Autoblog

Click for more Dodge Challenger SRT-8 pics from John McElroy's drive

A couple of weeks back I wrote a bit about the new Dodge Challenger SRT-8. But to honor the embargo that the Public Relations people put on driving impressions, I had to hold the best stuff until now. And man, was it worth the wait!

Despite a sagging economy, sinking car sales and soaring gas prices, the SRT-8 version of the Challenger is going to do just fine. That, despite the fact it only averages 15 mpg and costs $40,000. No worries, mate, it's the other numbers that are going to sell this car.

Check 'em out:
0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds
¼ mile: 13.7 seconds
0-100-0 mph: under 17 seconds
60-0 mph: 110 feet

When it comes to top speed, the SRT people have had the car up to 170 mph, but that was on an oval. Since the Challenger is not speed-limited in any way except for its aerodynamic drag, they believe that out on the Salt Flats it will go even faster.

Click here to continue reading after the jump.


John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers. Follow the jump to continue reading this week's editorial.

UPDATE: Three videos added after jump, including the "It's On" commercial and interviews with the Challenger's designers.


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]