On December 3, 2007, Chrysler started taking deposits for the third-generation Dodge Challenger which debuted on February 6, 2008 simultaneously at the Chicago Auto Show and Philadelphia International Auto Show. Listing at US$40,095, the new version is a 2-door coupe which shares common design elements with the first generation Challenger, despite being significantly longer and taller. The chassis is a modified (shortened wheelbase) version of the LX platform that underpins the 2006-Current Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, and the 2005-Current Chrysler 300. The LX platform was adapted from the Mercedes E Class, reflecting the German company's ownership of Chrysler at the time and quest for economies of scale. All(7119) 2008 models were SRT8s and equipped with the 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi and a 5-speed AutoStick automatic transmission. The entire 2008 US run of 6,400 cars were pre-sold (many of which for above MSRP), and production commenced on May 8, 2008; Chrysler Canada offered a further 670+ SRTs uniquely badged as the Challenger 500(paying homage to Charger and Coronet 500s) all of which were shipped to Canadian Dodge dealers. Chrysler of Mexico is offering only 100 of this car for that country with a 6.1 liter V8 and 425 brake horsepower (317 kW) (SAE); the version is SRT8. Chrysler auctioned off two 2008 SRT8 for charity with car #1 going for $400,000.00 to benefit the notMYkid non-profit organization, and a "B5" Blue #43 car fetching a winning bid of $228,143.43 with the proceeds going to Victory Junction Gang Camp. Production of the limited edition 2008 SRT/8s ended in July 2008, and production of the expanded 2009 line-up started in early August of the same year. The expanded offering was the same as that which had been unveiled earlier that spring; at the 2008 New York Auto Show, Chrysler debuted the full Dodge Challenger line for 2009, with four different trims - SE, R/T, SRT8, and SXT (Canada only). In addition to the SRT8, which remained unchanged except for the optional 6 speed manual, the line-up included the previously mentioned SE and SXT which offered the 250 HP 3.5 V6, and the R/T which hosted a 5.7 Hemi sporting 370 hp (276 kW) and 398 lb·ft (540 N·m) of torque when coupled with the 5 speed automatic, and 375 hp (280 kW) and 404 lb·ft (548 N·m) when matched with the same Tremec 6 speed manual stick as the SRT8. For 2010 models, the vehicle will cost $515 to $1,010 higher than 2009 cars. The color, HEMI Orange, was initially dropped for the 2010 model year, then re-released later for the 2010 model year. Two new color schemes will be available for November 2009 for the 2010 model year including the Plum Crazy and Detonator Yellow. A third new color, Furious Fuschia was announced in February 2010. But unlike previous special editions, the Furious Fuschia version will have significant changes to the interior with white leather instead of the usual black seats. The base model Challenger is powered by a 3.5 L (214 cu in) SOHC V6 producing 250 brake horsepower (190 kW) (SAE) and 250 lb·ft (339 N·m) torque which was coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission for the first half of 2009, then was changed to have a 5 speed automatic transmission standard equipment for the second half of the 2009 model year and on. Several different exterior colors, and either cloth or leather interiors are available. Standard features include air conditioning; power windows, locks, and mirrors; cruise control; and 17-inch (430 mm) aluminum wheels. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, sunroof, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and a premium audio system are available as options, as are ABS, and stability and traction control. The Canadian market also sports the SXT trim, similar to the SE, however is even more generous in terms of standard features. Some of these features being ESP, an alarm system, and 18-inch (460 mm) wheels. New for 2009 is the Rallye Package for the SE model. The Challenger SE Rallye Package features design cues including dual body stripes on the hood and the trunk, chromed ‘FUEL’ door, deck lid spoiler, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and Micro Carbon in the interior accents. The mid-level Challenger is powered by a 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8 coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission or a Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual transmission. On cars equipped with the automatic transmission, the engine features the Multi-Displacement System and produces 372 brake horsepower (277 kW) (SAE) and 398 lb·ft (540 N·m) torque. With the 6-speed manual transmission, the Multi-Displacement System option is deleted and the engine produces 376 brake horsepower (280 kW) (SAE) and 404 lb·ft (548 N·m) torque. Another feature is the Intelligent Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off (iDFSO) available with the manual and the automatic models, the first to combine both Multi-Displacement system and fuel shut-off. Thefinal drive ratio is 3.06:1 on cars with the automatic transmission, 3.73:1 on cars with the 6-speed manual and 18-inch (460 mm) wheels or 3.92:1 with the 6-speed manual and optional 20-inch (510 mm) wheels. Also available on R/T is the "Track Pak" option group, which includes the Tremec manual transmission, a limited slip differential and self-leveling rear shock absorbers. The brochure of the 2009 