Classic Challengers of ’70 –’71 vintage are some of the hottest collectable muscle cars around. Demand for those original high-performance versions far exceeds supply, and classic examples are fetching record auction prices. So, if you want to get a taste of the original, Dodge is serving up an improved recipe.
My experience with the Challenger goes back all the way to the original. Actually, the Challenger’s brother, the Plymouth ‘Cuda -- a speedy but needy 1973 model -- was the first car I ever owned. Both Challenger and ‘Cuda utilized the same drivetrains, underpinnings and a great deal of interior and exterior bits and pieces. The biggest difference, however, was exterior styling and the fact that Challenger had a greater overall length.
2008 Dodge Challenger
Get your motor runnin’
Owning a real ‘Cuda in high school was a great coup as I somehow managed to convince my parents that a car with a 340 cubic-inch, 4bbl, V-8 with a SlapStik automatic was a terrific choice for a young driver. See, my parents were wise to Mustangs, Camaros and even the GTOs so I had to go a different route.
I eventually had to sell that car (for double what I paid for it) and always regretted it, figuring I would never be able to find another. Now I don’t want to.
Why make do with roll up windows, skinny tires, weak brakes, terrible gas mileage, heavy front weight bias and vinyl seats when I can have modern safety systems, superior brakes and gobs of horsepower and torque with improved gas mileage?
Recently, I had the opportunity drive the re-born Challenger on some twisty California mountain roads and then wring it out at Willow Springs Raceway.
Dodge created the top Challenger model using their in-house performance engineering organization SRT. Dodge states that the Challenger SRT8 was engineered with a focus on the five pillars required of every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.
For power, the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 fits the bill nicely with 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque at the tip of your toe. This engine is the highest naturally aspirated specific-output V-8 engine ever offered by Chrysler. Its 69.8 horsepower-per-liter rating even tops the 1966 “Street HEMI.”
For the 2008 model run, the SRT8 is only available with a five-speed automatic, but it is up to the task. If you must have a manual, a six is coming for 2009. I’ve never been a fan of the Autostick transmission, but in the Challenger it almost works as it provided surprisingly sharp, quick shifts and worked pretty well with the engine’s power. When working the shift lever for Autostick operation, however, I found it to be too far back on the console. Also, if you’re going the retro route, how about a pistol grip shifter option? Aftermarket: Please take note.
Like its muscle car ancestors, the SRT8 has a fondness for fuel at 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. I could not accurately gauge mileage numbers during the press preview because I had on my heavy shoes that day.
Firing up the Challenger does not produce a satisfying roar of the engine or the MOPAR starter whine of old. Challenger’s exhaust note seems sedanlike until you punch the gas; then a nice rumble occurs. Dodge engineers indicated that the exhaust note barely meets noise level requirements at idle.
Pulling out of the parking lot, a light tap on the accelerator produced some rear tire squeal until the traction control took over. For some real fun, switch it off then prepare for a cloudy day.
On the fairly flat southern California roads the ride was surprisingly smooth, controlled and comfortable. Hit some rough stuff, and 20-inch tires and suspension settings are less favorable.
It was a pleasure thundering down the freeway on-ramps and hearing the HEMI open up. This car is wicked fast, and you can unintentionally (or intentionally) find yourself over the century mark very quickly.
Carving a path through the mountains was also a satisfying experience. The Challenger seemed bent on proving it was a smaller, more nimble car, and it did better than anticipated, staying glued to the pavement during some quick cornering and acceleration actions. The SRT suspension tuning and the optional Goodyear F1 Supercar tires on the test car were the difference.
At Willow Springs we were really given the opportunity to put this car to the test. On the track, the SRT-tuned suspension had decent bite. The suspension worked hard to compensate for the Challenger’s 4,140 pounds. There is a little body roll just like the original, and at high speed the steering still requires lots of input.
If you’re not experienced, the suspension’s altitude changes can be unnerving when accelerating through quick rises flowed by sharp turn-ins. If you get in a little over your head, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), all-speed traction control and brake assist can help you recover.
To check on your performance, the SRT-exclusive Reconfigurable Display (RCD) with Performance Pages can provides feedback on your track activities for 0-to-60 mph time, 60-to-0 mph braking, g-forces and quarter-mile time.
One great thing about SRT cars is that they are not governed. Dodge claims a top speed of about 157 mph flat out on a long straight. I could only safely coax the test car to a top speed of 122 mph on Willow Springs’ front stretch.
Back on the street the Challenger’s curb appeal was undeniable as young and old gave us thumbs up. The black versions look extremely sinister. HEMI Orange and Metallic silver are the other paint choices for 2008.
Slipping behind the wheel, you are immediately swallowed up by the massive and highly bolstered SRT seats. I had plenty of room, but the optional sunroof with its headliner bulge does affect headroom. Visibility is good for front passengers. I actually fit in the back but I felt stuffed in, and visibility is poor. Legroom is also in short supply. On the plus side, the rear seats fold forward to provide access to a decent sized trunk.
If you don’t like black interiors, then look elsewhere as that is all that is offered for 2008. The gauges are a little on the small side but tightly grouped. The dash did have a bit of the first-generation look to it. The biggest disappointment was the boring spoke steering wheel that was lifted from the Charger.
I had high hopes for this car, and surprisingly it exceeded them. This is one notable instance where the sequel bests the original.
Challenger is far from a perfect vehicle, but it is great alternative to the ho-hum sedans and under-powered front-wheel drive coupes on the market.
Dodge has priced the SRT8 version at $37,995 (including $675 destination), but good luck finding one for that price as only 6,400 will be produced for 2008, and Dodge received orders for 11,000.
So, once again I find myself having to convince someone that a Challenger would be a terrific family car. This time I have to convince my lovely bride that adding yet another car to the family stable is completely logical.
DriveLive around Chicago in a VW Eos
