click above for more high-res live shots of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
If you're still jonesing for a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, there may still be time to buy one. Frank Klegon, VP of product development for Chrysler, told Kicking Tires at the Chicago Auto Show this week that 4,300 Challengers have been sold so far. We take that to be the number of folks who have advanced beyond putting down a deposit and actually proceeded to buy the cars.
Klegon also revealed that an additional 10,000 orders have been placed by dealers for the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. Since only 6,400 will be built for the 2008 model year, some simple math tells us that there are 2,100 Challengers headed to dealerships with no customer name on the order. Dealers will no doubt find a use for them as display vehicles if they're not sold (unlikely), but expect to pay a premium for absconding with a dealership's number one window dressing.
Kicking Tires also reports that 2009 Challengers will be available with a 380-hp, 5.7L HEMI V8 sporting cylinder deactivation technology, which we may see at the New York Auto Show in late March. A base model with a V6, however, seems unlikely to appear from what we hear.
[Source: Kicking Tires]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
iQuack @ Feb 8th 2008 1:12PM
This will be the most boring anticlimax of the year. Introducing an overpriced, bloated throwback to the '70s isn't what Chrysler needs.
There's been so much publicity and so many spy shots and other photos that the thing is old hat already.
The Challenger has limited appeal and will be deeply discounted after a few months. If you MUST buy one of these losers, wait a while and you'll get a deal.
Jared @ Feb 8th 2008 1:17PM
+1 iQuack
Give it six to nine months. Once the wealthy baby boomer Chryco fans have got theirs, demand will plummet and Chryslerbus will be putting cash on the hood to move them out. In the meantime, go shopping for an EVO or an STI.
MemphisNET @ Feb 8th 2008 1:19PM
""A base model with a V6, however, seems unlikely to appear from what we hear..""
Unlikely at the show or in general?
Well, I'm just waiting for the 09' season to open up. That's when my dealer will let me choose my options.
Seoultrain @ Feb 8th 2008 1:19PM
You mean there's only 4300 suckers willing to pay their dealer's markup? I'm disappointed in America.
NOreasonY @ Feb 8th 2008 1:21PM
I agree with both of you....I think the smartest move chrysler should have made with this car is to make a mustang fighter that would actually compete with base mustang and GTs but instead they made an over priced throw back vehicle that will be nothing more than a fad for a year or two....long live the mustang!
Andrew @ Feb 8th 2008 1:21PM
Is it just me or is that fake carbon fiber?
MemphisNET @ Feb 8th 2008 1:26PM
Mustang is still old tech all around, and has been long paid for. An outdated (yet still very good) engine and no independent rear suspension, there are lots of reasons why it is so cheap.
At only 30,000 - 40,000 of these a year, they're not going to have problems selling it. And if they do, well - my gain with money on the hood.
Nick @ Feb 8th 2008 1:28PM
The Plymouth Prowler v2.0....at least this one has enough power, but still who wants to shell this money for a domestic with a novelty design?
Tourian @ Feb 8th 2008 1:33PM
I think its great that they are keeping prodcution low and not making a weak V6 version. That will keep resale and demand high and the car profitable for dealers, exactly what Chrysler needs. Not a car that whill be whored out to rental fleets. The 300 and PT used to be like this until they produced too many, produced so many cheap models, and fleeted too many. Glad they aren't making the same mistake with the Challenger.
keith.oxford @ Feb 9th 2008 1:14PM
You've obviously never seen the Barrett Jackson auction. These cars will do fine. They're not going to do Malibu, Camry or Accord numbers, but they'll do fine.
Though, instead of doing this car, they should have spent the money on making the Demon a proper RWD MX-5/Solstice fighter.
Nick @ Feb 9th 2008 3:38PM
Funny, I was at the B-J auction last month.... The first production model sold for a lot of money and I think its done wonders for all of the classic challengers that are now more popular at the auction blocks.
I don't think Dodge will be able to keep the pace of 7,500 of these per year..... i wouldn't be surprised if they sold all of them Year 1 and maybe Year 2, but then I can imagine it fizzling as all of the well endowed Mopar nuts get one and they novelty of the car wears off to the average buyer.
calebe @ Feb 8th 2008 1:31PM
No V6 at all? wow, what are they thinking. Well i guess thats good news for Ford.
Seoultrain @ Feb 8th 2008 1:36PM
Pretty sure they mean that the V6 won't appear at New York. Not having a V6 model would be suicide.
2004m3driver @ Feb 8th 2008 1:34PM
Novelty design is right. I kinda liked it from the start, but this retro design is getting old fast.
PAT @ Feb 8th 2008 1:36PM
Like clock work! Never a Challenger post without somebody just itching to mention an STi or EVO, hilarious!
Anyway, I agree with the comment about producing models that appeal to a wider base first, making it profitable, then move onto to your special editions. That has worked for every other auto maker in the world. Having said that, it will be hard to pass up that R/T with the 5.7 and a 6 speed!
Dondonel @ Feb 8th 2008 1:58PM
@iQuack & Jared
How many EVOs and STIs are sold in a year in US? 1000 each? probably less.
If EVOs and STIs would be as popular with real drivers as with Playstation kids writting on bulletin boards, they'll sell in tens of thousands. But they are not.
MCS05 @ Feb 8th 2008 2:01PM
While this car certainly does not appeal to me, I am surprised to hear it has not sold out yet. (I don't want an STi either)
christop @ Feb 8th 2008 2:05PM
The 4.0L with 260 horsepower is a good base engine for this car. Somewhere I read that the SRT/8 weighs 4200 lbs. If that's true, then Chrysler really screwed this one up. Isn't it supposed to weigh less than the Charger? What is the point other than it looks gorgeous. (At least the outside). Chrysler cars are starting to remind me of AMC in its last days. The things are too heavy and too old tech, with cheap, ugly interiors. I hope I'm wrong, but I'm sensing desperation at Chrysler.
M @ Feb 8th 2008 2:10PM
I disagree with many here. I think this car will not be a failure at all. I think it is actually going to be a big hit that Chrysler needs. It won't go out of style, neither. None of the 60's muscle cars never have went out of style...
M @ Feb 8th 2008 2:12PM
**None of the 60's cars have ever went out of style**