After releasing numerous teaser images, and collecting thousands of customer pre-orders, Dodge finally unveiled the production Challenger SRT8 at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. Big muscle was on stage for the media presentation, with Paul Teutul and Paul Teutul, Jr. from Orange County Choppers surrounded by Hemi Orange, Bright Silver Metallic, and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl coupes.
The Challenger SRT8 marks the return of the Dodge muscle car after a 35-year absence, giving Mopar enthusiasts a modern coupe to rival the current Ford Mustang. Dodge bursts from the garage with its top offering, a fortified SRT8 hardtop with a 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 producing 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. Other, less-potent variations are expected later with a 5.7-liter V-8 and 3.5-liter V-6, giving the Challenger a broad line-up akin to the related Charger sedan.) The big Hemi is teamed with a five-speed automatic transmission that allows manual gear selection. 
The power is put to the ground via Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires wrapped around massive 20-inch Alcoa aluminum wheels. (Three-season Goodyear F1 Supercar tires are available.) Behind each dub is a four-piston Brembo brake caliper, painted red, promising a tenacious bite.
The front suspension uses a multilink short- and long-arm (SLA) configuration, with a five-link independent rear suspension (IRS). As on the Charger SRT8, this combination should provide respectable on-road ride qualities, yet be able to keep the car planted for aggressive handling and drag racing.
Dodge claims the following performance measures:
0-60 mph: Low 5 seconds
¼-mile: Under 14 seconds
60-0 mph: Approximately 110 feet
0-100-0 mph: Under 17 seconds
Skid pad: 0.88 g
The interior combines classic cues and modern, bad-boy design. The cabin features race-inspired leather seats with added bolstering and an orange stripe; exclusive stitched accents on the seats and steering wheel; and four-pod gauges with tachometer and 180 mph speedometer in the center. More subtle is a cool Reconfigurable Display (RCD) with Performances Pages that provide drivers instant feedback on 0–60 mph time, 60–0 mph braking, g-forces, and ¼-mile time. Standard equipment includes a 13-speaker, 522-watt Kicker audio system, with the MyGIG digital jukebox system available as an option.
Pricing for the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 starts at $40,095, including destination and gas-guzzler charges. The SRT8 arrives in Dodge showrooms this spring.
A classic reborn, the Challenger SRT8 looks to be everything the original was, and more, with a near identical profile concealing modern performance, refinement, and high-tech features. The 21st-century muscle car revival will be complete with the Chevrolet Camaro is released in about a year, giving enthusiasts the three-way, Detroit muscle showdown we’ve waited for far too long.
