[Cuda340]

The July 2007 issue of Car and Driver listed the 2008 Challenger as "one of 20 cars worth waiting for." As far as specifics, the article stated the following:

Powertrain: Look under the hood for the 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 kicking up 425 horsepower, with the anticipated option of a 500-horse, 392-cubic inch V-8, as well as a base model with a V-6. In addition to the six-speed automatic, the hope is Chrysler will do the right thing and offer a six-speed manual in the spirit of Challengers of yore.

Estimated arrival and cost: The production Challenger will get spotlight treatment at the Chicago auto show in February 2008. We expect production to begin next spring as a 2008 model. Pricing will be competitive with the Mustang ad Camaro, in the $25,000-$35,000 range. A convertible is not planned, but we expect an SRT performance version, perhaps launching simultaneously next spring.

Why is it Important: This is Chrysler's play for a piece of the pony-car market that Ford has been gobbling whole since the introduction of the 2005 Mustang that sold 160,975 units that year.

What might go wrong: Ford was pleasantly suprised with the success of the 2005 Mustang, but the Challenger, Camaro, and Mustang likely will be duking it out for shares of a segment that has been partly sated.

Platform: The concept rides on a shortened version of the rear-wheel drive LX platform (Dodge Charger, Chyrsler 300), but the production Challenger could be a short-wheelbase version of the next-gen LY architecture.

Competition: Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro."