Dodge Challenger SRT8

Chrysler Press Release (February 6th, 2008)


 * Iconic Dodge muscle car returns after a 35-year absence
 * Design stays true to Challenger heritage while delivering a host of modern amenities and "race inspired, street legal" SRT DNA
 * Powered by a 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 engine that produces 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque
 * Each 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features limited-edition, numbered dash plaque

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. On top of that it features a wide variety of modern amenities and technology designed to delight a new generation of driving enthusiasts.

"The all-new Dodge Challenger SRT8 is engineered to give customers everything they want in a modern muscle machine," said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. "The new version of Dodge's American classic boasts tire-smoking performance and head-turning design while offering a wide array of state-of-the-art technology, such as GPS navigation, 'Keyless Go' entry, a MyGIG™ infotainment system and UConnect hands-free communication."

Developed by Chrysler's in-house performance engineering organization, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 was engineered with a focus on the five pillars of every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.

Dodge will offer the limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 in three colors: HEMI® Orange, Bright Silver Metallic and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat. 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 and 420 lb.-ft. of torque.

With a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $37,995 (including $675 destination), the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 arrives in Dodge showrooms this spring.

The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vehicles will be manufactured at Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario, Canada assembly plant.

Performance targets for the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 include a 0–60 mph time in the low 5-second range, 0–100–0 mph in less than 17 seconds, 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.

Design
The all-new, five-passenger 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8® captures the emotion of the original two-door, rear-wheel-drive Challenger, but with an updated twist.

"Our designers wanted to capture the mind's eye view of what people today remember about the Challenger from 35 years ago," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler. "So their challenge was to excite today's customer by capturing the emotion of the original Challenger, but with today's quality and performance."

The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers exterior styling cues that are unmistakably Dodge. Exterior proportions evoke a bold, instantly recognizable vehicle that has a wide, stable stance on the road. A full-width grille and fog lamps reminiscent of the original Challenger are married to the modern "Dodge attitude." The result is an aggressive face that is unmistakably a muscle car. 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.

The Challenger SRT8 front end incorporates numerous functional design features. Included are a fascia that directs air around the front of the vehicle, dual snorkel hood scoops that bring cooling air into the engine compartment and ducts that direct air to cool the brakes.

A black rocker and valance on the rear amplify the Challenger SRT8's classic aggressive look.

The rear spoiler is not only reminiscent of the original Dodge Challenger T/A model, but is a functional part of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, generating significant rear downforce.

"We used the original Challenger as an inspiration for many of the features found on the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8®," said Jeff Gale, Lead Designer – Dodge Challenger Exterior Design. "The side mirrors actually started with a mold from the mirrors of an original Challenger. We tweaked a few details for fit and finish, then put them through our modern aerodynamic testing metrics and ended up with a body-mounted mirror that is remarkably similar visually to the original, but offers significantly better aerodynamic performance."

"The dark headliner was very important to us when designing the interior," said Brian Nielander, Manager – Dodge Challenger Exterior and Interior Design. "It not only stays true to the original Challenger, but it also gives a sinister, more businesslike atmosphere."

The crease along the C-pillar and around the rear glass is exactly as seen on the Dodge Challenger concept car, while the full-width graphic for the tail lamp with reverse lamp in the center evokes the original Challenger.

The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is available in three exterior colors: HEMI Orange, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Bright Silver Metallic.

The race-inspired interior of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 also utilizes the original Dodge Challenger – and the more recent Challenger concept car – for inspiration, while offering consumers a wide array of modern amenities and interior finishes.

Interior 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 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.

The trapezoidal theme of the door and gauge cluster, the dark headliner and the slanted shifter console are all based directly on the original Dodge Challenger.

A limited-edition, numbered dash plaque, SRT8 badging, a titanium weave instrument panel and center cluster bezel are featured on 2008 Challenger SRT8 models.

