Dodge’s entry-level version of its new Challenger muscle car — the SE — will start at $21,320 (not including the $675 destination charge) when it goes on sale this fall. The 2008 version, which only came in the high-powered SRT8 trim level, is pretty much sold out, and it hasn’t even reached most dealerships yet. For 2009, there are three trim levels, all priced below.
Dodge went out and created one of the most retro car designs that the industry has seen, and man did it hit the nail on the head with the exterior look. The 2008 Dodge Challenger debuted at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, but last week was the first time I had a chance to take it out for a spin on the streets. This car gets better-looking every time I see it. Its lines are straight out of 1970, from the pinched grille and round headlights to the slight spoiler and wide-tail backside. The rear pillar angle frames the short, wide front window, and the low (and very tall) bumpers make the back and front of the car stretch on forever. My only beef? The interior is decent but pretty bland. Too much hard plastic on the dash and not enough metal and wood. I’m also amazed at the depth of the front seats and their side bolsters. But forget about the inside. The long hood with racing stripes and air vents adds a snarl that will make any other car on the road look like a kitten.
There’s a full set of photos below. Make sure you let me know what you think of the Challenger’s design in the comments section.
This might be the first review Cars.com has ever run of a car that is completely sold out. If you haven’t already put down money on a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, you probably won’t be able to find one – without a huge markup, anyway. Still, senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder’s review is a great read right from the start, and the car will remain virtually unchanged for 2009. And yes, you can sign up for a 2009 now and expect delivery in the fall.
Chrysler says all 6,400 copies of its Dodge Challenger that will be built and sold for the 2008 model year have been spoken for: The return of the '70s muscle car is totally sold out.
Now that the 2008s have all been snarfed up, it's time to get in line to get your hands on a 2009 model, which will arrive this fall.
If you're dying for a 2008, though, and don't mind shopping on eBay, 28 of those 6,400 sold-out 2008 SRT8 Challengers just happen to have come out of hiding and are listed for sale — 24 of them by dealers — on the site.
Spurred by high gas prices, Dodge unexpectedly sped the introduction of a V-6 version of the 2009 Challenger, a model that could account for 40% or more of Challenger sales. The Challenger SE, powered by a 3.5-liter V-6, joined the much-anticipated 2009 Challenger R/T — which uses a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 — on stage at the New York auto show. Come fall 2008, those versions will join the current Challenger SRT8, which has a 6.1-liter version of the Hemi V-8 and is the sole trim level available as a 2008.
While Dodge expects the R/T trim level to be the volume seller, Bryan Zvibelman, Chrysler Group's manager of car, minivan and truck product communications, says the model's appeal is broad enough to attract buyers who are less interested in speed. "The look of the car is a big part of its appeal, and people will be happy to have that for just over $20,000," he said. That rough price refers to the base SE trim level; the SRT8 stickers for $37,320.
If you're a fan of the Dodge Challenger's retro looks but are frightened by the SRT8's price tag and fuel-sucking ways, then your Challenger has arrived at the New York auto show. The 250-hp V-6 in the base SE might not have the burnout-ability of a Challenger SRT8, but it gets 18/25 mpg city/highway when teamed with a four-speed automatic transmission, and it still looks the part of its more powerful big brother.
There's also a new R/T, which offers a blend of performance and gas mileage with its 375-hp V-8 and 15/23 mpg rating with the manual transmission. R/Ts with the automatic transmission feature cylinder-deactivation technology to save gas and gain 1 mpg in the city.
Official pricing hasn't been announced, but Dodge says its lineup of Challengers will start in the low-$20,000 range. That's a big discount from the 2008 SRT8's near-$40,000 price tag, really upping the coupe's accessibility for buyers on a budget. More photos of the newly introduced trims are below.
Related:
2008 New York Auto Show: 2009 Dodge Challenger SE, R/T
It was just a month ago that Dodge rolled out the high-powered Challenger SRT8 production car. Since that car had been shown as a concept, Dodge has said it would keep the Challenger low-volume and V-8. We expected the R/T model’s 370 hp engine, but we’re surprised that the company is going to produce a less-powerful V-6 trim level, the SE.
The good news is that the Challenger R/T will be the first of the modern day Hemi-powered muscle cars — Chrysler 300C, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Charger — that will sport a manual transmission. It will have a six-speed manual that bumps power to 375 hp from 370 with 0-60 mph times under six seconds. The Challenger SRT8 will get a six-speed manual for the 2009 model year, as well as a limited slip differential.
The bad news? We’re disappointed that Dodge decided it had to produce a V-6 powered Challenger. The new SE will feature the same 250 hp V-6 found in the Avenger R/T. The problem is that the Challenger’s weight will bog down a pretty hum-drum powerplant and transmission.
The SRT8 will be out this spring while R/T and SE shoppers will have to wait until fall. There are more pictures below and only one of the SE. We’ll secure some more photos in person when the cars debut on the show floor in New York.
There’s absolutely no question that the Chicago Auto Show’s press days were overpowered by one car and one car alone — the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. Senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder aptly summed up why it won the nod as best in show: “Among all the downsizing and fuel-efficiency news of the day — necessary as it may be — it's nice to have something at the show to get the blood boiling.”
Amen. If you’ve already hit the Chicago Auto Show, let us know what impressed you most.
Related
Video: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
2008 Chicago Auto Show: Winners and Losers
Through Ian's Lens: 2008 Chicago Auto Show Muscle Cars
Unquestionably the biggest star of this year’s Chicago Auto Show was the Dodge Challenger SRT8. The muscle car begins its limited run later this year, but senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder spends some up-close time with the coupe in the first video to the left.
In the second video, Joe explains what makes the Challenger worthy of its SRT8 designation. Here’s a little hint: 425-hp, 6.1-liter V-8 that hits 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Yeah, fast. And if you get it in black, it looks realllly mean. Oh, and did we mention there are burnouts in the video? Don't forget, you can share both Video 1 and Video 2 via YouTube.
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2008 Chicago Auto Show Coverage (Cars.com)
Dodge Challenger News (KickingTires)
So I started off this year's Chicago Auto Show with one goal in mind for this feature: Photograph the 2008 Dodge Challenger. That goal? It was achieved with smashing success. Dodge even put three different-colored models on the floor for us to crawl around in. After fighting off crowds of onlookers and pushing my way to the front of the pack of gawkers, I decided it was time to give the domestic car companies their due by producing a Through Ian's Lens post that highlights my three favorite modern muscle cars. So without boring you with more jibber jabber about design lines and aesthetic mumbo jumbo, here are the 2008 Dodge Challenger, the 2008 Ford Mustang GT500 KR, and the Chevrolet Camaro "Bumble Bee" concept. A full set of photos is below.
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