2008 Production Challenger (Update)
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Grand Champion
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RE: 2008 Production Challenger!
So this will be a 'two door sedan' in that it will have a b pillar and frames around the door glass. Not bad. Original is still much better though - and for $40,000 couldn't you find a pretty well restored original?
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RE: 2008 Production Challenger!
ORIGINAL: Kingelvis
So this will be a 'two door sedan' in that it will have a b pillar and frames around the door glass. Not bad. Original is still much better though - and for $40,000 couldn't you find a pretty well restored original?
So this will be a 'two door sedan' in that it will have a b pillar and frames around the door glass. Not bad. Original is still much better though - and for $40,000 couldn't you find a pretty well restored original?
The pillars were known for a long time. Required to satisfy roller over requirements. Over all the car is very close to the concept, unlike the Charger. I wonder what the inside looks like vs concept.
I have to wait over a year!! I hear no manual in the SRT in the initial 2009 model. Probably good to wait. Buying a new car in the first year is never good, plus I will avoid any dealer markups if it happens.
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Grand Champion
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From: Charleston, SC
RE: 2008 Production Challenger!
A little more update...probably nothing "new" though...
The Challenger was originally expected to be offered with a manual transmission and V8 engine only, but Allpar.com is reporting that the first 5,000 units will all be SRT-8 models with an automatic transmission. In addition, these first car will begin production as early as March 2008 and will be sold as 2008 model year cars.
Shortly after that initial production run, Dodge will be offering three models of the Challenger as 2009 model year cars. The base model will be powered by a 3.5L V6 and will be mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The 3.5L will be replaced by Chrysler's upcoming 4.0L Phoenix V6, but probably not until the 2011 model year. R/T models will come equipped with a 5.7L V8 and buyers will have the option of a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The SRT-8 model adds a 6.1L V8 and can be mated to a five-speed auto or six-speed manual. A 6.4L could show up in the SRT model as soon as the 2010 model year.
A convertible is also expected to bow sometime in 2009 with all three trim levels available. Manual transmission cars will come with Chrysler's Hill Start Assist technology — as used in the Dodge Ram, Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee and the Liberty — which maintains brake pressure until throttle is applied.
Dodge will also offer a Trak Pack, which appears to be little more than a marketing name given to a specific package of transmission, shifter and gearing. Recent images have also confirm the addition of a b-pillar to the Challenger's structure. Other less noticeable changes include taillights that have been divided into sections, a simplified grille, larger side mirrors, and more typical door handles.
The Challenger was originally expected to be offered with a manual transmission and V8 engine only, but Allpar.com is reporting that the first 5,000 units will all be SRT-8 models with an automatic transmission. In addition, these first car will begin production as early as March 2008 and will be sold as 2008 model year cars.
Shortly after that initial production run, Dodge will be offering three models of the Challenger as 2009 model year cars. The base model will be powered by a 3.5L V6 and will be mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The 3.5L will be replaced by Chrysler's upcoming 4.0L Phoenix V6, but probably not until the 2011 model year. R/T models will come equipped with a 5.7L V8 and buyers will have the option of a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The SRT-8 model adds a 6.1L V8 and can be mated to a five-speed auto or six-speed manual. A 6.4L could show up in the SRT model as soon as the 2010 model year.
A convertible is also expected to bow sometime in 2009 with all three trim levels available. Manual transmission cars will come with Chrysler's Hill Start Assist technology — as used in the Dodge Ram, Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee and the Liberty — which maintains brake pressure until throttle is applied.
Dodge will also offer a Trak Pack, which appears to be little more than a marketing name given to a specific package of transmission, shifter and gearing. Recent images have also confirm the addition of a b-pillar to the Challenger's structure. Other less noticeable changes include taillights that have been divided into sections, a simplified grille, larger side mirrors, and more typical door handles.
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RE: 2008 Production Challenger!
Well, overall decent news. I guess the "broken up" tail lights are to harken to the '72-74 era. I preferred the concept version though. Looks like you have to wait to at least late '08 to order up anything w/ 5.7 or greater and a manual shift. I do hope the Trak pak at least provides an option on gearing over stock, whether the 3:92 or not. Don't want them abusing that hallowed term either.
Very glad to see the hood scoops appeared to have made it to production in a functional mode, though hard to tell from photos??
Very glad to see the hood scoops appeared to have made it to production in a functional mode, though hard to tell from photos??
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RE: 2008 Production Challenger (Update)