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Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 six-speed reveals its true character

Michael Harley — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Reviews

2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed - Click above for high-res image gallery

This isn't our first sampling of the reborn Dodge Challenger. We've driven the SE, R/T and SRT8 variants before. However, this time it's different. We've secured a Challenger SRT-8 with a six-speed manual transmission - and it's a whole different breed of bull.

The six-speed-equipped Dodge Challenger SRT8 drives exactly as it looks. Unlike the countless poseurs promising handling with oversize tires, performance with monstrous exhaust pipes, or luxury with overstuffed cabins, the Challenger SRT8 delivers only what its exterior suggests - a mountain of machismo-infused muscle-car entertainment.

We had a week with Dodge's tribute to testosterone, and it's one we won't soon forget. Contrary to its automatic-equipped siblings, the manual gearbox transforms the SRT8 from merely entertaining to positively supernatural. Make the jump to find out why this husky red coupe had us shaving twice daily.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed

Continue reading Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 six-speed reveals its true character

Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 six-speed reveals its true character originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Dodge EV vs. Dodge Challenger

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Videos, Dodge

Click above to watch video after the jump

A few days ago we showed you some pics of the Dodge EV concept at a local car show in Southern California. It appears that the Dodge-branded, battery-powered Lotus Europa made a few other stops in the area as well, one of which was at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Alongside the EV, the Dodge boys were displaying, among other things, a Challenger SRT-8. Well, one thing led to another and before long a battle between '60s retro muscle and modern electric power was underway. Lucky for us, someone was there with a video camera to capture the fraternal pissing match. This impromptu drag race doesn't give us any clear indication of times, but you can definitely see the EV's advantage of light weight and instant-on torque from a stop. The concept electric vehicle jumps ahead at the start, but the Challenger hangs on. Just when the big HEMI seems to be getting a full head of steam, however, they run out of space. We've embedded the video for you after jump. Check it out and let us know how you think this battle would play out on a real 1/4 mile drag strip.

Gallery: Dodge EV in the wild

[Source: ALLPAR]

Continue reading VIDEO: Dodge EV vs. Dodge Challenger

VIDEO: Dodge EV vs. Dodge Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More pics from Top Gear testing American metal

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Supercars, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, UK, Celebrities

Click above for high-res gallery

Not long after we learned that the famous Top Gear trio was in the U.S., a fan managed to snap some shots of Clarkson, Hammond and Mays testing their favorite examples of American muscle at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. The hosts made their way to salt flats by way of Reno, Nevada where they had a few modifications done to each vehicle in the name of high speed safety, namely driveshaft loops and fire extinguishers. If you saw our previous post on the subject, you already know that Clarkson is driving a Corvette ZR1, Hamster a Challenger SRT8 and May the super-fast but still luxurious Cadillac CTS-V, a car that shares much of its supercharged V8 architecture with the new force-fed mill in the 'Vette. We can already surmise that the ZR1 easily took top honors at Bonneville thanks to its slippery shape and abundance of power. Now, which car wins the comparison test? We look forward to next season to find out. Check out the gallery below for more pics of the action going down, or click here and follow the photostream. Thanks for the tips, AkulaX1 and Andi!

Gallery: Top Gear at Bonneville

[Sources: Flickr, Digital Corvettes]

More pics from Top Gear testing American metal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Leno takes delivery of Challenger number 4

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Dodge, Celebrities

Click above to view video after the jump

A couple of weeks ago we showed you some pics of Jay Leno's new Challenger SRT8. A tipster had taken some pics of Jay's car appearing outside his Tonight Show studio at the NBC lot in Burbank. We added a bit of additional info via the interwebs that told us Jay had purchased the car the day before and that it was the very first Challenger delivered in California. Now we have a full video of Jay taking delivery of the car from the Leno's Garage website that's posted after the jump.

