Below is the official press release from when the 2008 Challenger was announced. See also:
Chicago, Feb 6, 2008 – The return of the iconic Dodge Challenger brings what pony car fanatics crave: ground shaking performance and unmistakable design cues from of the original Challenger. On top of that it features a wide variety of modern amenities and technology designed for driving enthusiasts.
The Dodge Challenger made its debut in the fall of 1969 as a 1970 model. While it shared Chrysler’s E-body platform with the Plymouth Barracuda, Dodge Challenger’s wheelbase was two inches longer, creating more interior space. The all-new SRT8 rear-wheel drive coupe is based on the successful Dodge Charger sedan platform. Sporting a 116-inch wheelbase, the Challenger coupe is four inches shorter than the Charger sedan.
Consumers will enjoy outstanding performance on the street or on the track with a low ride height, a brake-lock differential, SRT-tailored suspension and a uniquely-tuned Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
The all-new Dodge Challenger SRT8 is engineered to give customers everything they want. Developed by Chrysler’s in-house performance engineering organization, the 2008 Challenger was engineered with a focus on the pillars of SRT: bold exterior design, a race-inspired interior, handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.
Dodge will offer the limited-edition 2008 Challenger in three colors: Hemi Orange, Bright Silver Metallic and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl. Each two-door, rear-wheel-drive coupe 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.
The normally aspirated V-8 engine is the highest naturally aspirated specific-output V-8 engine ever offered by Chrysler. Its 69.8 horsepower-per-liter rating exceeds even that of the legendary 1966 “Street HEMI.” Challenger SRT8’s transmission is an electronically controlled five-speed automatic, with a lock up torque converter and AutoStick.
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.
All four wheels are equipped with red, painted Brembo calipers that feature four pistons for even clamping performance. 360 x 32mm vented rotors are found up front and 350 x 26mm vented rotors are in the rear. With a 60–0 mph stopping distance of approximately 110 feet, the all-new Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers customers benchmark braking.
With a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $37,995 the all-new Challenger arrives in Dodge showrooms this spring.
The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vehicles will be manufactured at Chrysler’s Brampton, Ontario, assembly plant in Canada.
Performance targets for the all-new Challenger include a 0–60 mph time in the low 5-second range, 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.
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Gallery
Learn about the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Gallery
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| built at | Brampton, Ontario, Canada |
| body stylist | Jeff Gale |
| price $ | $ $37 995 |
| engine | 90 Degree, Cast Iron, Hemi V8 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | Pushrod OHV, 2 Vavles per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Sequential, Multi-Port Injection |
| displacement | 6059 cc / 369.7 in³ |
| bore | 103 mm / 4.06 in |
| stroke | 90.9 mm / 3.58 in |
| compression | 10.3:1 |
| power | 316.9 kw / 425 bhp @ 6200 rpm |
| specific output | 70.14 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 226.3 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 569.44 nm / 420 ft lbs @ 4800 rpm |
| redline | 6400 |
| body / frame | Unit Steel |
| driven wheels | LX Platform RWD w/ESP |
| wheel type | Forged Aluminum SRT |
| front tires | P245/45 R20 Goodyear F1 Supercar |
| rear tires | P255/45 R20 Goodyear F1 Supercar |
| front brakes | Discs w/Brembro 4-Piston Calipers, ABS |
| rear brakes | Discs w/Brembro 4-Piston Calipers, ABS |
| front wheels | F 50.8 x 22.9 cm / 20 x 9 in |
| rear wheels | R 50.8 x 22.9 cm / 20 x 9 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinoin w/Hydrualic Power Assist |
| f suspension | A-Arms w/Coil Springs over Bilstein Gas Shock Abosrbers, Stabilizer Bar |
| r suspension | 5-Link w/Coil Springs over Bilstein Gas Shock Abosrbers, Stabilizer Bar |
| curb weight | 1878 kg / 4140 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2946 mm / 116 in |
| front track | 1600 mm / 63 in |
| rear track | 1603 mm / 63.1 in |
| length | 5022 mm / 197.7 in |
| width | 1923 mm / 75.7 in |
| height | 1448 mm / 57 in |
| transmission | W5A580 5-Speed Auto |
| gear ratios | 3.58:1, 2.19:1, 1.41:1, 1.00:1, 0.83:1 |
| final drive | 3.06:1 |
| top speed | ~273.53 kph / 170 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~4.9 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~13.7 seconds |
| drag | 0.353 Cd |
| fuel econ epa | 16 L/100 km or 15 mpg-us |
