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We've received word that a small group of Car and Driver readers have been selected to help the magazine select its the cover of its April issue that features the production 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, a car that's fast becoming the worst kept secret in Detroit. This past week, both a preproduction Challenger SRT8 and R/T were driven around Detroit without camouflage just long enough to be photographed by all the right people, and now this. We assume Car and Driver didn't intentionally break an embargo on releasing images and information about the Challenger, but at this point their motivation for this move or lack thereof is irrelevant. Their mistake is your gain, as not only do we get confirmation that the Challenger SRT8 will be rocking 425 horsepower (not a big surprise), we also learn that the Pontiac G8 GT will have 362 HP. As for the Challenger itself, this is our first time seeing a full three-quarter view of the production car. Our verdict: it's better than the concept. Good job, Chrysler.
Even if you're not a Car and Driver subscriber, we figure the good folks on Hogback Rd. might be interested in your opinion on the April issue's cover, too. Do you like "AMERICAN MUSCLE" or "POWER PLAYERS"? Vote in the poll below.
UPDATE: AutoWeek has opened up the embargo a bit more by releasing a new pic of the Challenger, which you can click here to view. The only new information revealed is that the Challenger's wheelbase is four inches shorter than its LX platform sedan siblings at 116 inches.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
dskinner @ Jan 24th 2008 9:42AM
I got those images in a survey CD sent out about a week and a half ago. Didn't even think to sent them to Autoblog... Oops!
Anyway, American Muscle gets my vote for the second time (the Challenger is way cooler than the G8!).
Frylock350 @ Jan 24th 2008 10:37AM
G8 and Challenger are entirely different cars. G8 is a big car designed to offer room and sport. Kinda like a 5-series minus the luxury. Challenger is a muscle car through and through.
That said, yeah the Challenger is much cooler than G8 and that's saying something considering how sweet the G8 is.
Dr. K @ Jan 24th 2008 9:44AM
Surprising how well they have kept the interior a secret after all this time. At least we'll have one surprise at the debut.
Mark @ Jan 24th 2008 9:48AM
*Hogback Road, not Hogsback
Gartner @ Jan 24th 2008 9:51AM
American Muscle? You better get that G8 off of there then, that thing is no more American than the Pontiac Vibe. Actually the Vibe is more American than the Pontiac G8, at least the Vibe is built in the USA, not Australia like the Half Breed Pontiac G8, (cough, cough) I mean Holden Zeta Commodore .
Frylock350 @ Jan 24th 2008 10:36AM
Zeta is a global platform not an Aussie platform. And second Holden IS GM. It uses a Chevrolet small-block V8 or a 3.6L V6, both of which were developed here. It uses Cadillac CTS's RWD 6sp, again developed here.
The Vibe is a rebadge of a corolla wagon, which is not designed or engineered here. The purchase of a G8 is still more American than buying a Vibe, but at least Vibe sales profits go to GM not Toyota.
eddy.gutierrez @ Jan 24th 2008 9:55AM
in the "power players" cover it says "hemi powered street rod 0-60 in 3.9". if those are the numbers for the challenger i think they made a winner. that's FAST! i dont like dodge cars but that deserves some serious respect...
71cuda @ Jan 24th 2008 9:59AM
That's two different cars. My guess is it's that black street rod they did for SEMA.
almost Dr. G.. @ Jan 24th 2008 10:18AM
thanks cuda..
that statement is deceiving then. i say it'll do maybe 4.8 which is why i freaked. the thing looks heavy.
dan spalinger @ Jan 24th 2008 10:16AM
Hmmm...On first glance I thought the G8 as a GTO...its just as ugly and will flop just as bad...hopefully one of the leftover product ideas from the past few years by GM...
Frylock350 @ Jan 24th 2008 10:25AM
Well it IS heavy because its a fullsize car. What you are looking at is a Dodge Charger / Chrysler 300 coupe.
I'd imagine that with 425hp and even more torque it'll hit 60 in 4.5s, with the 380hp HEMI snapping off 4.9s.
MemphisNET @ Jan 24th 2008 10:25AM
American Muscle.
Looks FANTASTIC. Definately better than the concept, which is rare! (Airflight/Sebring anyone?)
The quad-lamps, 70's gas cap - I just wish it said D O D G E across the front and back in nice chrome lettering.
Frylock350 @ Jan 24th 2008 10:32AM
You can purchase said chrome lettering and do it yourself :)
MemphisNET @ Jan 24th 2008 12:21PM
Oh, it has crossed my mind - and I have highlighted the re-pro parts in the Mopar catalog :D They come with instructions on how to properly space them on different E-Body cars, so making it all look right will be the hard part.
J. D. Billiford @ Jan 24th 2008 10:30AM
>>> Either cover will suffice. They're both nicely done.
andrew @ Jan 24th 2008 10:37AM
I'm with Gartner. American Muscle sounds better, but the G8 is no more American than Waltzing Matilda.
Russell @ Jan 24th 2008 11:03AM
If LS3 small block V8 is not American Muscle I don't know what is, it certainly not less than the Hemi designed under a German foot.
71cuda @ Jan 24th 2008 10:56AM
I know people are excited out Pontiac getting a performance RWD sedan, but would it kill them to update the styling a LITTLE? The picture in the American Muscle cover is a dead ringer for a late 90's Grand Am. They've been using that grille design for 20 years now. I think it will hurt G8 sales because, like the GTO, it looks 95% like every other Pontiac. Dodge overkills that crosshair design, but a Charger has it's own look compared to the other cars.
DKB_SATX @ Jan 24th 2008 11:09AM
I'm guessing lots of enthusiasts are going to buy the Holden hood and grille and replace the Pontiac parts. I know I would have done so, but Lutz the Yutz is going to bring that god-awful 4-door Maloo and NOT the attractive Sportwagon version, so I'm not buying GM. I'll look at their cars again after he retires.
sheth @ Jan 24th 2008 3:58PM
how long has BMW been using their grille? How long has Porsche been using the same body design? Lets not have double standards here.