I have never been hit on so many times in my life.
It came in the form of a very direct: “You gotta boyfriend?” To the fishing: “Your significant other must love your job.”
2008 Dodge Challenger
New Challenger has best of both worlds
Engine: 6.1-liter Hemi V-8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Horsepower: 425
Torque: 420 lb-ft
Drivetrain: RWD
Wheelbase: 116 inches
Height: 57 inches
Length: 197.7 inches
Width: 75.7 inches
MPG (city/hwy): 13/18
Base price: $40,095
As tested: $41,985
My favorite, however, was the guy who kept edging closer during our conversation, then suddenly blurted out as his elbow brushed my arm: “I mean you’re attractive anyway, but the car just seals the deal.”
“The car” was a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. In Hemi Orange.
It didn’t matter where I was, from Michigan Avenue to an Office Depot parking lot, the car attracted a lot of attention.
In fact, after I was late for a meeting on the first day of the test drive, I quickly learned that I had to add in “Challenger Time” whenever I got near the car. This amounted to an extra 15 or 20 minutes for any trip I was going to take because it was guaranteed that someone was going to stop me to ask about the Challenger.
I was on Ontario in traffic when a guy walked up to the car and knocked on the passenger window. I was on the highway traveling 70 mph when an SUV loaded with people honked at me ferociously, rolled down the window and yelled: “I love your car!” I was driving down LaSalle Street travelling 20 mph when a guy in a Mustang paced himself with me and asked: “Is this out yet?”
You get the idea. Sometimes, 15 to 20 minutes wasn’t enough Challenger Time.
And no matter where I was, out came the cameras and picture phones. One guy even held his cell phone out of the sunroof – while trying to drive – to snap a shot of the Challenger on the highway.
I’ve had a smattering of attention in other hot new cars in the past, namely the Ford Thunderbird and the Chevrolet SSR, but the stalkerlike following this car attracted during the test week beat everything I’ve ever seen.
And it’s no wonder since the 2008 model has a limited run of 6,400 units, which were pretty much all spoken for before they were even built. The good news, however, is that the 2009 models are just around the corner, showing up in dealerships this fall.
The even better news is that 2009 brings a full model lineup starting with the base SE that has a high-output 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 250 horsepower and starts at $21,995. The mid-level R/T will start at $29,995 and upgrades to a 5.7-liter, 370 horsepower V-8 Hemi engine. The SRT8, complete with racing stripes and 6.1-liter, 425 horsepower V-8 Hemi engine, will also return as a 2009 model with a price tag of $39,995.
For 2008, the Challenger is only offered as an SRT8 model, and it is cloaked in an aura of collectors’ bliss. In fact, for those lucky enough to get one, each car bears a plaque stating what number it is out of the 6,400.
The 2008 SRT8 test vehicle had a base price of $37,995. But (and that’s a big BUT) the hefty Hemi engine and poor fuel economy necessitate a Gas Guzzler Tax of $2,100. So, the “real” base price of the car is $40,095. The test car was stacked with all the available options, including power sunroof ($950), MyGig multimedia system with GPS navigation ($890) and performance tires ($50), so the final price rang in at $41,985.
The all-new Challenger has an interesting dichotomy of being completely retro in the styling, yet thoroughly modern at the same time. Looking at pictures of the 1970s era Challenger and the 2008 model, you can see the same exterior lines and similar grille and headlight treatment on both cars. I even had a few people come up and ask if the test vehicle was new or old.
But slipping inside, you see the technology of today. The iPod input jack, Sirius Satellite Radio, UConnect Bluetooth hands-free phone pairing and navigation all worked intuitively. The voice recognition on the nav system worked fairly well, but I was annoyed that when speaking the word “Chicago” it only gave me options for Chicago Ridge and Chicago Heights. It wasn’t until I spelled out Chicago that it became an option on my selection list.
The one tech feature I did not like was the smart key. To me, the point of going “keyless” is not only the push-button keyless start but also the keyless entry. That way you can keep the key in your purse, briefcase or pocket the entire time. But with this key on the test car, you had to use the fob to unlock the doors or pop the trunk. Then you had to set it in a cup holder or put it back in your purse to drive because there was no specific key holder in the car. Thus I was constantly rooting through my purse to find the key and then putting it away again.
The overall interior design from the optional navigation system to the HVAC dials was relatively simple. All the vehicle controls were easy to reach, and I was particularly fond of the old-style white gauges behind the steering wheel. The SRT8 sport seats with suede inserts were heavily bolstered and mostly comfortable. Because of my far-forward position, the side bolsters hit my elbows when I turned the steering wheel. I asked male friends to check their comfort behind the wheel, and they were fine.
The SRT8 model also comes with “Performance Pages” that can clock your 0-to-60 mph times, your quarter mile and your 60-to-0 braking among other things. Unfortunately the test period didn’t provide an opportunity to submit these gauges to testing as I was on regular streets with regular cars the entire time.
Since I couldn’t claim it was the other Hemi Orange Dodge Challenger SRT8 doing the damage, I was overly careful in observing all laws and speed limits … give or take a few mph. And believe me, that bright orange paint was like a beacon that not only said “Give me a ticket” but also called out to all your would-be hot rodders who wanted to challenge me to a race.
The one thing that surprised me about the 6.1-liter Hemi in the test vehicle was the sound of the engine. It was more of a quiet purr than the loud roar I expected. When driving at a constant speed, you’re hard pressed to hear any engine noise at all, especially with the windows up. When you really floor it, however, the gratifying, heart-thudding sound kicks in.
And when the sound kicks in, the Challenger begins to fly. The best part of my daily commute was getting on the interstate from Kedzie, stopping at the bottom of the onramp and then pushing the pedal to the floor. The roar of the engine and the pure free flight of the car was beautiful.
I had the test car for five days and did a lot of driving, including a couple of long highway treks. While the EPA estimates city/highway fuel economy of 13/18 mpg, I actually averaged 20.2 mpg.
With an overall length of 197.7 inches, the Challenger is no petite little roadster. And even though the power height-adjustable driver’s seat allowed me to get a great driving position, it was still a little difficult to see over the front end. The bumper is also a bit deceiving because it sticks out a couple inches over the hood. So, when I was parking next to a wall, I had to be very careful not to get too close.
With the large length comes a very large turning radius. I have a very tight parking area at home, and it was with great care that I pulled into the lot and maneuvered around the other cars each day. When getting into or out of my spot, I very often had to do a three-, four- or five-point turn to maneuver without hitting anything.
Turing radius aside, the Challenger was a blast to drive. And the entertainment value of watching people who were watching the car was priceless. I knew the Challenger was going to get looks and double takes, but I was completely unprepared for the absolute following it would have.
While I would absolutely say this is a man’s modern muscle car, I would also put it out there for the ladies to consider. Not only is it a sweet ride, but it also appears to be a bit of a date magnet.
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