Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Limited Edition. Hearts will be breaking all over the world for those who want one and can’t have one. And I have to tell you I didn’t want to give this one back.
Well, what can you say? This is a very special car and it draws attention where ever you go. And why not. It is different in today’s world. It is Retro so it will also have huge following from all my friends from the 1970’s, as the Model A Ford sedan or 1957 Chevrolet I owned back in High School and beyond. Our youth then was somehow better because of the cars that embellished our lives. They came before girls. Go figure. And now that we’re older cars have once again taken top spot on our “Hit Parade”. You know what I mean! Of course you do.
Jay Leno has a great piece on this latest addition to his car collection at www.jaylenosgarage.com. Take a look and see his 1970 Challenger and the new 2008 version. My question to Jay is – Why the black one. The Orange is Awesome.
People looked at and admired this car whether young or old. I didn’t quite understand that except you have to assume the young admirers were attracted because the style of that era cars were memorable and compared to the cookie cutter computer generated cars of today they expressed art and style only a human can envision.
Traveling down the highway elicits every manner of interest including simple head turning, thumbs up, cameras out the window and great big smiles. People’s comments included awesome, cool, beautiful, love the color, whose car is this? is it out yet?, how much is it, and on and on.
A Mercedes Benz owner pulled over as I parked and was so impressed he was certain he’d add this to his small stable instead of the soon to be released Camaro. He was ok with the price, but I have to tell you this will sell well over sticker.
Friend Peter did a photo shoot for the Norwegian magazine AmeriCar. Der neue Dodge Challenger unter 20.000 Euro. Take a look see at http://www.americar.de/inside/inside_artikel/id=152. Then we did another for V8 Magazine in Findland. They will be sad to hear that this limited edition may only allow a couple of them to be sent over there. They are huge fans of the American Muscle Car as are most in the world.
General Info:
Parts – US/Canadian; engine: Mexico, transmission: Germany.
Assembly – Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Class: – Large Cars
Cars: – Avenger, Caliber, Charger, Challenger, Dakota, Durango, Grand Caravan, Magnum, Nitro, Ram 15, 25 & 3500, Sprinter Van and Wagon & Viper.
If you have a need for speed as I often do this Challenger will impress every racing bone in your body. It will be as natural a high as you can get legally. Acceleration G force pins you back in the seat as you feel 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds. The Crest test delivered lots of fun and no Highway Patrol interruptions. I wish those guys would tell me when they’re going to be there. Then I could take my cars over another secret route over the San Gabriel Mountains. It has a solid tight ride that is light years ahead and better than any car of the 1960’s and 1970’s.
Styling:
This is reminiscent of my Happy Days experiences and conjures up visions of Dukes of Hazard Sitcom which featured a 1969 Charger but this Challenger looks more like General Lee than the Charger Retro of 2007. It truly represents an American Muscle Car Tradition – and now that Daimler sold Chrysler back to an American company it is again an American product. Thanks to the design folks who did themselves proud to present us with such a great classic at this time of boring “Robo-Cars”. “I never felt more proud to be an American”, and I’m not even running for office.
Fit and Finish:
Excellent.
Cost:
Not likely to sell at sticker price and you can bet the sales price will find its level based on supply and demand.
Conveniences and comfort:
All good stuff, and no comment needed here since buyers of this car won’t make a buying decision based on what creature comforts it has.
Consumer Recommendation:
From my youth to today’s youth everyone, including the lady buyers, loves this car. Don’t wait, if you’re interested, because it can only go up in price. Of the recognized competition the Mustang, of course, is the closest competitor and I suspect if you’re interested in this Challenger you’ll want to test drive the Ford Mustang.
Recognized Competition:
Dodge Challenger $37-39,000, Chevrolet Corvette $46-78,000, Mercedes Benz CLK Class $46-90,000, Pontiac G8 $27-29,000, Ford Mustang $20-32,000, Mazda RX-8 $26-32,000, Chrysler 300 $25-42,000, Nissan 350Z $29-41,000.
Good News:
Beautiful, awesome, great color, fast and definitely fun to drive. This will get your heart started and give you a jolt from time to time.
Bad News:
“Green”? What green? And you can be sure this won’t be purchased as a commuter or those seeking fuel economy.
Standard Equipment:
6.1 liter 420 hp HEMI SRT V8 engine, 5-speed automatic trans with Autostick, 20” aluminum wheels, carbon fiber hood stripe, multistage air bags with side curtain front and rear, electronic stability control, all-speed traction control, 4-wheel ABS Brembo performance disc brakes, keyless system with push button starter button, cruise control, rear window defroster, air conditioning, power 8-way driver seat, halogen headlights, fog lights, heated leather seating, 13 speaker Kicker SRT high performance audio system with 6-disc DVD MP3 and 322 watt amplifier and 200 watt subwoofer and SIRIUS satellite radio including 1 year service, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, manual lumbar support front seats, rear 60/40 folding seat, tilt / Telescopic steering column, power windows, vehicle information and trip computer, illuminated vanity mirror visors, power heated mirrors, Hands free communication and auto dimming mirror.
Gas Stats:
$4.50/ Gal avg. June 18, ‘08
for more information.
13 City and 18 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $37,320 – With gas guzzler tax $39,470.
