Autoblog

Click on image above for his-res gallery of the SRT8

As expected, the entire first-year production run of 6,400 Dodge Challenger SRT8 models has sold out. The purchase slots for 2008 models were in short supply two months ago when we reported that more than 10,000 orders had been placed for the 425-hp muscle car. You can still give your dealer all the coins in your piggy bank, but the money goes on the hood of 2009 model, scheduled to arrive this fall.

If the thought of missing out on one of these rare 2008-model HEMI-powered beasts is keeping you up at night and you just can't wait for next year, there's always eBay. Although Chrysler tried to dissuade dealers from gouging, more than two dozen of the $37,995 (base MSRP) cars have been put on the auction site -- mostly by speculating dealers with prices in the mid-$50,000 range. Ah, the joys of a free market...

[Source: KickingTires]

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Dodge Challenger R/T

The Dodge Challenger SRT8 has graced the cover of just about every major automotive rag these past couple months, and muscle car-loving Baby-Boomers are emptying their 401Ks for the chance to own one. If your budget can't take the blow of a $40,000 coupe, however, the folks at Chrysler have debuted a couple more models at the 2008 New York Auto Show that will cost quite a bit less. The Challenger R/T will take the stage later today in NYC and it offers a good portion of the SRT8's power, as well as nearly every design cue seen on its more expensive big brother. Dodge is also unveiling the base SE model (right) for those who want a good looking RWD coupe on a budget.

Since the SRT model was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show over a month ago, we already know a lot about the Challenger in general. For the R/T model, the real story lies under its hood where an upgraded 5.7L Hemi V8 engine has received a 30-hp bump to 370 ponies, while torque also increases by eight to 398 pound-feet. Opt for the new pistol grip six-speed manual tranny – a first for any LX-platform model – and power jumps to 375 hp and 404 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm, but premium fuel is recommended if you want that third pedal.

BONUS: Dodge also released new pics of the Challenger SRT8 in silver, which you can check out in the gallery below.

Say it with us now: create demand. Challengers won't roll off the line en masse next year. Instead, as we reported last month, Dodge is going to make just 5,000 of them for the '08 model year, all SRT models with 5.7- or 6.1-liter Hemis. In 2009, Dodge will widen the sluice some, with output expected to be 30,000 to 35,000 cars. That is also when six-speed manual and dual-clutch options could be added. The Challenger will take the stand next year at the New York Auto Show. And for those of you planning to buy a 2008 model, especially one with the 6.1-liter Hemi, say it with us now: residual value.

[Source: Inside Line]