Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Spy Photos, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Dodge
Reader Spy: 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T and 2008 SRT8 show their faces!
by Alex Nunez on Jan 16th 2008 at 3:22PM 
Click image for a gallery of more spy shots
We owe much thanks to Autoblog reader Walter, who happened upon a stark naked Dodge Challenger R/T as it was being valet parked and sent us this perfect pic. Not only does it finally reveal the face of the new Challenger, to our knowledge it's also the first time anyone has seen an R/T model. The SRT8 model is the only one scheduled for the Challenger's initial production run in MY 2008, which makes this a 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T.
So let's look at that face. The elimination of the crosshair treatment on the concept car's grille gives the Challenger about as retro a look as you could possibly get. As we saw in the teaser photos released earlier by Chrysler, a "Challenger" badge takes up the passenger side while the model designation badge, in this case a red "R/T," sits on the driver's side. The rest of the front end and hood appear to be exactly the same as what we originally saw when the concept was revealed in '06. The only new addition is the black chin spoiler present on this car. (In the new spy photos of the SRT8 model, we can also see a black rear deck spoiler.) Considering the throwback nature of the new Challenger, it would have been cool if Chrysler used the old script lettering for the name and the period-correct logo on the hood as well, but I guess you can't have everything. Musclecar fans, Mopar aficionados, and assorted other power freaks should still like what they see. Lord knows we do. Thanks, Walter!
UPDATE: Reports are coming in that a silver 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is also being spotted all over the place today, so we've acquired some of the best spy shots yet of that vehicle and assembled them in a gallery for you below.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Elmer 3:28PM (1/16/2008)
it's alright....
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Russell 3:41PM (1/16/2008)
I ll take any Chevy over Chrysler any day.
Mooe 3:33PM (1/16/2008)
I'm not a fan of the rear lights. The concepts were much better.
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Ethan 5:00PM (1/16/2008)
I think they're going for a retro look. And by retro they mean 1987
TBlueMax 3:35PM (1/16/2008)
Looks pretty good.
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MCS05 3:41PM (1/16/2008)
have we seen the interior yet? I have not.
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MemphisNET 3:42PM (1/16/2008)
I hope the first Challengers aren't scheduled for 2009, that would be this fall/early spring. Should read ''The SRT8 model is the only one scheduled for the Charger's first year of production in 2008, which we suppose means that this is technically a 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T. ""
Typing snafu I know :p
Anyway, good to see an everyman Challenger roaming around. I suspect the SXT and R/T will show up at the Autoshows along side the 08 SRT.
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Alex Nunez 4:03PM (1/16/2008)
Typo, memphis. The SRT8 initial run comes in model year '08, and our understanding is that the 2009s begin production this Summer, which is when the range expands to include base and R/T trims.
MemphisNET 4:13PM (1/16/2008)
Yes, Alex. I know it was a typo!
""Typing snafu I know :p""
Just keeping you on your toes, mang!
rar 4:15PM (1/16/2008)
I would bet they will do the same as the Charger. Start selling the R/T in June of 08 and call it an 09. I picked up my 06 Charger in June of 05.
MemphisNET 4:21PM (1/16/2008)
That's exactly what they're doing.
Hopefully we'll get some SXT/RT pricing soon. Dodge execs were quoted as saying ''expect around 31,000$'' - I can only imagine they meant the R/T. I can't see this being a whole lot more than the Charger, especially with SRT8 pricing right in line with Charger/Magnum SRT8 prices, but since this is basically the only LC/Coupe car - anything could happen.
Now Chrysler, 300C Coupe and Helios please!
NT 3:49PM (1/16/2008)
I am completely unthrilled by this car, no matter what the specs are I just can't get around how boring it is. It is like the crappy remake of a Hollywood movie, sure it has the ingredients to be good, but it just isn't. Anytime I see pictures of it, and the Camaro to a lesser extent I just can't help but say "so".
Give me a new inspired design over a tasteless rehash any day.
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Chad 4:19PM (1/16/2008)
If you're not onboard the retro train nobody is forcing you to buy them. Thanks for letting us know though.
AlfaMike 7:43PM (1/16/2008)
I think he's saying it's the wrong kind of retro - retro 57 or 67 is good, but retro 73 is sort of the wrong decade and design inspiration...
...unless you're big on the chest wig and disco, then you're proly jazzed about this car. In which case, knock yourself out! At least it'll be a fresh for a year or so, right?
jonyzz 10:40AM (1/20/2008)
Probably best if you just stick with your mini-van or SUV then like the rest of the driving sheep.
NT 3:19PM (1/20/2008)
I'll stick to my fresh designed sports cars thank you.
Mike D. 1:17PM (8/07/2008)
Cheer up. Life isn't THAT bad.
I just bought #4321 of 6400. Have had many many cars. Most fun I have ever had driving.
Ron 3:51PM (1/16/2008)
oooh, I agree about the taillights, what happened?
Maybe it's just the shot, but something just doesn't look right about them.
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tom 3:55PM (1/16/2008)
Not bad. Why am i not as thrilled about this as i was the concept when i saw it? Something is just a little off but i cant put my finger on it. Maybe the color. Looks a little bland in silver.
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longtime-a-waitin' 8:17PM (3/14/2008)
I agree - when I saw this car in silver, it looked rather - well, ordinary. Really not as exciting as the orange or even the black. I didn't see a silver on offer for the 08 model, so maybe that's a reason why. Still glad to see Dodge FINALLY get off their collective butt and bring back some kind of RWD V8 sports car. I've had enough with f@ggy little save the world cars - this will be fun!