transmission, shifter and gearing.

Performance

Although Dodge has yet to disclose performance numbers on lesser models, it did announce some performance numbers for the 2008 Challenger SRT8 equipped with an automatic transmission. The sprint from zero to 60 take s4.9 seconds with the car topping out at about 170 mph.

But in addition the the car's straight line performance, Dodge also emphasized the Challenger's braking and cornering abilities. Massive Brembo brakes squeezing slotted rotors and the car's wide tires -- size 245 up front and 255 out back -- bringing the Challenger from 60 to 0 in only 120 feet. Additionally, the car can go from 0-100-0 in 16.5 seconds.

Despite the Challenger's muscle-car image, it handles more like a midsize sports car. According to Dodge, the Challenger SRT8 cirlces the skid pad at .9 gs.

Design

Although the production Challenger is very close to the concept in design, there have been a few tweaks. Most noticeably, the Challenger has gained a B-pillar for structural reasons. Other less noticeable changes include taillights that have been divided into sections, a simplified grille, larger side mirrors, and more typical door handles.