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Thursday, the first production 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 was built at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada. Over 1,000 employees and guests were on hand to celebrate the rebirth of the muscle car legend. The Challenger is built on the same line as the Charger sedan and the Chrysler 300C. Approximately 7,000 2008 model-year Challengers will be produced for North American markets before 2009 model-year cars begin production in August. For 2009, Dodge will offer three models: Challenger SE, Dodge Challenger R/T, and Dodge Challenger SRT8. The 2008 models are already sold out. Pricing for the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 starts at $37,995, including the $675 destination charge. Read about the Challenger SE and Challenger R/T .
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Chrysler has launched its own so-called economic stimulus plan, the “ Let’s Refuel America ” promotion, which guarantees enrolled Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep customers gasoline prices fixed at $2.99 a gallon. The automaker notes customer feedback has 76 percent of respondents citing rising gas prices as a “top concern.” Given that Chrysler sales for April are down 23 percent from the same period last year, this campaign should help address corporate concerns, as well. Customers who purchase an eligible new model from now till June 2, 2008 may elect to participate in the gas card program over accepting other available incentives – a decision to weigh carefully. Participants will use a special gas card for fuel purchases, with the transaction routed through their personal credit card, which will be charged $2.99 per gallon. There are a few limitations on the fuel type and quantity; offer valid with up to 87 octane regular unleaded fuel, E85 fuel, or diesel fuel only, depending upon purchased vehicle. The following vehicles are not eligible for the Let’s Refuel America program: All SRT models, Dodge Viper, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Ram Chassis Cab, Chrysler Crossfire, Jeep Wrangler, and Dodge...
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All seven family and luxury sedans in the latest crash test group evaluated by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS ) earned a Good rating for occupant protection in frontal crashes. Only one fell short of the top rating in the side crash test, the Kia Optima. However, results for the rear crash test were quite mixed. In all, this group’s performance shows that indeed cars are getting better with each generation, through structural improvements and increased standard safety equipment. All seven of these vehicles included side and side-curtain airbags. “The side impact results represent a huge change from just four years ago,” says Institute Senior Vice President David Zuby. “In 2004 we tested 10 mid-sized moderately priced cars, and all 10 were rated Poor in their standard configurations without side airbags.” In the 2004 tests, only the previous generations of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Chevrolet Malibu earned Good ratings when tested with side airbags, which then were optional equipment. “A major change is that side airbags are standard in every one of the seven mid-sized cars we tested this time around. Auto manufacturers have been moving quickly to make side airbags...
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At the New York International Auto Show, Dodge unveiled the Challenger R/T and Challenger V6, filling out the line-up started with the SRT8 shown last month in Chicago . All three variants look remarkably faithful to the 1970 original, with a little extra heft around the bumpers for essential crash protection. Indeed, the Challenger is a muscle-car enthusiast’s fantasy come to life, with the heritage and silhouette that has filled decades of dreams, concours events, and Barrett-Jackson auctions. Mopar enthusiasts will be able to recapture the glory of the good ol’ days with truly modern performance, reliability, and safety. Dodge expects the R/T to be the volume model, with its 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. Although the name is familiar, the engine is enhanced over that found in the current Charger R/T, climbing in horsepower and yet also gaining five percent in fuel economy. With the five-speed automatic transmission, the 5.7L produces 370 horsepower. Go for the six-speed manual and you could boast 375 horsepower with 404 lb.-ft. of torque. In either configuration, Dodge promises the coupe can run 0-60 mph in under six seconds. (For those keeping score, the official word on the 425-hp SRT8 is...
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Ever flip through catalogs, browsing for a gift idea? We found one that may be better to receive than to give. Neiman Marcus Direct has an item in their spring men’s catalog that is certain to attract car enthusiasts, a special-edition 2008 Hennessey Venom 700NM. This ultimate Viper will retail for $179,500 and only seven will be produced, ensuring it becomes a legendary future collectible. John Hennessey and his merry, wrench-wielding crew at Hennessey Performance Engineering ( HPE ) have been transforming Vipers into ultimate, high-performance machines for years. Celebrated on magazine covers and in online videos , their Vipers have inspired legions of fans and set many records. The Venom 700NM isn’t quite the hairy, 1,000-horsepower beast that has enlivened recent Car and Driver , Motor Trend , and Road & Track magazines, but it will shame most any production car today and be a legend for the history books tomorrow. The 2008 Hennessey Venom 700NM features Batman-grade black paint with a 200-mph tested rear wing and Venom 700NM badges. Inside, custom details include black and red leather appointments, a numbered limited-edition dash plaque, embroidered floor mats, and matching...
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The 2009 Nissan Murano was the best performer in the latest crash tests conducted by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS ). Results from this group of midsized SUVs saw span the safety spectrum, with only the Murano earning a Top Safety Pick award for good performance in front, side, and rear tests and including electronic stability control as standard equipment. All is not perfect for Nissan; The recently redesigned Murano has also been the subject of a safety recall to address airbag-related software. Results were largely mixed from the other nine SUVs. For example, the lowest-ranked model, the Kia Sorento did earn a good rating for front crash protection and a good for rear protection, a score many vehicles fall short of. However, it got the lowest rating of poor for side protection, despite being equipped with front and rear head-curtain airbags. The rear measure assesses mainly the whiplash risk. While whiplash is a very common, often long-term injury, it is seldom fatal. The greater physical risk is with a harsh side impact that can cause significant trauma, hence the greater importance for the side rating. The general rule that vehicles are getting better every year...
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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...
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