Dodge Challenger SRT8 Part 2: Interior & User Experience

The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is a nostalgic nod to an icon of Mopar Muscle: the original 1970 Dodge Challenger. It revives all of the original muscle car ingredients in a modern package based on Chrysler's LX platform - on which the Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Charger and Magnum are also based.

Those other LX platform-based products are LARGE cars - all of them with four doors and curb weights over 4000 lbs. The Challenger loses two doors of course, but unfortunately, not much of the weight.

Being based on Chrysler's LX platform does have its advantages. While it makes for a big footprint, it also provides the car with more interior space than its competitors. Even from the inside, the car feels massive, with an expansive dash and wide hood. On the flipside is a wide cabin with big, comfy seats, tons of headroom, and - surprise - a useable back seat.

Speaking of seats, the SRT's are not just big, they also have generous bolstering to keep you in place when you decide to play. There's so much side bolstering in fact, that it sometimes gets in the way of your arms as you turn the steering wheel. Once you've had a chance to adjust the tilting and telescoping wheel to prevent this however, you'll be good to go. It would be nice to see more of the seat's contrast stitching in the rest of the interior, as it adds some much-needed detail to the otherwise dark and simple interior.

While the SRT has a pretty plain interior, its seats and the alcantara fabric on the door panels do help to make it feel a little bit special. The fact is that most of your $40,000 goes toward performance, not luxury. So if you find yourself complaining about the interior more than praising the performance, maybe you should have bought a Camry.

So it may not be the most luxurious environment, but it fits the car's sporting personality. The SRT's build quality seems solid, not surprising considering that the other LX-based cars are also well built. There is the inevitable parts sharing going on here of course - most obviously the steering wheel and IP, or instrument panel. It's a bit of a shame as the Challenger Concept car, which previewed the production car, had a lovely 1970's-inspired steering wheel and a unique IP. But such are the realities of today's car building world. If you can't find parts to share, you may not get the car into production.

A few details that did make the transition from the original to the concept and finally to the production Challenger are the trapezoidal coves for the arm-rests on the door panels and the wide dashboard. And next year with the introduction of a six-speed manual transmission option, we'll get a pistol-grip shifter similar to the original 1970 Challenger's. I can't wait to try that one!

Now if we can only convince Chrysler to bring back some of the original Challenger's crazy colors like "Plum Crazy" or the toxic green "Sublime", weâ'll really be rollin'â seventies style. I think I'd have to go with the orange called â"Go-Mango!â" Oh yeahâ definitely.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
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?