Challenger shows a "classic" version of the Dodge Challenger R/T, with the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi, and retro aspects such as script "Challenger" badges on the front panels and black "R/T" stripes. According to a Chrysler press release from 2009/01/16 it will come with a six-speed-manual transmission (including a pistol-grip-shifter) as standard. It will be available in Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Bright Silver Metallic, Stone White and in three "heritage" colors: HEMI-Orange, TorRed and B5 Blue. Prices start at $34,005 (including destination) and production started in February 2009. The 2009 SRT8, while still equipped with the 6.1L Hemi V8, is virtually identical to its 2008 counterpart, with the main difference being the choice of either a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. Standard features include Brembo brakes, a sport suspension, bi-xenon headlamps, heated leather sport seats, keyless go, Sirius satellite radio, and 20-inch (510 mm) forged aluminum wheels in addition to most amenities offered on the lower R/T and SE models such as air conditioning and cruise control. In addition, the 2009 will have a true "limited slip" differential. A "Spring Special" SRT8 Challenger was also offered in B5 Blue, but thanks to rolling plant shutdowns, just over 250 Spring Special Challengers were built before the end of the 2009 model year. For 2010, SRT8 models add Detonator Yellow as an available color (at extra cost), and only with the optional "Special Edition Group". Yellow Challengers will only be built for a limited time (October/November 2009). A retro color, Plum Crazy Purple, is scheduled to be available during Spring 2010 production, offered exclusively in the "Spring Special" package. Another retro color, Furious Fuschia, similar to the 70s Panther Pink, has also been announced. The SXT version of the Challenger is only sold in Canada and is a more well-equipped variation of the SE. It adds fog lamps, a rear spoiler, larger wheels, illuminated vanity mirrors, security alarm and a leather-wrapped shifter. In addition, the SXT has increased option packages available to it that aren't available on the SE. (Such as the high-end navigation-enabled entertainment system.) The Super Stock Concept was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of 392 Hemi engine, as well as showcase Mopar's new available 392 (6.4L) Hemi crate engine. The body was based on the 2006 Dodge Challenger Concept. The vehicle was unveiled at SEMA show. A concept vehicle using Dodge Viper SRT-10 engine and Bilstein shocks appeared in 2008 SEMA show. A race model designed for NHRA competition, based on Dodge Challenger SRT-8. The car is 1,000 pounds (454 kg) lighter than the street vehicle by eliminating major production components and systems. To accentuate the weight savings, they also feature added composite, polycarbonate and lightweight components designed for drag racing that will be part of the new Package Car program. The engine was repositioned to improve driveline angle and weight distribution. The 116-inch (2,900 mm) wheelbase was shortened by ½ inch. They also feature a front cradle with bolt-in crossmember and solid engine mounts. First shown at the 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas, the 1320 is a concept car based on the Drag Race Package. It was fabricated by Mopar's design team as a lightweight version that uses carbon-fiber components and a reduced interior. Other modifications include Mopar police wheels, an electric exhaust bypass, ARB locking differential and Mickey Thompson street-legal drag radials. It is named after the length of a quarter mile which is 1320 ft Third generation (2008–present)
Production 2008–present Assembly Brampton Assembly plant inCanada Class Pony car Body style(s) 2-door coupe Platform Chrysler LC platform Engine(s) 6.1 L (370 cu in) HEMI V8
3.5 L (214 cu in) SOHC V6 (2009-present)Transmission(s)
6-speed Manual (2009-presentWheelbase 116.0 in (2946 mm) Length 197.7 in (5022 mm) Width 75.7 in (1923 mm) Height 57.0 in (1448 mm) Related Chrysler 300
Dodge Magnum
Mercedes-Benz E-ClassMercedes-Benz S-Class2009
2010 models
SERallye Package
Exterior paint colors and dual-stripe combinations on the Dodge Challenger SE Rallye include:
R/T
R/T Classic
SRT8
SXT
Super Stock Concept
SRT10 Concept
Drag Race Package
At least 50 Challenger Drag Race Package Cars are being built to meet NHRA requirements. Engine options include 6.1L HEMI, 5.7-L HEMI, 5.9L Magnum Wedge. Manual or automatic transmissions are available, The initial run of the required 50 cars has been completed and over 100 of the "2009 Challenger Drag Pak" vehicles will be produced. Currently a 2010 program is being considered. "Big Daddy" Don Garlits bought the first drag race package car and plans to race it in NHRA competition. The prototype cars shown at SEMA were built by MPR Racing of Michigan, they continue to modify the production cars as delivered from Mopar , currently the "Drag-Pak" cars running in legal A/SA trim are running around the 9.7-10 second mark at 130-140 mph in the quarter mile.
Shortly after Dodge announced the Drag Pak program Ford decided to throw its hat into the competitive "Package Car" arena of NHRA drag racing. The Super Cobra Jets were built as Fords direct answer to the Challenger Drag Pak program. These cars are currently being sought as collector items because of their unique features and future value.
1320 Concept
Racing