Standard on the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is a 13-speaker Kicker High Performance audio system that features a 322-watt amplifier and 200-watt subwoofer, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. A MyGIG infotainment system is also available.

Engineering

 * 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8® is the ultimate factory-built performance muscle coupe
 * Boasts a 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 engine that produces 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque
 * Derived from successful Dodge Charger platform
 * World-class ride and handling characteristics make the all-new Dodge Challenger potent on the track and a pleasure on the street
 * Benchmark braking performance from 60–0 mph in approximately 110 feet

The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is the ultimate performance muscle coupe. The two-door, 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 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 across a dynamic range.

"The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is the ultimate modern muscle car – built by gearheads for gearheads," said Kipp Owen – Director, Street and Racing Technology Engineering. "SRT understands what customers want in a performance car, and with the Challenger SRT8, we will exceed their expectations."

Suspension
Built on a unibody construction, the all-new 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.

The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 sports a five-link Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). IRS offers a better ride by allowing for independent tuning of the ride and handling characteristics. Multiple links maintain independent control of camber and toe during suspension movement. Lower unsprung mass offers a better ride and the decoupling of left and right wheels over road imperfections maintains better tire contact with the ground and results in better ride comfort. Multiple bushings in the IRS offer the flexibility to tune for ride and comfort. In addition, stabilizer bar attachments to the knuckles provide maximum response to vehicle lean.

"The original Dodge Challenger was best known for its straight-line prowess at the drag strip," said Owen. "The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 not only lives up to that heritage, but was engineered to offer world-class ride and handling characteristics when on the street, at a drag strip or at a road course."

SRT-exclusive fully-forged 20-inch Alcoa aluminum wheels with 4-season Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires are standard for 2008. Three-season Goodyear F1 Supercar tires are available.

Powertrain

 * 0–60 MPH: Low 5 Seconds
 * 0–100-0 MPH: Under 17 Seconds
 * ¼-MILE: Under 14 Seconds
 * SKID PAD: 0.88 G
 * 60–0 MPH: Approximately 110 Feet

The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8's 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque is a result of SRT's exclusive, proven 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 engine, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick®.

The normally aspirated 6.1-liter HEMI 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.

Three sets of planetary gears provide the individual transmission ratios, while six friction clutches and two overrunning clutches select them. An aggressive first gear ratio provides outstanding launch performance. AutoStick gives the driver the ability to select a higher or lower gear while the transmission controller calibration prevents fuel shutoff during power shifts.

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.

Braking
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.

