08 Challenger Concept Car

[BlueTriangle]

I can't stop looking at pictures and videos of the 2008 Dodge Challenger! Have any of you guys seen it or heard about it. It really reminds me of the 1970s model, but the sleekness is so 21st century. I'm hoping to go to a car show next year and check it out in person.

http://www.dodge.com/shared/2008/challenger/gallery/images/ext/enlarged/ex_bg_02.jpg

[Jihforce]

Yup, Saw it last dec at the car show. It looks are good on the pics as it does in person.

[BlueTriangle]

Wow. They don't let you get inside while it's a concept right? I really want to sit in the car. I really like the silver and chrome instrumentals and the all-black interior. They kept it really simple. I just want to see what I look like behind that wheel!!

[uncledaddy]

Looks kinda like a 'Cuda. Nice.

[johnnymk]

Boring...a '70 Challenger without bumpers.

[DarkFury]

just add the 01 and a Dixie flag on the roof and you can "YEEEE HAWWW" all over Hazard county. :heh:

[Jihforce]

Wow. They don't let you get inside while it's a concept right? I really want to sit in the car. I really like the silver and chrome instrumentals and the all-black interior. They kept it really simple. I just want to see what I look like behind that wheel!!

Yeah they don't. But i've seen the pics of the interior, it looks nice. But we'll see how it comes out after production.

[kimchicowboy]

it sorta ticks me off how american companies (from my understanding) are just revamping old classics. sure, some look good, but can't they be a little more creative and try for something totally new? sheesh.

[renovation]

with all the cut backs thats chrysler said yesterday . i wonder if this will becoming to a dealer at all now ?

[DarkFury]

it sorta ticks me off how american companies (from my understanding) are just revamping old classics. sure, some look good, but can't they be a little more creative and try for something totally new? sheesh.
Ummm... "totally new" kinda got them in the mess they are in now.

We'd like to have "totally innovative" with classic styling over "totally new". Many of the concept drawings I see SUCK. (that's just my opinion there...) However a good classic based design with all the "creature comforts" that really make you WANT that car is what I'm all about.

But yet, the "bean counters" usually shoot down many of those ideas since they don't think people will actually spend the money for all those extras.

Honestly, I truly miss the days when I could order a car out of the catalog with whatever options I wanted on it and then wait for 3 to 4 months for it to be built personally for me. Maybe one day the manufactuerers will go back to that instead of this bullsh@t "buy this package group just so you can get the one option in it that you actually want". :2far:

[Prngr44]

That's been my desktop wallpaper for over a year on my computer at home. I'm just torn between which model I want with which options.

I even saved my "Skip Barber Racing School Graduate" sticker for that car. :D

[BlueTriangle]

Boring...a '70 Challenger without bumpers.

boring!?! Are we looking at the same car? I don't think the 70s version was boring and this one is just a bigger improvement due to new technology. Black leather, silver accents, the gauge holes, leather wrapped steering wheel--boring. I think that's pretty sleek

[DarkFury]

Some folks just aren't "MOPAR people". :shrug:

[BlueTriangle]

it sorta ticks me off how american companies (from my understanding) are just revamping old classics. sure, some look good, but can't they be a little more creative and try for something totally new? sheesh.


I think the challenger is pretty innovative with an improved classic styling. A lot of people loved Challenger's in the 70's and I think it was a good idea for Dodge to bring it back for a new generation to enjoy, and for the older generation to remember and appreciate. I'm sure a lot of little kids from the 70s are happy this car is back out because they finally have a chance to own it.

[Prngr44]

I think the challenger is pretty innovative with an improved classic styling. A lot of people loved Challenger's in the 70's and I think it was a good idea for Dodge to bring it back for a new generation to enjoy, and for the older generation to remember and appreciate. I'm sure a lot of little kids from the 70s are happy this car is back out because they finally have a chance to own it.

That would be me... :)

I've got a '73 Dart, but I'm thinking we won't be seeing a new version of that.

Ever. :D

(which is probably a good thing anyway.)

[kimchicowboy]

Ummm... "totally new" kinda got them in the mess they are in now.

We'd like to have "totally innovative" with classic styling over "totally new". Many of the concept drawings I see SUCK. (that's just my opinion there...) However a good classic based design with all the "creature comforts" that really make you WANT that car is what I'm all about.


they just need better designers then, don't they? hahaha

[DarkFury]

they just need better designers then, don't they? hahaha
Easier said than done...

Honestly, it just seems that "good ideas" get tossed away while "not such good ideas" get green lighted and come to fruition. This seems to be the "NEW" corporate America (not just in the car industry). It's also happening in the Gubment as well...