Follow Jay as he drives his '70 Challenger Hemi over to Valley Dodge in Van Nuys to pick it up. There Jay gets a walkaround of the new version from Dodge Brand Director, Michael Accavitti. Next Leno takes the car home, giving us some insight into the car's driving dynamics along the way. He seems impressed with the car's build quality and good road manners compared to the original. Finally, we see a bit of Jay hinting at what's in store for this new car. Follow the jump to see the embedded video and head on over to Jay Leno's Garage for even more info about Jay's car collection. Thanks for the tip, MajorGeek!

Gallery: Jay Leno's Dodge Challenger SRT-8

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: Leno takes delivery of Challenger number 4

VIDEO: Leno takes delivery of Challenger number 4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Dodge Challenger will start at $21,995

John Neff — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge

click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SE and R/T

Back in April we reported a top Chrysler executive had leaked to The Detroit Free Press that the 2009 Dodge Challenger SE would start at $23,995. Apparently this executive is not very much in the loop, as Dodge officially announced today that the base model Challenger SE would start at just $21,995, which includes $675 for destination charges. Just to refresh your noodle, the Challenger SE is the base model and comes with a 3.5L V6 producing 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. And for comparison's sake, a 2008 Ford Mustang V6 starts at $19,650, though that's excluding destination charges. The next best Challenger is the R/T model, which Dodge says can be had with a 370-hp 5.7L HEMI V8 starting at $29,995. Finally, the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 that's already been on sale for a year will get a hefty $2,000 bump in its starting price from $37,995 to $39,995. The only new items on the SRT8 for 2009 are a standard limited-slip differential, High Performance Red and B5 Blue paint colors with black hood stripes, and a "pistol-grip" shifter with the Track Pak. Otherwise, the 425-hp muscle car remains largely the same. Does the $2,000 jump in price matter much, though, if you'll never be able to buy the car without a big dealer markup? Regardless, all three models will be available this fall and dealers are already taking orders.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T and SE

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading 2009 Dodge Challenger will start at $21,995

2009 Dodge Challenger will start at $21,995 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Mismatched much? Challenger SRT8 vs. Civic Si

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 30 May 2008 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Honda

We've driven the Honda Civic Si, and have found it to be an entertaining vehicle to attack some twisties. A drag racer, though, it is most assuredly not. Sure, offering just shy of two-hundred horsepower from such a small engine is impressive, but the distinct lack of torque and the stratospheric rev-ceiling required to extract those ponies will surely limit the straight-line drag numbers. The new Dodge Challenger SRT8, on the other hand, does not require high-rev shenanigans in order to scorch the 1320, and this point is proven in the video posted after the break. Although only covering an eighth mile, the Challenger has no problem keeping the Si at bay. We're not knocking the Si, as this type of activity is clearly not its proper playground, but listen closely when playing the video and you'll hear that the Challenger's pilot was toying with the Civic driver. It's not until the last few hundred feet that the Hemi driver dips into the throttle, leading to a few chuckles from the crowd.

[Source: Youtube via Jalopnik]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mismatched much? Challenger SRT8 vs. Civic Si

VIDEO: Mismatched much? Challenger SRT8 vs. Civic Si originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 May 2008 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vanishing Point Challenger replaced with... regular Challenger SRT8

Dan Roth — Mon, 05 May 2008 07:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Etc., Chrysler, Dodge

In case you missed our update on the original post: mere days after rolling out a neoclassic Challenger done up like the lead character in Vanishing Point, Erich Heuschele stuffed it into a tire wall at Road America. Hey, things happen. At least only his ego was bruised; the damaged car was driven 200 miles without incident, proving that the scarring was little more than a flesh wound.

The nice thing about being in an automaker's inner circle is that you can make a phone call and get a car dropped off like a cup of coffee from an intern. Breaking the early morning stillness of a Sunday sunrise, an orange Challenger SRT-8 sporting black stripes rode into the pits at Iowa's Mid America Motorplex. One Lap rules preclude running for points after a vehicle replacement, so co-drivers Heuschele and Gillies are competing for giggles and exposure at this point. Never fear, though, the white-dunked Challenger is currently undergoing repairs, and should resurface for the Targa Newfoundland.