Safety

 * Advanced Multistage Air Bags: Inflates with a force appropriate to the severity of an impact. Meets FMVSS 208 advanced air bag requirements for small out-of-position occupants
 * All-speed Traction Control: Senses drive-wheel slip and applies individual brakes to a slipping wheel(s), and reduces excess engine power until traction is regained
 * Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions – advanced ABS modulates the four brakes individually for optimum control and stopping performance
 * Auto-reverse Window: Automatically engages and reverses the window to the down position when an obstacle that restricts glass movement is detected
 * BeltAlert: Periodically activates a chime and illuminates an icon in the instrument cluster to remind the driver to buckle up if a vehicle is driven without the driver being properly belted
 * Brake Assist: In a panic brake condition, the system applies maximum braking power, providing the shortest possible stopping distance
 * Child Seat Anchor System: Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) is designed to ease installation of compatible aftermarket child seats
 * Constant Force Retractors (CFR): Distribute force or load exerted on a seatbelt, and then gradually release the seatbelt webbing in a controlled manner
 * Crumple Zones: Designed to compress during an accident in order to absorb energy from an impact, decreasing transfer of that energy to occupants
 * Digressive Load Limiting Retractors: A two-stage load-limiting feature to limit the maximum force on the belt webbing in order to help absorb the energy of the occupant's upper torso during an impact
 * Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability under all conditions. Provides the greatest benefit in critical driving situations, such as turns, and is especially valuable when driving on mixed surface conditions including snow, ice or gravel. If there's a discernible difference between what the driver asks through the steering wheel and the vehicle's path, ESP applies selective braking and throttle input to put the vehicle back onto the driver's intended path
 * Energy-absorbing Steering Column: The manual-adjust steering column utilizes two hydroformed coaxial tubes that move relative to each other in order to allow the column to move forward for enhanced energy-absorption during an impact
 * Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): Makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants in the event of an accident by turning on interior lights and unlocking doors after air bag deployment. Also shuts off the flow of fuel to the engine
 * Height-adjustable Seatbelts: Allows the driver and front passenger to raise and lower the shoulder belt. Encourages seatbelt usage by offering a comfortable fit
 * High-intensity Discharge (HID) Headlamps: Provide approximately three times the light output of conventional reflector lamps for improved nighttime illumination
 * HomeLink® Universal Home Security System Transceiver: Stores three separate transmitter radio frequency codes to operate garage door openers, security gates, security lighting or other radio-controlled devices
 * Interior Head-impact Protection: Interior pillars above the belt line and instrument panel, including areas around windshield and rear window headers, roof and side-rail structures and shoulder belt turning loops are specifically designed to limit head impact force
 * Inside Emergency Trunk Release: A glow-in-the-dark release handle, which can be activated in the event of an adult or child being inadvertently trapped inside the trunk
 * Knee Bolsters: The lower instrument panel and the glove box door are designed to properly position the occupant, enabling air bags to work effectively
 * Remote Keyless Entry: Locks and unlocks doors, and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle-theft security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system
 * Safety Cage Body Structure: Protects occupants by managing and controlling energy in the event of an impact
 * Seatbelt Pretensioners: During a collision, impact sensors initiate front seatbelt pretensioners to immediately remove slack from seatbelts, thereby reducing the forward movement of occupants' heads and torsos
 * Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer: Utilizes an engine key that has an embedded transponder with a pre-programmed security code to discourage vehicle theft. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the controller sends a random number to the transponder and the engine is allowed to start. If an incorrect key is used, the engine will shut off after only a few seconds
 * Side Guard Door Beams: In front and rear doors, provides occupant protection during a side impact
 * Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags: Extends protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor in order to autonomously trigger the air bag on the side where an impact occurs
 * Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM): Pressure-sensor modules within the valve stems of all four road wheels send continuous radio frequency signals to a receiver and the system informs occupants when tire pressure is too low
 * UConnect® Hands Free Communication System: Uses Bluetooth® technology to provide voice-controlled wireless communication between the occupants' compatible mobile phones and the vehicle's onboard receiver
 * Vehicle Theft Security Alarm: Deters vandalism and theft, frequently lowering insurance premiums. System protects the vehicle from theft by monitoring door-ajar switches and the ignition circuit for unauthorized

Super Stock
To further commemorate the legacy of the 392, Chrysler Group and Mopar are unveiling a SEMA first: a concept vehicle tricked out just for SEMA. From Detroits 2006 North American International Auto Show and a year before its production debut, the stunning Dodge Challenger Super Stock with 392 HEMI by Mopar.

There was really only one vehicle choice to showcase our new crate motor the bold, powerful and capable, Dodge Challenger, said Cortez.

One of the most iconic muscle cars of the 1970s, it debuted in the fall of 1969 as a 1970 model. Although it was only produced from 1970 to 1974 (188,600 sold), the Dodge Challenger earned a reputation as one of the most desirable of the original pony cars, with meticulously restored and rare examples today selling for six-figure prices.

The Challenger went racing in its first year and HEMI-powered Challengers tore up the drag strips across the country in the SCCA Trans-am series and NHRA Pro Stock classes. In 1971, a Dodge Challenger paced the Indianapolis 500.

The HEMI legacy lives on, said Cortez. But this Dodge Challenger Super Stock concept will no doubt bring that legacy to a whole new generation.

Photos
As of December 2007, official teaser shots of the production Challenger SRT8 have surfaced on the internet.