It's Official

[Mr.DJ]

Today, via live webcast from Daytona Beach, Florida at 1244 hrs EDT/0944 hrs PST, during the press conference, Mr. Tom LaSorda of DCX, with green flag in-hand and accompanied by Richard Petty and Kasey Kahne, announced that the 'Challenger Project' is 'a definite go'! Although no additional information was released, it was announced that the 'Challenger' will be available in 2008 as a 2008 model, and yes, according to Chrysler Group's Chief Operating Officer Eric Ridenour...the 'Challenger' will definitely be a two-door coupe. (webcast screenshot captured by ChallengerTalk.com member xs29j8)

Additional information to follow as soon as it's released...

Update:

It's a Go: Dodge Challenger Will Debut in 2008

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The Dodge Challenger Concept, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, will go into production in calendar 2008 as an '08 model.

The announcement was made before the Pepsi 400 NASCAR race here at Daytona International Speedway by Chrysler Group President Tom LaSorda and Chief Operating Officer Eric Ridenour.

The concept vehicle was inspired by the 1970 Dodge Challenger, a companion to the Plymouth Barracuda and one of the last of Detroit's original muscle cars. In its heyday, Challenger went toe to toe with the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang — a battle that is sure to be re-enacted with the latter-day Mustang and the just-as-eagerly awaited reincarnation of the Chevy Camaro.

While Chrysler declined to reveal many more details, it is expected that the production '08 Challenger will be built on a shortened version of the rear-wheel-drive LX platform that underpins the Dodge Charger and the Chrysler 300. A Hemi V8 will be stuffed under the hood, and there is almost certain to be a performance-oriented SRT8 edition with a large-displacement, high-output Hemi.
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Source: Edmunds.com - Inside Line
Saturday, July 01, 2006
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Press Release:

"We drew on the rich heritage of the Dodge Challenger, but with contemporary forms and technologies," said Ridenour. "It's not just a re- creation; it's a reinterpretation."

Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda Says Dodge Challenger is a 'Go'

Nearly 35 years later, Dodge Challenger returns as the ultimate modern American muscle coupe

~ Unprecedented public response to Challenger concept leads to 'green light' decision for production * Chrysler Group COO Eric Ridenour says concept-to-production success story highlights focus on speed-to-market ~

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda today announced that Dodge Challenger will return to production after a nearly 35-year hiatus. The all-new Dodge Challenger will debut as a 2008 model in calendar-year 2008.

The announcement was made shortly before the Pepsi 400 NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Driving out with the Dodge Challenger was Chrysler Group Chief Operating Officer Eric Ridenour.

"We haven't seen this kind of spontaneous, passionate response to a car since we unveiled the Dodge Viper concept in 1989," said LaSorda. "But it's easy to see what people like about the Dodge Challenger. It's bold, powerful and capable. It's a modern take on one of the most iconic muscle cars, and sets a new standard for pure 'pony car' performance."

The Dodge Challenger will feature the long hood, short deck, wide stance and two-door coupe body style that distinguished the iconic Challengers of the 1970s.

"We drew on the rich heritage of the Dodge Challenger, but with contemporary forms and technologies," said Ridenour. "It's not just a re- creation; it's a reinterpretation."

Read more here
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Source: Chrysler Group

[CHALLENGERMAN]

Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

[CHALLENGERMAN]

we just have to wait for it now.. i wonder wat production version looks like

[Manic]

I doubt it will be changed a lot...

My worries is the interior. I really like what they have now, and would hate for it too be changed...

Dodge has come up with a beautiful (different) interior....

To Dodge, don't change a thing!

Will

[TBONE24]

here is a link to Dodge's website for the Challenger.

http://www.dodge.com/en/challenger/index.html

[allhemi]

Does anybody fill the same as me??.........They left more questions than answers.....We knew it would be built, we knew where it was built, and we knew it was going to have a hemi......But what trans, what engines, what colors, what models, and the biggest question....HOW MANY????? I think this was a piss poor introduction.

[Dakrt59]

Im just so freaking happy that its finally 100% certain. Can't wait.. all hemi im sure all the answers to your questions should quickly fall in place now that they gave the green light !

[firstmethod]

Originally Posted by allhemi

Does anybody fill the same as me??.........They left more questions than answers.....We knew it would be built, we knew where it was built, and we knew it was going to have a hemi......But what trans, what engines, what colors, what models, and the biggest question....HOW MANY????? I think this was a piss poor introduction.

I'm suprised you expected them to reveal production schedules and these kinds of details. This was simply a formal "GO!" with some pomp and circumstance nothing more. If we keep an eye on the industry rags and appropriate websites (like this one and allpar) the details will leak out sooner than later I suspect. The good news is that now that word is out DCX may lift the gag order on dealerships to give us a good source of inside info along with our regular trusted sources.

This may be what they meant by "generating dealership buzz" in an earlier report - not necessarily expecting to sell more current cars but to get people into the dealerships for more Challenger info. And maybe making a few more sales to boot.

[Legion681]

Yeah, forget about the lack of news...
Just a few days ago many (including me) were complaining for the lack of info and now it's OFFICIAL that they will make it.
So just sit back and enjoy the moment !!!

As for me, I am in heaven !!!
Thank you DCX !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ragamuffin]

Originally Posted by allhemi

Does anybody fill the same as me??.........They left more questions than answers.....We knew it would be built, we knew where it was built, and we knew it was going to have a hemi......But what trans, what engines, what colors, what models, and the biggest question....HOW MANY????? I think this was a piss poor introduction.

Well, at least the green light is better than a red light or No light at all ! Next ,maybe your questions are still being decided on ? What trans, engine,color are you wanting/hoping for ? Not that I've ever seen a new vehicle's introduction.but I'm thinking that colors and all the engines and trannies are not usually announced at first announcement or are they ? Since I'm not inside DCX ,maybe Dodge has to still build a few test Challengers with different engines and trans and other set ups and test them...prove which combos work the best...are the best ! As for colors , how many different colors does any manufacturer offer for any model...maybe a dozen at most.....in fact it would be a first if Mister Dieter would hold a deck of infinite colors and say , " What ever color you want, You Got It " ! Whheeehhaawww