Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Dodge
Chicago '08 Preview: Another 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 leaks out
by John Neff on Jan 31st 2008 at 3:32PM 
click above to enlarge and view more official '08 Dodge Challenger images
None of us happen to subscribe to AutoWeek anymore, so we have to take Inside Line Senior Editor Ed Hellwig at his word that the latest issue of the weekly car rag includes another embargoed image of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 that you're not supposed to see until next week. It's a good one, though, being the first official pic to get out that shows the production derriere of the Challenger.
Obvious changes include a different light bar across the back that's comprised of traditional lamps instead of the slick set up on the concept car. The rear back up lights have been combined into a single unit that now sits in the middle of the taillamp assembly, and light markers on the rear fenders have been moved down, as well. There's the new black spoiler perched on the Challenger's deck lid, which, combined with the black front lip spoiler, is a perfect retro touch. Finally, the concept's dual split exhaust outlets are now more traditional dual rectangular ones. All changes for the better, if you ask us. Look for our live coverage of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8's debut at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show early next week.
[Source: Inside Line]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Franz 3:36PM (1/31/2008)
Nice ass.
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turrican 3:49PM (1/31/2008)
Seconded. And I like the production version tailpanel - it's closer to the '70, with the reverse light(s) in the middle there. Nice touch.
Now if only they'd redo the interior a little bit.. where's that woodgrain-handled Pistol Grip shifter, guys?!?!
NYChic 3:38PM (1/31/2008)
Such a beautiful car! Just hard to decide whether I'd rather have this, or the original. What would you all think of a convertible version of this car? Wasn't there a Challenger convertible originally?
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turrican 3:46PM (1/31/2008)
Yes, the 70-71 Challenger was available in convertible.
NYChic 4:12PM (1/31/2008)
No one has made mention of the colours...will they remain close to those of the original?
Serge K. 3:41PM (1/31/2008)
This is one butt-ugly POS automobile. Another bucket-full-of-barf from American automobile industry. Every time I see a picture with this car, it makes me want to throw something at my computer screen.
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Joe 3:48PM (1/31/2008)
How's your 78 horsepower Honda, Serge? Go hide under a rock or something, twatsicle.
I'm no Chrysler fan, but this is a beautiful automobile. They really did the name proud by building this thing, and I hope it's a success, if only to improve the pony car breed. One make building a better niche car like this will make Ford and GM step up their pony car programs, as well. I don't think that this or the Camaro will end up moving units like Mustang does, but they'll sell their fair share, and in the end, better technology will come out in all three models to make up for increase competition in the marketplace.
BOB 4:11PM (1/31/2008)
JEEZ --- this car is so plain and innocuous. I wonder what a car with more definite styling would do?? Maybeget you so upset that you forget to pop your zits before leaving for the 10 th grade in the morning????
vintage 3:54PM (1/31/2008)
I don't think it's ugly, but it's drivetrain sucks. It's about as fast, and about as efficient, as the challengers that are almost 40 years old now. Where's the progress? They should have kept the retro look, but thrown in a boosted 4 cylinder or boosted 6 cylinder for the SRT version, and made it AWD. Imagine Challenger Rally Cars. Musclecars for a NEW generation. Handling. Braking. Acceleration. And economy, if you stay off the go pedal. The fact that it gets 12-17mpg is just lame. Also, I have a feeling that an STi will beat this car in every performance category.
jg 4:22PM (1/31/2008)
'Every time I see a picture with this car, it makes me want to throw something at my computer screen.
'
Throw! Don't hold back. Throw something heavy that busts your pc into tiny little pieces. You'll feel soooo good after.
M 4:42PM (1/31/2008)
Serge, you are not angry enough for us... We still think you like this car because you are not angry enough. So to prove to us that you really hate this car we want to see you very angry. So go ahead and head butt your computer screen.. VERY HARD.. Show the Challenger photos who's boss.
71cuda 5:03PM (1/31/2008)
Vintage, that model will be called the R/T. It's powered by a 4cyl with a nifty cylinder doubler when you hit the gas. It gets 23 MPG Hwy, the same as the R32 and one better than the Evo. Never mind that it's much bigger/heavier than the Evo/STi and it's not being marketed to the ricer crowd. Either way, the new one gets much better mileage than the old one with a big block or hemi. My mild 440 gets 10MPG hwy on a good day.
Luis 6:30PM (1/31/2008)
Then stop looking at it!
PAT 3:48PM (1/31/2008)
This is the best picture thus far. This car is beautiful, timeless. Serge, so angry, how about you throw something at your screen, then we won't have to read your comments anymore. Let me guess, you own an STi?
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Franz 3:51PM (1/31/2008)
I doubt it. He wouldn't be complaining about ugly if he owned an STi. Now those are ugly. I can criticize them all I want: they're still one of my favorite cars. :)
Serge K. 3:53PM (1/31/2008)
I might just do that. No, I own '06 Audi A3 2.0TM.
This car belongs in era when gasoline was cheaper than tap water and drugs were as common as old timers on internet that have no idea how to use computers.
Anyway, it was just my opinion and it was not ment to hurt anyones' feelings.
BTW, if I had to choose between this ugliness and Civic STi, I'd get a bicycle and move to Amsterdam.
vintage 3:55PM (1/31/2008)
Civic STi? Way to highlight your ignorance.
Andrew 3:56PM (1/31/2008)
That Audi's a nice looking car.
HotRodzNKustoms 3:56PM (1/31/2008)
@ Serge honest question:
What the hell is a 2.0TM?
Seoultrain 4:06PM (1/31/2008)
2.0L Turbo Manual (transmission)