As we revealed a few days ago, the first Dodge Challengers to go on sale will only be 2008 SRT8 models. Today we've learned that those 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8s will carry an MSRP of $37,995 (including $675 for destination) and that dealers will begin taking orders for them as early as December 3rd. That's next Monday, people. If you were expecting to have the whole month of December to convince your domestic partner that a Challenger is much more important than Christmas presents, the deadline for that convincing argument has just been moved up.
The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will be available in three colors: Black, Silver and HEMI Orange. All will feature the same carbon fiber hood stripes as the concept vehicle, as well. The iconic muscle car that looks poised to beat the Chevy Camaro to market by a good margin is, of course, powered by a 6.1L HEMI V8 that's available with a 5-speed automatic or six-speed manual (though prior reports state you need to wait for the '09 for the latter). While power figures have yet to be revealed, this engine makes 425 horsepower in other SRT8 vehicles.
Stay tuned to us for more info on the 2008 Dodge Challenger as it becomes available, which we promise will be soon. We expect pricing for the rest of the lineup to be announced sometime around the Detroit Auto Show in January. Also check out the Dodge brand's official blog called Red Letter Dodge, as we find information gets posted there first usually.
[Source: Dodge]
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PRESS RELEASE:
Dodge Announces Pricing for All-new 2008 Challenger SRT8®
Dodge Challenger SRT8 available for $37,995
- The American muscle coupe is back, packed with modern technology and innovation
- Demand for contemporary version of iconic pony car drives Dodge to accept orders for the 2008 Challenger SRT8® beginning Dec. 3, 2007
- Introduction begins with limited-edition Dodge Challenger SRT8 models – each with numbered dash plaque
- Complete, broader Challenger lineup details and pricing still to come
- 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 models feature 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 and are available in Black, Silver or HEMI Orange
Due to unprecedented demand, Dodge dealers will begin taking orders on Dec. 3 for the limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 models. Each will feature a numbered dash plaque and a 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 engine. 2008 Challenger SRT8 models will be available in Black, Silver and HEMI Orange. All will feature dual "carbon-fiber" hood stripes, harkening back to the original Dodge Challenger.
"The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers pure American pony-car muscle," said James Press, Vice Chairman & President – Chrysler LLC. "With styling that stays true to Challenger's original heritage, an abundance of modern amenities and cutting-edge technology, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will deliver the SRT credo of benchmark performance at a tremendous value.
"The Challenger SRT8 is only the beginning of the story, as we'll soon follow with a complete lineup of Challenger models that will offer a wide array of features and deliver outstanding value for our customers," Press added.
Customers may begin placing orders at their Dodge dealer on Monday, Dec. 3. They can expect to take delivery of their vehicle next spring.
The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will be built at the Chrysler Canada Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario, on the same assembly line with the Dodge Charger, Charger SRT8, Magnum, Magnum SRT8, Chrysler 300 and Chrysler 300 SRT8 vehicles.
Pricing for the complete all-new Dodge Challenger lineup will be announced at a later date.
SRT performance vehicles – including the Dodge Viper SRT10, Dodge Caliber SRT4, Dodge Magnum SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, Chrysler 300C SRT8, Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8, and now, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 – are engineered by Chrysler's in-house performance organization: Street and Racing Technology.
The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 showcases the renowned, five key aspects of every SRT vehicle: exterior styling that resonates with the brand image; race-inspired interiors; world-class ride and handling characteristics across a broad range; benchmark braking; and standout powertrain. The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will unquestionably deliver in all five areas.
Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC's best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share.
Recently, Dodge introduced the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel 'n Go™ seating system. Dodge is entering key European volume segments with Nitro, Caliber and Avenger. The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey will debut in 2008 calendar year, and will be available outside North America in both left- and right-hand drive in mid-2008. Also in 2008, Dodge will introduce its modern muscle car the all-new Dodge Challenger.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Andrew @ Nov 29th 2007 8:42AM
Hmmmm...that seems like a lot of cash. Also, aren't all the first ones coming with an automatic?
It would be nice to drive one first before ordering.
500 @ Nov 29th 2007 12:35PM
Have any of you people so quick to dismiss the Challenger ever DRIVEN a 425-hp Dodge SRT8? The free-breathing Hemi rumble is intoxicating, the acceleration is exhilarating (an understatement.) And half the fun is marveling that something so big and heavy can go so fast and handle so well. I've driven faster cars, but try to drive one of these without having a smile plastered on your face the whole time. $37,995 is less than what I expected; I'll be looking for an end-of-year deal when my Mercedes lease is up in late 2008.
SilverFish65 @ Feb 16th 2008 12:52AM
Dealers are getting 25K over MSRP in the SF Bay area. All 2008's are automatics, so it'll be a 2009 for me (the lack of a manual is a deal-breaker for me), or even a 2010 if they don't release the high impact colors until the end of the 2009 run.