[johnnymk]

boring!?! Are we looking at the same car? I don't think the 70s version was boring and this one is just a bigger improvement due to new technology. Black leather, silver accents, the gauge holes, leather wrapped steering wheel--boring. I think that's pretty sleek

I loved the '70 Challenger. It was a gorgeous car. It may be my favorite muscle car.

But it looks plain without bumpers. I know that chrome has been out for years, but this car is screaming for bumpers.

[johnnymk]

Some folks just aren't "MOPAR people". :shrug:

When it comes to classic cars, 1969 and 1970 were the best two years for MOPARS IMO. Practically every MOPAR car in the 50s, 60s and 70s were ugly ducklings. Not all but most. And it is the reason that there are so few restorable MOPARS from that era. Nobody that was a hot rodder or a collector wanted them.

And when it came to performance, except for the Hemi, Chrysler engines were not at all competitive to GM for drag raing. The inadequate 340 and 360 had to compete against the small block Chevys and the 383 and 440 against the tremendously more powerful GM engines/ Ford was in the same boat with their pitful selections.

And for the most part, except for the Dodge Dart and the early 'Cuda, their cars were too heavy. They were just typical family sedans that didn't appeal to the younger set.

[DarkFury]

True... but nowadays, that makes those cars even more sought after since so few of them were kept in pristine condition over the decades.

These throwback newcomers are a refreshing reminder of the past in my opinion. I love the classic style with the current technology. :D

[uncledaddy]

True... but nowadays, that makes those cars even more sought after since so few of them were kept in pristine condition over the decades.

These throwback newcomers are a refreshing reminder of the past in my opinion. I love the classic style with the current technology. :D

:stupid: I miss the days when you could truly distinguish between a domestic design and an import. Seems all of todays designs have features borrowed from one another. IMO the classic muscle car designs of the 60s - 70s just looked as if they screamed power whether they had it or not. Today the manufacturers (GM) seems to enjoy slapping the "SS" tag on anything.

[Markel]

they just need better designers then, don't they? hahaha
If that's what led to designs such as the Aztec and Avalanche, I don't thing so.

[BlueTriangle]

The MDS technology and the HEMI are going to make this a an amazing ride. Anyone else been looking at the specs? or are you guys just stuck on the look?

[jerryf1443]

The car looks great but it seams like alsmost any Dodge come with a Hemi in it. Like chevy with the SS badge its is getting silly that almost all cars can be a hemi or a SS. American car companys need to make a few fast cars and make them stand out from the rest.

[Prngr44]

Well I think the SR/T series from Dodge definitely stands out from the rest. I'd expect nothing less from the SR/T version of this one either.

[Jeffbx]

The car looks great but it seams like alsmost any Dodge come with a Hemi in it. Like chevy with the SS badge its is getting silly that almost all cars can be a hemi or a SS. American car companys need to make a few fast cars and make them stand out from the rest.

:stupid:

The SR/T line is certainly a standout, but when my SATURN has faster 0-60 times than the Hemi Charger, it's time for a tweak in performance...

[DarkFury]

The car looks great but it seams like alsmost any Dodge come with a Hemi in it. Like chevy with the SS badge its is getting silly that almost all cars can be a hemi or a SS. American car companys need to make a few fast cars and make them stand out from the rest.
Ummm... well if it has a HEMI under the hood you don't want them to put the word "HEMI" on the outside? :shrug:

I guess you could run a "sleeper" without the badges, however when you have the HEMI badge on there, folks already know what's under the hood. :D

Now with the "SS" (i.e. Super Sport), well that just ain't as clear.

Personally, I think you are grasping at apples and oranges here. :shrug:

SS to Chevy is what RT is to Dodge. Hemi ain't got nothin' to do with that.

[DarkFury]

:stupid:

The SR/T line is certainly a standout, but when my SATURN has faster 0-60 times than the Hemi Charger, it's time for a tweak in performance...
Which Saturn is this? (Also, you have to consider that a Charger probably outweighs your car by at least 500 to 700 lbs)

[Napoleon54]

meh, never mind.

[Napoleon54]

Which Saturn is this? (Also, you have to consider that a Charger probably outweighs your car by at least 500 to 700 lbs)

...and that would make it better for... smashing into things? :heh:

[Napoleon54]

Which Saturn is this? (Also, you have to consider that a Charger probably outweighs your car by at least 500 to 700 lbs)

...and that would make it better for... hmm... smashing into things? :confused: :shrug:

[DarkFury]

...and that would make it better for... smashing into things? :heh:
Heavier car requires more HP to go fast...

