Chrysler confirms Challenger SRT-8

[ekool]

We feel a "Thank you, Captain Obvious" is in order for this piece of news that was published all the way back on July 12th within the walled garden of Ward's Auto. The news is simply that Chrysler has confirmed it will build an SRT-8 version of the upcoming Challenger pony car. Chrysler, sorry, the NEW Chrysler, has never issued a release to our knowledge confirming it will sell the Challenger SRT-8, but again, we don't need one because they'd be crazy not to.

All current SRT-8 products use Chrysler's 6.1L HEMI V8, so we would expect the same powerplant for the Challenger SRT-8 producing 425 horsepower and 420 ft-lbs. of torque. However, considering how many high-powered variants of the Mustang are offered, and that Chevy will certainly offer a comparably high-powered version of the Camaro, we expect the SRT-8 to break rank with its siblings and have considerably more power than we're used to seeing in an SRT-8 product. In fact, we may reasonably expect all SRT-8 models to get an commensurate bump in power after the Challenger SRT-8 debuts in late 2009, especially with some like the Dodge Charger, Magnum and Chrysler 300 switching from the current LX platform to a new one code named LY.

BTW - Less than 159 days remain until the production Chrysler Challenger debuts at the Chicago Auto Show next February (check the countdown clock).

[Source: SEMA.org & autoblog.com]

[HEMEEE]

Thanks for the story!

[hemicuda]

So, has it been confirmed that the actual release date for the Challenger SRT-8 will be in late 2009?

[Cuda340]

Big Three to shift into '08 models

By George Spaulding

Saturday, September 22, 2007

"It's new model time! Yes, on Oct. 1, the 2008 automotive model year begins. The date affects all of us because our vehicles officially become one year older.

This column reminds readers of the new car announcement date every year. Otherwise, you would not realize the latest versions have arrived. The carmakers no longer hold introductions until the first of October; they prefer to announce the new models as they become available. That explains why the Buick Enclave, for example, hit the dealer showrooms this spring as an '08 model.

As a service, today we will highlight "what's new" for the most notable changes for the domestic brands: Ford Motor Co., the Chrysler Group and General Motors Corp. Next week, the imports will be featured.

Ford

It is good to see the Taurus, formerly the hottest-selling brand, coming back. It replaces the Five Hundred, which was a less-than-stellar performer. It is important to note that the Taurus has not been rebadged, but there are some 500 engineering updates along with a bigger V-6 engine and a six-speed gear box with the automatic.

The Mustang has a new Shelby convertible with a racing package available for 2008. The successful Focus receives a face-lift and a hands-free communication group for phones and music.

The big news at Mercury is that the Sable has returned, replacing the Montego. It comes with a new 3.5-liter V-6 with 263 hp and a six-speed speed automatic transmission.

The Lincoln Navigator now has a power liftgate, heated and cooled front seats and a power-folding third seat.

Chrysler

The Chrysler 300 now has eight models, four engine choices and two wheelbase options engineered for it. The 300 is referred to as "America's rear drive car."

The Sebring now has a new convertible. The Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan feature "Swivel 'n Go," which transforms the vans into a dining car, according to Car and Driver magazine. "The second-row seats pivot to face rearward, allowing passengers to belly up to an optional removable table for a rousing game of euchre with those in the third row."

The Dodge Avenger replaces the Stratus, with a good deal of Dodge Charger incorporated in the new model. The Dodge Challenger retro comes with two Hemi V-8 engines from which to choose. The Dodge Magnum receives a face-lift plus a 425-hp engine, and the Dodge Viper, a serious challenger to the Corvette, now delivers 90 hp more."


I assume that this means a 5.7 R/T and a 6.1 SRT.

[Ragamuffin]

Originally Posted by Cuda340

Big Three to shift into '08 models

By George Spaulding

Saturday, September 22, 2007

"It's new model time! Yes, on Oct. 1, the 2008 automotive model year begins. The date affects all of us because our vehicles officially become one year older.
The Dodge Avenger replaces the Stratus, with a good deal of Dodge Charger incorporated in the new model. The Dodge Challenger retro comes with two Hemi V-8 engines from which to choose. The Dodge Magnum receives a face-lift plus a 425-hp engine, and the Dodge Viper, a serious challenger to the Corvette, now delivers 90 hp more."
I assume that this means a 5.7 R/T and a 6.1 SRT.

Probably;yet this conflicts with what we've heard of late : that the 2008 [the first] Challenger [s] will be the SRTs w the 6.1. Then, the 2009s will have 5.7 and V6s. The Magnum , I thought, already has a 6.1 SRT !?!

[JonW]

Never believe anything you read in the media. Most of those journalists are as clueless as the rest of us.

[JesusLovesMe]

Originally Posted by JonW

Never believe anything you read in the media. Most of those journalists are as clueless as the rest of us.

Jihad Journalists

[Cuda340]

Here is an interesting response from the redletterdodge.com site:

"One of the goals of Red Letter is to offer readers the opportunity to ask honest questions and get honest answers from Dodge. And we’ve been hit by dozens of questions in the past days that we’re circulating for answers. Some might take a while, but hey, we want to make sure that your questions get good answers from the right people, not just “Thanks, we can’t tell you.”
As a Red Letter reader, you are entitled to something a bit more…like you’re the kind of person who knows a big shot over here that’s happy to chat over a cup of coffee or over the backyard fence. What’s that, neighbor? You want to know specs on the Challenger? Uh…thanks, we can’t tell you.
Make that we can’t tell you yet. But here’s a few answers to questions that have been asked so far, with many more to come in the days ahead:

——————————–
Color Schemes
As you can tell from our latest poll, available paint colors are a hot topic these days. And Dodge has a proud history of famous color schemes from back in the day. All this inspired this question from Yankee:
“The Viper has some really cool new color selections. How about expanding the same color selection to the rest of the SRT line as well? You guys have GOT to get past this “only available in red, silver and black” mentality and offer more colors. The addition of Plum Crazy and Detonator Yellow on the Charger SRT8 are a good start… but they’re still not enough.”
Our own Mike Accavitti answers:
Good question, thanks for asking. We periodically look at the SRT color palate and solicit dealer and customer feedback. The buzz color strategy using throw back colors has been very popular to date. The B-5 Blue SRT8 Super Bee is another great example of that. However, we have built the SRT line’s street cred up by doing unpredictable things. So stay tuned on this subject…"
———————————

[Rallye72]

"throw back colors "

so easy, even a cave man can do it....

[Cuda340]

For you info:

The blog at www.redletterdodge.com is a direct link from Dodge's website (www.dodge.com). This means that the info posted there has been approved by Dodge and is more than "rumor."

I will check daily to make sure that we get the latest scoop.