Autoblog

Dodge Challenger goes Plum Crazy Purple for 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge, Design/Style

2010 Dodge Challenger in Plum Crazy - Click above to enlarge

Of the three classic muscle car nameplates currently on sale in the United States, the Dodge Challenger may very well sport the most retro look and feel. Whether or not that's a good thing depends on your personal point of view, but Chrysler seems happy to accept the role and is further promoting the link to Challenger's '70s heritage with a new Plum Crazy Pearl Coat color option for 2010.

In case you're not aware, Plum Crazy was the surprisingly popular deep purple hue found on the Challenger and its stablemate, the Plymouth Barracuda, during the heyday of the American muscle car wars. These days, any car originally painted up in Plum Crazy has an intrinsic value to many collectors, and it seems Dodge is hoping for a similar situation the second time around.

The purple color is only available on R/T (for $225) and SRT models (for $500) for 2010 and the package also includes Plum interior stitching and a Plum seat stripe on the SRT8. Outside, buyers can choose from either Black Dual Wide Stripes or a newly-optional set of stripes in white. Previous High Impact colors Detonator Yellow and B-5 Blue are no longer available for order.

Also new for the Challenger in 2010 is a Super Track Pack option for a reasonable $400 that allows the driver to fully disengage stability control (finally) and adds 245/45ZR20 tires from Goodyear along with an uprated suspension with Load Leveling and Height Control, Performance Steering and heavy-duty disc brakes.

[Source: Allpar, Motor Authority]

Dodge Challenger goes Plum Crazy Purple for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: A different take on Challenger vs. Camaro

Dan Roth — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Etc., Chevrolet, Dodge, Humor, Reviews

A different take on Challenger vs. Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

The original ponycar wars have boomeranged back after forty years. Ford started it all with a retro-tasty Mustang, and Dodge and Chevrolet have rolled out new versions of the Challenger and Camaro to get in on the frenzy. Looking at the window sticker of any of these cars may seriously depress you. Your retired boomer Dad could swing it as a way to recapture the time before his potential was all used up, but you're not going to step into one of these things if the ink on your diploma has been dry for less than a year.

We have uncovered a way for anyone to get their hands on a Camaro for a price that would please even your paperboy. Better yet, it comes with its own instructional course, so you know what the heck you're doing. It's not exactly a Camaro of the vehicular variety, but HSN's limited-edition Esteban Camaro guitar (almost sold out!) can grab attention in its own right. What's more, those halcyon days of carburetors and bias ply tires are at your fingertips - classic rock tablature abounds. We figured that we'd try out the guitar with the potential to make you a rock star and compare and contrast it with the Dodge Challenger SRT8, a vehicle that nudges the driver that much closer to being chased by paparazzi. Think it's an even, if category-bending matchup? Hit the jump to find out.

Gallery: A different take on Challenger vs. Camaro

Continue reading Review: A different take on Challenger vs. Camaro

Review: A different take on Challenger vs. Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:58:00 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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VIDEO: GM's Chris Berube could school Clarkson on burnouts

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Videos, Supercars, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge

Click above to view videos from the latest Top Gear after the jump

Top Gear is widely regarded as the best television show ever produced about cars. The production values are outstanding, the hosts are amusing and their tamed racing driver, "the Stig", is amazing to watch as he improves his mind while hustling cars around the test track. A few months back we all got wind that Jeremy, Richard and James had returned to the U.S. for another road trip. This time around they headed to the West Coast to drive a new Corvette ZR1, Cadillac CTS-V and Dodge Challenger SRT-8 from San Francisco to the Bonneville Salt Flats. Along the way, Jezza decided to stop at some desolate spot somewhere in Nevada or Utah to lay down some black lines on the pavement. Now while we generally love to watch Mr. Clarkson playing with fast cars, he doesn't quite seem to have mastered the art of the burnout. If you start about 9 minutes into the first clip after the jump and continue to the second and third videos, you'll see our favorite limey trio attempting to shred their tires during last night's second episode of Series 12 (Download via bittorrent here). Compared to Clarkson in the ZR1, Hammond and May were utterly hopeless in their Challenger SRT-8 and Cadillac CTS-V, respectively. After that, watch the last video with GM's Chris Berube showing us all how it's done properly in both the ZR1 Vette and Caddy CTS-V.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: GM's Chris Berube could school Clarkson on burnouts

VIDEO: GM's Chris Berube could school Clarkson on burnouts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog autocrosses the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Viper ACR