Cheers!
Sebastian @ Nov 29th 2007 8:52AM
Isn't it too expensive? It is not even good looking
Chad @ Nov 29th 2007 8:57AM
I'll agree with the expensive part. Especially since it's most likely going to have the cheap plastic Dodge interior. But not good looking?? Perhaps you should schedule an Optometrist appointment.
rar @ Nov 29th 2007 9:39AM
The price is in line with other STR8. The msrp on a Charger SRT8 is $39,000. For me, I will have to wait until the R/T comes out.
Samantha @ Nov 29th 2007 8:53AM
Would love to get my hands on the stick of that 6-speed manual with 425hp. mmmmmm.
Alberto Torres @ Nov 29th 2007 8:57AM
Charger != Challenger, just so you know.
Pete @ Nov 29th 2007 8:59AM
It's the SRT 8 kids, that performance isn't cheap.
The SRT 8 Grand Cherokee is 40k.
The SRT 8 300c is even higher.
The price is just fine. If you want the manual then wait til 09. I have no doubt that there will be no prob selling all the AT models.
Frylock350 @ Nov 29th 2007 10:34AM
Uh the Camaro will offer 400hp + for significantly cheaper. Plus it'll be lighter.
mark_welby @ Nov 29th 2007 9:10AM
It's out of my league, but I don't think it's priced badly at all, being an SRT-8. I'm guessing V6 models will start around $21,500 and standard Hemi ones at $26,000 or so...
I'm betting the initial dealer markup will be a joke though, they'll laugh all the way to the bank on the $$$ of those that need to have things first.
Guenther @ Nov 29th 2007 9:23AM
If the regular Hemi will be available with a manual trans, that'll be the scorching hot seller. Affordable out of the gate, with awesome hot-rodding potential.
Sebastian- the beauty in this car is not in elegant crurves and delicate features, like on 60's Ferrari's or Jag E-Types and Alfa's and the Merc. CLS of today. Its in its un-ashamed, iconic, retro design. There's history to this thing. I wonder how many of these we'll see with temporary Confederate flags at the Woodward cruise next year.
010111 @ Nov 29th 2007 1:26PM
the Dukes Of Hazzard didn't drive a Challenger so unless those people at Woodward are completely 100% dim in the head... i am guessing 0.
Dave in MI @ Nov 29th 2007 9:16AM
How much is introductory rebate going to be??
Pete @ Nov 29th 2007 9:19AM
LOL
Stealth E34 @ Nov 29th 2007 9:26AM
Dodge played it way too safe with the styling on the Challenger. It looks great, but it could also pass for a heavily customized 1970's Charger - a good thing in some respects, but in the long run I think the styling will make the car look old, and fast. Especially when compared to the new Camaro and re-designed Mustang ('10/11?) this car might feel dated.
There's retro-inspired and then there's retro-focused. The Challenger is definitely the latter. Nonetheless this will sell well, but in the long run it really depends how Dodge fills out the bottom of the lineup - what kind of V6 will it pack and how much - and whether or not Chrysler completely cheaped out on the interior like all of their other recent releases. My mom's '06 PT Cruiser (yea, yea I know) feels like I'm driving a Revell plastic kit car.
John R @ Nov 29th 2007 9:31AM
SRT-8 or not, $38k is still kinda steep especially after the dealers get at it. I would want to see the performance numbers first if I were in a position to buy this. There are a lot of fast cars one could get for less than 38 large.
TriShield @ Nov 29th 2007 9:34AM
You guys post on AutoBlog but you don't know how much Chrysler SRT8 vehicles cost? As already mentioned nearly all of them are around $40k.
http://www.drivesrt.com/
When the Magnum is phased out they will begin building more Challengers on the assembly line and that's when the more affordable 5.7L HEMI model will bow with a choice of transmissions. That will be around $30k like the other HEMI cars.
Chad @ Nov 29th 2007 11:29AM
Yeah, common knowledge. I think everyone knows it will follow the same price lines as the Charger, 300C, etc.
But also just because the SRT-8 cars all cost around 40k doesn't mean it's a value at that. Take the Mustang for example. You get better performance for the price if you just buy the Mustang GT and add your own supercharger rather than shelling out the extra cash for the GT500. It's the same with the Charger and the Challenger. You'd have better performance for a cheaper price if you buy the base and add your own aftermarket upgrades rather than buy the SRT-8 model.
If your investing or collecting that is of course a different story and it's more or less going to be a garage queen anyway. So you don't have to prove anything on the track.
Hamud @ Nov 29th 2007 9:39AM
It's a beautiful car, great power, but only available with a 5-speed AT?? Doesn't look that attractive to me...