RAM MAN
11-21-2007, 10:23 AM
as reported on AllPar:
The first Challengers will be SRT-8 models with automatic transmissions, with a HEMI® Orange exterior, hood stripes, and a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine, produced in March or April as 2008 models. The first three will be auctioned off for charity. After the 2008s, all SRT8 automatics, comes 2009 model-year production with all three engines and both size Hemis with six-speed T-56 manual transmissions. (We reported this on October 15. Autoblog confirmed it in early November.)
The always-reliable oh20 reported that the LC series Challenger would start production in April 2008 with the SRT8 and 6.1 liter engine. The 2009 Challenger, to be built starting in July 2008, will include a 3.5 liter SXT with the 3.5 liter engine and four-speed automatic, R/T with the second-generation 5.7 Hemi, and the SRT-8. The 2010, to start production in July 2009 - with convertibles starting in early 2009 - will be similar but with SXT and R/T convertibles, and possibly a new 6.4 liter High Output SRT8 option. Finally, the 2011 Challenger will include the 4.0 liter Phoenix engine instead of the 3.5 liter.
Available features and options on the 2008-09 Challengers will be very similar to the 2008 Charger lineup, with the addition of functional hood scoops, Keyless Go ignition and entry (2009MY), and the six-speed manual TREMEC transmission (2009MY). Six-speed SRT models will include a couple of surprise features that will have Challenger enthusiasts talking. Challenger wheel sizes should run from 17" to 20", with no spare tires on any models (and no run-flats), tire service kits will be included. Look for chrome fuel filler doors on the R/T and SRT models.
The Hemi engine is set for an upgrade, which may be why the non-SRT Challenger will take some time to show up. By 2009, Chrysler will have variable cam timing set up for its Hemi engines, neatly leapfrogging most variable-valve timing systems. The multiple displacement system is expected to remain for most, if not all, 5.7 Hemis. A 6.4 liter version is still expected, with 450-500 hp, though whether this is earmarked for the Challenger or not is still in question.
The official introduction / unveiling is set for February 6, 2008, 11 am, CST. Actual production is reportedly set for April 21, 2008. Availability should be around May-June 2008. We will be in Chicago for the reveal.
The Dodge Challenger will be produced as a coupe, to arrive in dealerships in 2008 (as a 2008 model year car), and to be built on the same line as the 300, Charger, and Magnum. Chrysler assures us that the production car will be practically indistinguishable from the concept. We have been told to expect a price of about $31,000.
more transmission specific info here:
http://www.allpar.com/cars/dodge/challenger.html
The first Challengers will be SRT-8 models with automatic transmissions, with a HEMI® Orange exterior, hood stripes, and a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine, produced in March or April as 2008 models. The first three will be auctioned off for charity. After the 2008s, all SRT8 automatics, comes 2009 model-year production with all three engines and both size Hemis with six-speed T-56 manual transmissions. (We reported this on October 15. Autoblog confirmed it in early November.)
The always-reliable oh20 reported that the LC series Challenger would start production in April 2008 with the SRT8 and 6.1 liter engine. The 2009 Challenger, to be built starting in July 2008, will include a 3.5 liter SXT with the 3.5 liter engine and four-speed automatic, R/T with the second-generation 5.7 Hemi, and the SRT-8. The 2010, to start production in July 2009 - with convertibles starting in early 2009 - will be similar but with SXT and R/T convertibles, and possibly a new 6.4 liter High Output SRT8 option. Finally, the 2011 Challenger will include the 4.0 liter Phoenix engine instead of the 3.5 liter.
Available features and options on the 2008-09 Challengers will be very similar to the 2008 Charger lineup, with the addition of functional hood scoops, Keyless Go ignition and entry (2009MY), and the six-speed manual TREMEC transmission (2009MY). Six-speed SRT models will include a couple of surprise features that will have Challenger enthusiasts talking. Challenger wheel sizes should run from 17" to 20", with no spare tires on any models (and no run-flats), tire service kits will be included. Look for chrome fuel filler doors on the R/T and SRT models.
The Hemi engine is set for an upgrade, which may be why the non-SRT Challenger will take some time to show up. By 2009, Chrysler will have variable cam timing set up for its Hemi engines, neatly leapfrogging most variable-valve timing systems. The multiple displacement system is expected to remain for most, if not all, 5.7 Hemis. A 6.4 liter version is still expected, with 450-500 hp, though whether this is earmarked for the Challenger or not is still in question.
The official introduction / unveiling is set for February 6, 2008, 11 am, CST. Actual production is reportedly set for April 21, 2008. Availability should be around May-June 2008. We will be in Chicago for the reveal.
The Dodge Challenger will be produced as a coupe, to arrive in dealerships in 2008 (as a 2008 model year car), and to be built on the same line as the 300, Charger, and Magnum. Chrysler assures us that the production car will be practically indistinguishable from the concept. We have been told to expect a price of about $31,000.
more transmission specific info here:
http://www.allpar.com/cars/dodge/challenger.html