[Source: CarDomain]

Vanishing Point Challenger replaced with... regular Challenger SRT8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Another Challenger SRT8 sending rubber to the afterlife

Alex Nunez — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 08:41:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Dodge

Video posted after the jump

Ahh, YouTube: the equivalent of morning cartoons for us grown-ups, only now we drink coffee with our Fruity Pebbles. The post title pretty much sums this up. As more people get their hands on SRT8 Dodge Challengers, more videos of wanton tire massacre will surface. Today's round comes via MyRide, which set about tagging the tarmac at Willow Springs with a silver example. When the Camaro finally comes out, we expect to see approximately one bajillion videos exactly like this, with at least half sporting the inevitable Dead Milkmen soundtrack. Thanks for the tip, David!

[Source: YouTube via MyRide]

Continue reading VIDEO: Another Challenger SRT8 sending rubber to the afterlife

VIDEO: Another Challenger SRT8 sending rubber to the afterlife originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Apr 2008 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

John McElroy — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Autoline on Autoblog

IF THEY BUILD THEM WILL YOU BUY THEM?

I just got done driving the new Dodge Challenger SRT8 this week. And I fell in love with it. The styling snaps your eyes right to it, the proportions are gorgeous, and the performance numbers are breathtaking. But it's even more visceral than that.

The exhaust note is incredible. Put the hammer down and you get a timpani of hammers in return. The pistons pound out a symphony of sounds, and it sounds just as good backing out of the gas and it does jumping on it.

Driving this car is like driving a fighter plane. If Ford has the equivalent of the P-51 Mustang, then Dodge just built the equivalent of the P-47 Thunderbolt. It's that kind of brute.

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.

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac G8 GXP Coupe being considered?

Dan Roth — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Etc., GM, Pontiac, Holden, Australia

Coupes seem to be somewhat resurgent lately, and the stupendously awesome Pontiac G8 GXP might be set to lose a pair of doors. While that would make it essentially a repeat of what came here as a revived GTO not too long ago, the name is not likely to return. The basic idea has been outlined in the Holden Coupe 60, itself starting out as an updated GTO, but turning out much cooler. The neo-ponycar wars will require the fitment of the 400 horsepower LS3 to run with the Shelby GT500KR, Challenger, and cousin Camaro.

The newly unveiled G8 GXP serves as the benchmark for what this coupe will likely come equipped with. That means big 19-inch wheels, uprated suspension, a meaner fascia and, most importantly, an available Tremec six-speed manual transmission. There should be a GT version, too, with "only" 361 horsepower, which should still offer a significant kick in the pants for less cash. The biggest impediment to the G8 Coupe actually seeing the light of day are looming new CAFE regulations, but we don't see how selling a bulk of these cars with the still-excellent 3.6 liter V6 to less performance-addled customers would be a bad thing. It'd hopefully prevent Pontiac from running afoul of the fuel economy rules while getting another car out there that enthusiasts can embrace in a variety of flavors. Thanks for the tip, Matthew!

[Source: Inside Line, Photo illustration by Nick Wilcox, Inside Line]

Pontiac G8 GXP Coupe being considered? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2008: 2009 Dodge Challenger - Now in 3 delicious flavors!

Alex Nunez — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:44:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SE

Chrysler has formally unveiled the full 2009 Dodge Challenger range here at the New York Auto Show. Jim Press gamely handled a few technical snafus that plagued one of the skits going on behind him as he re-introduced the the Challenger SRT8, pulled the wraps off the Challenger R/T and showed us the budget-minded Challenger SE for the first time. Enthusiasts get their wish in 2009, with Chrysler offering a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission in both the SRT and R/T cars. R/T buyers who opt for the stick get an extra five horsepower -- for a total of 375 -- over the R/T auto's 370. Aside from its wheels and badging, the R/T is the spitting image of its fire-breathing SRT brother and should be just as adept at sending tires to the afterlife.

