Sampling has been a common practice in music for decades, same applies for cars. Just as Puffy and Notorious weren't the first to borrow the background of a great 80's song, Dodge is not the first to pull a page from the past.
The thought crossed my mind Monday morning when a reminder on my Outlook Calendar notified me that the day had come to confirm the rebirth of a classic muscle car at Chicago's Auto Show. I have admired this car since first seeing it two years ago at the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas (Specialty Equipment Market Association). I also categorize it as one of the top 10 creations from the era of the muscle car (60s and early 70's).
SRT8 Challenger concept at 2007 SEMA Show
This isn't some hodge-podge of models past like the newer Mustang (S197 platform) or the 2009 Camaro, no it's much simpler than that. Overall the body is the same, they simply made it one inch longer, lower and wider. The interior respects yesteryear cues while bringing the creature comforts a baby boomer would demand today.
It's not mean, it's just aggressive!
What I love is what's underneath those sexy body lines. This car sits on the LC platform which is a shortened version of the LX platform used with the Magnum, Charger and Chrysler 300. The difference is they chopped the wheelbase by four inches and shortened the overall length by eight inches. Chew on this fact; the LX chassis is simply a modified chassis from the 95-03 E Class Mercedes Benz (the W210 platform) with the front suspension from the S class (W220 platform).
The package is completed with a nicely tuned independent rear suspension (IRS), big Brembo brakes all around and a sweet SRT8, 6.1 liter HEMI under the hood. Just typing these facts off the top of my head makes me want to get in line for this reborn classic. Trust that all dealers will be adding a nice "market adjustment" to the low $40,095 manufacturer's suggested retail. I just hope they don't blow a great release by getting over confident.
4-piston Brembos hidden behind 5-spoke alloys
So this may leave some of you with one question; Is this worth tapping into the Meryl Lynch account? Heck yeah, you deserve it! The end of gas hogs is near and what better way to go out with a bang than this? If you do pull the trigger (As we say in the industry) be sure to at least get a potential collector's model. The first 6300 SRT8 Challenger's will have Shelby-like authentic badge on the dash.
Happy Motoring,
Lance
Specs:
425HP 6.1 Liter V8 HEMI w/ 420LB-FT Torque
0-60mph in 4.9 seconds
60-0mph in 110 feet
170mph top speed
Fun factor 10 out of 10!
Comments, questions? Let me know! Comment below,
or e-mail me at: LLambert@venturacountystar.com
Good choice... IMO the lines of the SRT8 are closer to the original when compared to the new Camaro & Mud-Stain [er Mustang].
The first generation Camaro was a nice design; why they changed it is mystery to me[?]. Perhaps to fit those ridiculous 20" wagon-wheels[?].
The new SRT8 is 1 Mopar I wouldn't mind driving...
The new Camaro will be introduced in 2009 as a 2010 model.
I would be surprised if GM went ahead and put 20" wheels on the 5th Gen Camaro when its comes out. And if anything, I'm sure there will be an option for different sizes.
Although the Challenger is nice to look at, it doesn't do much for me. The car itself is extremely heavy, and the mileage is terrible. And for the price, I'm much more interested in waiting on the Camaro, or buying a used Z06. Its difficult to beat the LSX engines, in performance and MPG.