2008 Dodge Challenger - The Return of an Icon
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The Dodge Challenger was reintroduced in 2008 as a modern interpretation of a classic American muscle coupe. The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, an ultimate performance muscle coupe, was designed by the automaker’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division. While the two-door, rear-wheel drive Challenger is based on the Dodge Charger sedan platform, there are some major differences between the two. To start with the Challenger is four inches shorter than the Charger. 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. Although the original Challenger lasted only five model years, it became one of the most storied muscle car nameplates in automotive history. 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. Echoing the original Challenger is this Challenger's dual "carbon-fiber" hood stripes. Air conditioning, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, cruise control, and electronic stability control come standard. Dodge only built 6,400 for 2008, and only in the high SRT8 trim level. The two-door's competition includes the Ford Mustang, Nissan 350Z and upcoming Chevrolet Camaro.
Dodge Challenger Power
Although more powertrians and models are now available, the 2008Challenger was only offered as an SRT8, meaning a 6.1-liter HEMI V8 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift control is its sole powertrain. The engine gets 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. As in all the other Chrysler and Dodge SRT8 models, this engine does without the fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation technology of the smaller Hemi. The performance "targets" were a 0-60 mph time in the low fives, a quarter-mile in less than 14 seconds, at least 0.88 g's on the skidpad and a 60-0 mph stopping time of about 110 feet. To make the SRT8 trackworthy, engineers employed a multilink short and long arm suspension up front. In the back, the Challenger sports a five-link independent suspension with multiple bushings, allowing it to be tuned for ride or comfort. The brakes are Brembo four-piston calipers at all four wheels, with 14.2-inch vented discs in front and 13.8-inch discs in the rear.
2008 Challenger Design
Unlike the Charger sedan, which borrowed only a name from the muscle-car era, the Challenger was designed after the 1970 model and is unmistakably the Challenger from any angle. It has a broad grille and rear-end treatments, for 2008 three colors were offered. On the Hemi Orange and Bright Silver Metallic models, the black rocker panels and bumper extensions make the car appear to ride higher than it actually does, recalling the classic Challenger. Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat makes it look lower and sleeker. The true dual exhaust ends in chromed rectangular tailpipes tucked into notches in the bumper. Exterior proportions evoke a bold, instantly recognizable vehicle that has a wide, stable stance on the road. 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. Carbon-fiber-patterned racing stripes on the hood are standard, as are two vents alongside the center ridge that cool the engine compartment. A semigloss finish on the rear spoiler also hails from the classic era. Twenty-inch aluminum wheels are standard.
Driving the Challenger
The ’08 Challenger gets four-piston Brembo calipers. Unlike the Mustang, the Challenger has an independent rear suspension. It's sport-tuned for handling, but Dodge says its ride quality is comfortable. Goodyear F1 Supercar summer performance tires are optional. Challenger drivers must settle for the AutoStick clutchless-manual mode. 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. 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. Built on a unibody construction, the used 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.
Dodge Challenger Cabin
A black headliner (ceiling fabric) pays homage to the classic Challenger, but the interior otherwise emulates the Charger's — specifically the SRT8 trim level, which itself has exclusive materials and prominently bolstered leather sport seats with accent stitching and embroidered SRT8 logos. Each of the limited-production 2008 models will have a dashboard plaque displaying its number in the production run. 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. Standard and optional modern amenities include a premium stereo, Sirius Satellite Radio, a navigation system and MyGIG, an advanced entertainment system.
Conclusions
The return of the Challenger was an exciting event for many, whether they were fans of the past Challengers or drivers looking forward to the chance of driving a modern day muscle car. Optional equipment includes navigation radio, sunroof, and performance tires. Additional powertrains are forecasted but not yet offered. The safety feature complement includes side curtain airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system with traction control. Xenon headlights are standard. The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vehicles was manufactured at Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario, Canada assembly plant. Developed by Chrysler's in-house performance engineering organization, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 was engineered with a focus on 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.