Power to weight ratio... physics at work. :)



BTW... did you have to post that twice? :shrug:

[BlueTriangle]

Challenger has it's own YouTube channel now if any of you want to check it how, I just took a look at it http://www.youtube.com/dodgechallenger1
I'll probably watch this all day at work lol

[Jeffbx]

Which Saturn is this? (Also, you have to consider that a Charger probably outweighs your car by at least 500 to 700 lbs)

Aura XR - 0-60 in 5.9 (http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=5045). 252HP V6, 3647lbs. 14.47lbs/hp

Hemi Charger - 0-60 in 6.2 (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=107266). 340HP V8, 4100lbs 12.06lbs/hp

Doesn't look like the Charger is making good use of all of that power.

[DarkFury]

Aura XR - 0-60 in 5.9 (http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=5045). 252HP V6, 3647lbs. 14.47lbs/hp

Hemi Charger - 0-60 in 6.2 (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=107266). 340HP V8, 4100lbs 12.06lbs/hp

Doesn't look like the Charger is making good use of all of that power.
How does your car fare against the SRT8 version? The stock Hemi's transmission on that Charger probably isn't sport tuned for 0 to 60... but you still know that the power is there.

Also consider the aerodynamics factor here as well.


BTW... when you do a comparison like this, it would be nice if you used the same "comparing source" to quote your speed times.

Since you used Edmunds.com to rate the Charger, then you should use them to also rate the Saturn Aura XR.

According to Edmunds.com, the Aura's 0 to 60 time was 6.4 as tested:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Followup/articleId=119236/pageId=118028

Therefore, the Charger is .2 seconds faster than the Aura. :D :wavey:


Also... here's what Road and Track had to say about the Charger R/T:



http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=3076&page_number=2

Twist the key, fire up that wonderfully resonant Hemi, slide the leather-trimmed gear selector into Drive and hang on — to the leather-rimmed steering wheel. The Charger R/T steps off briskly and works its way effortlessly through the gears. Or you can engage AutoStick, which enables you to shift manually by rocking the gear selector from side to side (left for downshifts, right for up). Perhaps to protect against overreving, the transmission upshifts from a lower gear even if the selector is not moved. That 5.9-sec. 0-60 time is not spectacular, but remember this is a heavy (4150 lb.) car. Besides, in this day of skyrocketing fuel prices, how many of us will be racing for pinks at the stoplight?

[Napoleon54]

Heavier car --> needs more hp... yeah, sure, of course we all realize that that, but WHAT'S THE POINT??? The point is that we're reasonably comparing this fancy new Challenger to a SATURN!!!! HEH!! The car sure looks badass, even if it does look naked without bumpers, but it doesn't perform significantly better than even a Saturn. I would think that should be a bit disappointing.

[Jeffbx]

:stupid:

Even if they are exactly the same speed, my Saturn is still as fast as a Hemi..

Heh heh heh heh

(BTW DF, I *did* have to search out different sources to find the ones where the Aura beat the Charger - ya caught me! But it's so much more entertaining that way!)

[Prngr44]

You could cram a big block into a Dodge Omni and have it just as fast but let's be real... it's still an Omni. :P

I'm not knocking the Saturn at all but I just don't think they're very comparable if all you're looking at is 0-60 speeds to base your comparisons on. They're just 2 very different cars.

[Jeffbx]

Just looking at raw performance for kicks, but I don't think they're all that different.

Both 4 door sedans, both domestic manufacturers, both in the same price range (actually, the Saturn is $5k cheaper comparing the Charger RT to the Aura XR). Not like we're comparing apples & oranges here.

[DarkFury]

Heavier car --> needs more hp... yeah, sure, of course we all realize that that, but WHAT'S THE POINT??? The point is that we're reasonably comparing this fancy new Challenger to a SATURN!!!! HEH!! The car sure looks badass, even if it does look naked without bumpers, but it doesn't perform significantly better than even a Saturn. I would think that should be a bit disappointing.
You can put a rocket on a roller skate to go fast...

I like to go fast "in style". :D

Either way, I don't expect my 300C or the Charger to be a 4 second car. 5.9 seconds for a car that big and bulky is pretty decent to me. :D

[DarkFury]

Both 4 door sedans, both domestic manufacturers, both in the same price range (actually, the Saturn is $5k cheaper comparing the Charger RT to the Aura XR). Not like we're comparing apples & oranges here.
Rear wheel drive versus front wheel drive.

Apple... meet Orange. :)

You can put them in the same "sedan class"... but more or less, that's where the comparisons kinda stop.