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Dodge, First Drive

Click above for high-res gallery of Autoblog autocrossing

Yesterday at Chrysler's annual media gathering to show off new products at the its proving grounds in Chelsea, MI, the struggling automaker wanted to demonstrate the performance capabilities of its SRT branded vehicles. SRT staff set up an autocross course on the vehicle dynamics pad and brought out examples of every SRT vehicle from the Caliber SRT-4 to the mighty Dodge Viper ACR. Before we were allowed to hop in the cars, we had listen to a short briefing that described the course and some safety rules. And before being allowed to climb into the big snake, we had to complete at least a couple of laps in one of the five Challenger SRT-8s to get familiarized with the course. For a big 4,140-lb coupe, the Challenger proved surprisingly nimble. We learned that with the electronic stability control enabled, it's almost impossible to get the back end to swing wide. The stability control has two alternative modes. The first is engaged by a momentary stab of ESP button and allows some extra slip before intervening, while pressing and holding the ESP button for five seconds completely disables the stability and traction control leaving only the ABS. Read what happens (and watch the tire-burning videos) after the jump.

Gallery: Chrysler SRT Autocrossing

Continue reading Autoblog autocrosses the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Viper ACR

Autoblog autocrosses the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Viper ACR originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Challenger SRT8 added to Leno's Garage

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Dodge

Click above image for gallery of high-res shots courtesy Delbert Shoopman

Looks like late night television's most famous car nut is the latest person to fall under the spell of the new Dodge Challenger SRT-8. Autoblog friend Delbert Shoopman says he was walking around the NBC lot in Burbank and happened upon one black Challenger parked directly across from the Tonight Show studio. Further snooping revealed a Jay Leno parking tag on the spot (above). We snooped a bit ourselves and found a blurb on Chrysler's internal blog, Firehouse, where they talk about Jay's latest acquisition.

Seems Jay picked it up yesterday at Valley Dodge in Van Nuys. It will join his 1970 Challenger among the hundreds of other cars in Leno's Garage when he isn't driving it around the Valley or stopping off at local car meets. We'll keep an eye out for him at Bob's Big Boy and VCR to see what he thinks of his latest toy. We're guessing he will get quite a kick out of it, with its 425-hp Hemi V8 and retro-mod good looks. Drive it in good health, Jay.

Gallery: Jay Leno's Dodge Challenger SRT-8

Dodge Challenger SRT8 added to Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy: Driving the Dodge Challenger SRT-8

John McElroy — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge, First Drive, Autoline on 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.

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 - First Drive

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: Driving the Dodge Challenger SRT-8

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy: Driving the Dodge Challenger SRT-8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Going, going, GONE: SRT8 Challengers sold out

Michael Harley — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge

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...

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Gallery: Chicago 2008: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 live reveal

[Source: KickingTires]

Going, going, GONE: SRT8 Challengers sold out originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:59:00 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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eBay find of the day: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8, markup + MSRP

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Auctions, Dodge

Once pricing for the Dodge Challenger broke last week, we knew it was simply a matter of time before the free market milking began. The first example comes courtesy of eBay, where a dealer from Atlanta, Texas has started an auction for the amount of cash you're willing to pay over the MSRP of the first Challenger SRT-8 they receive. They're nice enough to let you choose what options you'd like (there aren't many) and the bidding starts at $10,000, with a Buy It Now price of $18,990. So the question now is: how much is exclusivity worth to you?

Thanks for the tip Peter.

eBay find of the day: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8, markup + MSRP originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 arrives at $37,995

John Neff — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 08:36:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

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]

Gallery: Dodge Challenger Concept

Continue reading 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 arrives at $37,995

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 arrives at $37,995 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler confirms Challenger SRT-8

John Neff — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chrysler

We feel a "Thank you, Captain Obvious" is in order for this piece of news that was published all the way back on July 12th within the walled garden of Ward's Auto. The news is simply that Chrysler has confirmed it will build an SRT-8 version of the upcoming Challenger pony car. Chrysler, sorry, the NEW Chrysler, has never issued a release to our knowledge confirming it will sell the Challenger SRT-8, but again, we don't need one because they'd be crazy not to.

All current SRT-8 products use Chrysler's 6.1L HEMI V8, so we would expect the same powerplant for the Challenger SRT-8 producing 425 horsepower and 420 ft-lbs. of torque. However, considering how many high-powered variants of the Mustang are offered, and that Chevy will certainly offer a comparably high-powered version of the Camaro, we expect the SRT-8 to break rank with its siblings and have considerably more power than we're used to seeing in an SRT-8 product. In fact, we may reasonably expect all SRT-8 models to get an commensurate bump in power after the Challenger SRT-8 debuts in late 2009, especially with some like the Dodge Charger, Magnum and Chrysler 300 switching from the current LX platform to a new one code named LY.

BTW - Less than 159 days remain until the production Chrysler Challenger debuts at the Chicago Auto Show next February (check the countdown clock).

[Source: SEMA.org]

Chrysler confirms Challenger SRT-8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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