We were also interested to see the entry-level Challenger SE in person, and from the looks of things, it's a nice value package. Pricing in the low-20s puts it in the range of a a wide variety of buyers, and its 245-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 is paired with a 4-speed auto to deliver around 25 mpg highway. It may be the base car, but it's good-looking, with spoiler-free decklid, polished alloys and the same hot retro profile as the V8 cars. Inside, the big difference is the SE's fabric upholstery, otherwise, the layout is what you'll find in other Challengers. The SRT is killer, the SE's better than we expected it to be, and the R/T is the one a lot of us could see ourselves rolling in. Take your pick. The Challenger's just cool.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Challenger SE - Live Reveal

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T - Live Reveal

Continue reading New York 2008: 2009 Dodge Challenger - Now in 3 delicious flavors!

New York 2008: 2009 Dodge Challenger - Now in 3 delicious flavors! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 not sold out, but bring your wallet

John Neff — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

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]

Gallery: Chicago 2008: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 live reveal

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

REPORT: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 not sold out, but bring your wallet originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2008: Dodge Challenger SRT8 - LIVE REVEAL [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:44:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

UPDATE: video of the Challenger live reveal is available after the jump

Click image for hi-res live gallery of the Challenger SRT8

It's finally here. No, not here's-a-few-more-official-press-pics, but the actual latest challenger to the modern day retro muscle car. It was presented by Jim Press, who even made a Prius joke before launching into a passionate pitch for the orange-and-black-striped car. And even though you're drowning in info on a car you still can't buy, there were some specifics added: 0-60 in 4.9 seconds and a 170-MPH top speed; the quarter mile goes by in 13.9 seconds; 4-pot Brembo brakes go on 14.2-inch rotors up front and 13.8-inch rotors in back, and will stop you from 60 in 110 feet; performance and braking together adds up to 0-100-0 in 16.5 seconds; and the skidpad number: 0.9 g's.

click above to view more shots of the Silver and Black Challengers

So how's it really look? Just as good as in the photos. Better even. The lines are so simple that you realize you haven't missed anything when you get up next to it. As for the orange and striped car, however, when a black and a silver one showed up with the guys from Orange County Choppers... well, sign us up for the black.

Check out Dodge's official press release after the jump and tons of high-res shots of the live reveal in our gallery below.

Gallery: Chicago 2008: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 live reveal

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Gallery: Silver and Black 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Continue reading Chicago 2008: Dodge Challenger SRT8 - LIVE REVEAL [w/VIDEO]

Chicago 2008: Dodge Challenger SRT8 - LIVE REVEAL [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 interior pics leaked

Dan Roth — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Chrysler, Dodge

Click above for a gallery of the leaked Challenger images so far

Some official photos of the Dodge Challenger's interior have been posted on Allpar's forums, and our spirits have been buoyed. It's always hard to get a read on the real-world look and feel of the interior plastics, but from what we can make out amidst the dither, all is not lost when it comes to the Challenger's front office. In these pictures, the interior looks very presentable, though it seems to be pretty standard LX fare. The SRT8 models get nicely trimmed seats, with contrasting french stitching on the deep bolsters, suede inserts to grip your backside, and a nice splash of orange to set off the SRT logo. Lesser Challengers will obviously not get quite the full boat luxe treatment that the SRT gets, with its MyGig, bespoke gauges, and leather adornments, but just what will get pulled out remains to be seen. The Mustang and Camaro might have more exciting designs, but the ergonomics and controls in the revived Dodge ponycar look well thought out. We've breathed a half-sigh of relief after our last round of interior spy shots, which left some of us certain that the Challenger's interior was going to be bested by what came in the unlamented K-Cars. Thanks for the tip, indymcsc!

[Source: Allpar]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 interior pics leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago '08 Preview: Another 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 leaks out

John Neff — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

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]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Gallery: Dodge Challenger Concept

Chicago '08 Preview: Another 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 leaks out originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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