Hell.. if you could get a Saturn Sky to go as fast as a Dodge Viper convertible, would you be all excited? Probably... In the same class? NOPE. :2far: :D


BTW... I'm not knockin' Saturn. I think it is a GOOD thing that they have started venturing out into the "midsized" car range. For years, I've felt that they had too many compacts and sub compact cars and the Aura is a nice change of pace for them. Still.. that being said, I don't see myself trading my HEMI to get into an Aura anytime soon. :D

[kimchicowboy]

If that's what led to designs such as the Aztec and Avalanche, I don't thing so.
yeah, those were hideous too. hahaha but that's management's problem for letting them go into production.

[renovation]

for a lot less you can buy a mustang or camero ! the 08 Challenger will cost you a cool $35K. I like the dodge but for that kind of money I would get something nicer.

[DarkFury]

for a lot less you can buy a mustang or camero ! the 08 Challenger will cost you a cool $35K. I like the dodge but for that kind of money I would get something nicer.
Do you really think that the Dealers are gonna sell those new Camaros and Mustangs for under $30K?

Without some kind of special "hook up"... I'd doubt it. :2far:

[renovation]

there selling the mustang now for around $20,000 unless you buy the shelby or Rouch add on packages !

[DarkFury]

there selling the mustang now for around $20,000 unless you buy the shelby or Rouch add on packages !
$20K? Must be missing a motor or something. :shrug:

That has to be the V6 version for that cheap with no options whatsoever.


EDIT: Yup... just checked on Edmunds.com. That's the V6 version. The base V8 is gonna set you back around $28K sticker and THEN you can start thinkin' about the Shelby or Roush which jump it up another 10 to 25K from there.

[BlueTriangle]

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/01/chrysler-limiting-challenger-output-to-5-000-units-in-2008/
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.

[BlueTriangle]

Pricing is supposed to be officially released during thanksgiving! I've been reading Red Letter Dodge and it's good to know the Dodge manufacturers are too
http://www.redletterdodge.com/2007/10/18/challenger-designers-love-blog-readers/

[BlueTriangle]

Let me try to see if I can reinvigorate this thread. Challenger made an uncovered cameo last week. Definitely maintained the retro look. I think it's going to look so good on the road. I can't wait to see it with some color. What do you guys think?

http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2008/01/medium_2197940230_777b62994e_o.jpg
http://jalopnik.com/photogallery/2008ChallengerSRT8Snow/1000507773
http://jalopnik.com/photogallery/2008ChallengerSRT8Snow/1000507757
http://jalopnik.com/photogallery/2008ChallengerSRT8Snow/1000507797

More pics are here: http://jalopnik.com/345562/2008-dodge-challenger-srt+8

[Prngr44]

I REALLY want one of the SRT-8's but once again responsibility smacks me upside the head with the house we're building.

[johnnymk]

It actually looks pretty nice without the front bumper. Needs nicer wheels, though.

[renovation]

i agree a better looking set of wheels will really enhance this car !

[Prngr44]

You'll notice they also changed the front grill just a tad.

(I think for the better.)

[Scorpio006]

IT'S ALL ABOUT RETRO, WHAT USED TO BE IN HAS MADE A COMEBACK FROM CLOTHES
ALL THE WAY TO CARS.
AND THEN, IT JUST ALL DEPENDS ON THE INDIVIDUAL PERSONS LIKINGS.

BLUE TRIANGLE IS RIGHT...LET'S SEE IF IT LOOKS GOOD ON THE ROAD.
AND IN VARIOUS COLORS.
MYSELF PERSONALLY, I AM A CHEVY/FORD MAN,
BUT EVEN I WILL ADMIT THAT THIS NEW CHALLENGER LOOKS PRETTY HOT!!!!!!

Scorpio006...............out

[DarkFury]

You'll notice they also changed the front grill just a tad.

(I think for the better.)
R/T versus SRT grille.

Two different trim levels

[ArkiStan]

I'm totally digging the front end., Simple, compact and unflamboyantly retro.

[BlueTriangle]

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/blairbear45/IMG_6818.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/blairbear45/IMG_6837.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/blairbear45/IMG_6846.jpg

Some pics from the Chicago Autoshow that my coworker took. I didn't get to go, but I watched the live reveal on my computer when I was at work. I'm in love with the black exterior.

[Daedalus]

Yikes. Sorry, I'm not a fan of the interior. It looks like it gives the same cheap plastic feel that too many cars have had since the 70s. Nice big LCD, and I'm OK with the AC controls, but they don't match the rest of the dash surrounding them.

[Jihforce]

Eww on the interior. Looks like they didn't go with anything resembling the concept's interior. This car just fell of my "most wanted" list.

[BlueTriangle]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dodgechallenger1/

I don't want to flood this page with pics so I'll just post the link. But they have some more pics of the interior. I like the large dashes and the LCD. Seats look pretty good too.