Dodge Challenger SRT8 Part 1: Design Review

The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is a modern interpretation of the iconic Mopar muscle car. In terms of styling, it is re-proportioned and re-engineered, but in terms of image and attitude, this retro muscle car is simply a re-issue. Welcome back to 1970 - twenty-first century re-mix style.

The retro muscle car trend began with the current generation Ford Mustang. And while GM will weigh-in soon with the new Camaro, Chrysler has beaten them to market with a worthy competitor to the Mustang with the Dodge Challenger SRT8.

While all three entries draw inspiration from their predessors, the Dodge is the most true to its past. Based on the 1970 E body Challenger, the new generation car has kept many of the styling cues that made the original such a cool car back in its day.

The long hood, short deck muscle car proportions are evident in the new Challenger. And when viewed in isolation, you'd swear the new car is nearly an exact copy of the 1970 version. It's only when you see the original next to the new that you realize how different they are. The new Challenger dwarfs the old car, being both taller and longer. But all the muscle car ingredients of the original 1970 Challenger are still there: mega horsepower, purity of form, aggressive full-width air intake and the signature thrust line that runs the length of the car and finishes with a kick over the rear wheel opening - accentuating the Hemi horsepower delivered through the rear wheels.

Redefining the original 1970 Challenger and retaining its feel and attitude while incorporating contemporary design elements had to be a difficult task for the design team. But lead designer Mike Castiglione did just that with the smash-hit 2006 Dodge Challenger Concept on which the production Challenger is based.

That concept car was a two-door hardtop - meaning it had no B-Pillar, but the production car necessitated the use of a B-Pillar due to cost and rigidity issues. Aesthetically, it's a minor issue. Of more importance was maintaining the characteristically wide front and rear graphics of the original. This was achieved brilliantly, with the wide, recessed opening in the front and the full-width recessed cove housing the taillights at the rear maintaining the aggressive look of the first Challenger.

The fuselage section of the original couldn't quite make the transition to modern-car aerodynamic needs, but other styling elements were re-interpreted in contemporary ways. The mirrors are throwbacks to the '70s, as are the front air damn and rear spoiler - inspired by the SCCA Trans-Am racing Challengers of the day. The gas cap makes the transition from old to new nearly un-touched. It even features the same font spelling out "FUEL" as did the original - only now the cap is made of plastic instead of metal.

Finally, while the greenhouse is longer to better accommodate rear seat passengers, the faster windshield and backlight - or rear window - as well as the narrower, flush-fitting side glass and the shorter front overhang help the new Dodge Challenger establish a modern interpretation of the classic muscle car aesthetics.

Chrysler has given us a car that evokes sweet memories of days long-gone-by. As with most warm reflections of the past, our memories usually recall only the good and rarely the bad. In this regard, the new Dodge Challenger SRT8 is indeed a true representation of those days as seen through our mind's eye. It captures all that was right with the original and remixes it with all that's good in a modern production car platform. And it's even got a Hemi.

Watch the video
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

Dodge Challenger SRT8

Performance
- Acceleration: 6.1 liter SRT motor never disappoints - great traction and acceleration, but not enough noise
- Handling: Given its weight, pretty impressive - other SRT8 models handle better though
- Braking: Effective retardation, but repeated hard use will see the pedal go soft and stopping distances grow

Design
- Exterior: Awesome modern interpretation of the original with great, authentic detailing - but it's massive...
- Interior: Chrysler had to save money somewhere - seats and alcantara trim help make it feel a bit special

Utility
- Comfort: Great big seats, tons of headroom, and a HUGE trunk - softer suspension setup than other SRT8 products results in comfortable ride
- Space: Massive exterior means massive interior (for a coupe) - usable back seat is unique in the retro-muscle car class

Safety
- Dynamics: It's over two tons, but it still has enough agility for accident avoidance maneuvers
- Technology: Airbags for both passengers as well as side curtain airbags - plus physics are on your side

Value
- Price: Right in line with other top-end retro muscle cars
- Mileage: Come on... it has a HEMI! (so not great)

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: If you used to dream about the original, this one will have your heart at the limiter
- Fun to spank: Reluctant AutoStick aside, it's a kick-ass ride that invites you to drive like a rebellious teenager

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear wheel drive
Engine: 6.1 liter, OHV V8
Power (SAE): 425 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 420 lbs-ft @ 4800 rpm
Redline: 6250 rpm
Gearbox: 5 speed automatic
Curb Weight: 4180 lbs.
0-60 mph: 4.7 sec.
1/4 mile: 13.3 sec.
Top Speed: 170 mph
Mileage: 13 city / 18 highway
Base Price: $40,158
Competitors: Ford Mustang GT500, Chevrolet Camaro, 1970 Dodge Challenger?