Performance numbers for the Challenger SRT8 is nothing short of impressive as 100 km/h will arrive in around five seconds and a quarter mile figure of around 14. It even brakes incredibly well (100 feet from 100 km/h) thanks to large 4-piston Brembo disc brakes. Those wanting to tire-smoking the Challenger will still be able to do so. Even if its equipped standard with electronic stability and traction control systems, they can be overridden.
Inside the Challenger, the feel is somewhat reminiscent of other cars in the Dodge/Chrysler stable. With a dash motif heavily borrowed from its other cars, expect the same layout, materials and even the green-on-white gauges. The square-cut center console is there, and the controls look to be nicked off the new Chrysler Sebring. Though there are chrome touches here and there, most of the interior is swabbed with carbon fiber. Along with grippy Alcantara seats (complete with SRT8 stitching), the Challenger definitely makes a sporting statement. Despite the similarities with other Chrysler models, the Challenger also boasts of some new features. For one, the typeface of the dials is much more modern—similar to those found in the Concept version a few years back. And then there’s the built-in hard drive to store MP3s. Keyless Go—the keyless engine start/stop system and GPS navigation come as standard.
Despite being a two-seater, the Challenger is a genuine five-seater vehicle, which can be its trump card versus the Ford Mustang and the upcoming Chevrolet Camaro. Space is almost equally divided front and back with the driver getting 1,390 mm of space and the rear passengers getting 1,370 mm. However, because of its coupe roofline, the headroom dips to 951 mm for the rear occupants. All Challenger SRT8’s will also carry a numbered plaque connoting its special place in the SRT line.
Though late to the muscle car foray, Dodge hopes to steal some sales thunder from the perennial best-seller, the Ford Mustang. Whether people are willing to dip themselves into a piece of Chrysler history is anyone’s guess. Though not necessarily a volume model, Chrysler hopes that its floundering image will pick-up when the Challenger SRT8 goes on sale.
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| On the road it looks pretty good. Perhaps we're going to see a modern remake of The Dukes of Hazard as well? |
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| Carbon fiber weave is found throughout the Challenger from the hood stripes to the interior (including the leather on the shift knob). |
