The Dodge Challenger SRT8 makes a grand comeback at 2008 Chicago Auto Show after a hiatus of 35 years and just a couple of years after the 2006 Detroit Auto Show where it was featured as a concept car. A muscle car essentially, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers brute American power with mega horsepower, minimal signature lines based on cues from the original and blazing colors and bright graphics (i really like it in the bright orange which was on display, very funky)

Actually, a remix of ‘70s legendary car, SRT8 comes with many obvious and minor changes. To enhance the typical characteristic of muscle cars of having exceptionally wider front and back ends, designers had to increase the front and rear tracks to 64 and 65 inches respectively. Now they have become wider than LX, infact wider than ‘70s model!

The SRT8 sits on a 116 inch wheelbase, about 6 inches longer than it’s predecessor. The signature side view accent line or the ‘thrust line’ is raised to a slightly higher level rising just ahead of the rear wheel. The 20 inch-front and 21-inch rear, 5 spoke chrome wheels are intended to give the car that 70’s perfect muscular stance!

The front end features four headlamps deeply recessed into the car wide cavity. Rear end encompasses a full width neon light bar. Both the front and rear end lamps are surrounded by carbon fiber coatings. Slim rectangular side markers are at the ends of the car, much similar to the original. Finally at the bottom, exhaust outlets are more traditional dual rectangular ones which look fabulous.

The Challenger SRT8 is basically intended for 4 passengers being a 2 door hardtop true to the Challenger heritage while offering modern tech and driver/passenger amenities. The interior gets black leather with satin silver accents and narrow orange ribbons on the seats and a leather wrapped steering with glazed silver plated spokes. The dash is rather spartan true to the retro effect. So, a combination of head spinning performance, unmistakable design cues reminiscent of the original Challenger, improved ride and handling characteristics and benchmark braking have made this retro muscle car fit to hit the American streets all over again.

Manufactured at Chrysler’s Brampton, Ontario, Canada assembly plant the Dodge Challenger SRT8 is available at U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $37,995. American Muscle is Back!

General Specifications
Engine: HEMI 90 V 8
Engine Location: Front, Longitudinally mounted
Displacement: 6.059 liter / 369.7 cu in
Gearbox: 6 speed Manual
Drive: Rear Wheel
Weight: 4166.7 lbs

Performance:

Power: 425 bhp / 317 KW @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 569 Nm / 420 ft lbs @ 4800 rpm
BHP/Liter: 70 bhp / liter
Power to weight ratio 220 bhp / ton.