Autoblog

Click image to see all three phonecam shots

Chrysler revealed the production Dodge Challenger to dealers in Vegas last week, and while we're certain it banned all manner of cameras from the event, saying something's banned and enforcing said ban are two entirely different things. Let's just say that they failed on the enforcement part, because OntarioStreetCar.com has phonecam pics of the car, and it is very true to the concept, overall. The main changes are the presence of a b-pillar under the side glass, a small lip spoiler on the trunk of the SRT8, and a slightly extended rear bumper to meet crash test requirements.

OntarioStreetCar reports that the Challenger arrives in March as a 2008 model. That first run of 5500 cars will all be 6.1L SRT8s equipped with automatic transmissions priced at $38,000. Starting in July, the MY09 Challenger will begin production, and the range will expand to include the 3.5L V6, the regular 5.7L HEMI, and of course, the SRT8 with the 6.1 HEMI. And finally, the best news of all: on the '09 Challenger, both HEMI flavors will be available with the T56 6-speed manual transmission. We'll see the car in person at the Chicago Auto Show. Welcome to the 21st century ponycar wars. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.

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[Source: OntarioStreetCar]