Challenger news...
Posted: 14 Jan 2008 3:59Pulled this from another site. Thought some might be interested. A few new details to chew on...
The first Challengers will all be SRT8 models with 5-speed automatic transmissions, powered by the 425-hp 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine. Only three exterior colors will be offered – HEMI Orange, Bright Silver and Brilliant Black, all with “carbon fiber” hood stripes. Other Standard features include a Dark Slate Gray interior, leather seats with a HEMI Orange accent, 20" x 9" wheels, a 13-speaker 522-watt Kicker audio system, chrome fuel filler door, Keyless-Go ignition and HID headlamps. Production of the 2008 SRT8 models is set to start in April 2008 with models starting to arrive to dealers in early May.
First three Challengers to be auctioned off for charity. On September 17th, 2007, Chrysler announced that the first three 2008 Challengers off the assembly line, all SRT8 models, would be auctioned off for charity. The first auction, for Challenger #0002, was held on eBay and was for Dodge dealers only. The auction started on September 26th and ran for one week. The winner was Dave Smith Motors of Kellogg, Idaho, with a final bid price of $175,407.07. The 2nd auction, for Challenger #0001, is set to be held by Barrett-Jackson on January 19th, 2008. The 3rd auction will feature Challenger #0003 and will be a public auction on eBay. The auction date will be announced around February 2008.
Shortly after the 2008s comes 2009 model-year production. The always-reliable oh20 reported that the lineup will be expanded to three models with the addition of three more engines, the base model having the 3.5L V6 while the R/T model will offer the all-new 5.7L VCT Hemi with MDS (5-speed) and without MDS (6-speed). Both the R/T and SRT8 will offer an optional six-speed TREMEC manual transmission. Production of the 2009 models is set to start on July 28th, 2008, arriving to dealers in late August/September. During the 2009 and later model years Dodge will most likely offer some special edition Challenger models similar to what has been done with other vehicles in the past.
All 2009 Challenger models will feature, as Standard equipment, front and side air bags, air conditioning, body-color door handles and fascias, cell phone storage, cruise control, a floor console with sliding armrest, functional hood scoops, non-adjustable pedals, power mirrors, power windows (1-touch down), rear wheel drive, rear window radio antenna, 3-point rear center seatbelts, satin/chrome grilles, Sentry Key anti-theft system and a tilt-telescoping steering wheel. None of the Challenger models will feature a spare tire, a “service kit” will be offered instead.
Other features and options on the 2009 Challenger will include Remote Start, MyGIG Infotainments systems with and without navigation, Sirius Satellite radio, foglamps, and a power sunroof. Base models will have a Tire Pressure warning light while other models will have a Tire Pressure display.
The 5.7L Hemi engine is set for an upgrade, which is why the R/T Challengers will not arrive until the 2009 model year. Chrysler will have variable cam timing in place on these new generation 5.7 engines, neatly leapfrogging most variable-valve timing systems. Variable cam technology will allow a 10% boost in power and a gas mileage increase of around 3-4 mpg. The MDS system has also been updated to work at a wider range of speeds. A new active intake system controls the lengths of the intake manifold’s channels, shortening the intakes at lower RPMs for more torque and lengthening them at higher RPMs for more power. The 2009 Dodge Ram will get 380 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque from the Hemi.
The multiple displacement system (MDS) will be featured in the new 5.7 that is offered in automatic transmission models, while 6-speed manuals models will feature the same engine but without MDS. A 6.4 liter version, with an estimated 500 hp, is still expected to be offered in a future model of the Challenger, possibly debuting in the 2010 model year.
Additional features of the 2009 R/T will include a rear body-color spoiler, 4-wheel anti-lock heavy-duty brakes, anti-spin rear differential, chrome pedals, dual rear exhaust, heated front seats, illuminated cupholders and map pockets, power heated mirrors, instrument cluster display screen, performance steering and suspension and 20”x8” chrome-clad wheels. R/T models will have a 19-gal. fuel tank, vs the 18.5 tank on the base models.
The 2009 SRT8 models will be very similar to the 2008 Challenger SRT8 models, other than the addition of a 6-speed manual version with 3.92 rear gearing and Hill Start Assist, there will be very few changes other than the addition of exterior colors. The 6.1L HEMI will return, and the available features and options will be nearly identical but offered in expanded option groups/packages.
2009 colors will include but not be limited to, Bright Silver, Brilliant Black, High-Performance Red, HEMI Orange, Dark Titanium Metallic and Stone White. Additional colors are still to be determined. For the interior, Dark Slate Gray will be offered on all models. Other interior color choices are unknown at this time.
Challenger convertible models are rumored to be added in the 2010 model year, with production possibly starting in the first half of 2009, several months earlier than the 2010 non-convertible models.
Convertibles will be offered in the base and R/T models only. This explains the front seat belt mounts, which are normally bolted to the bottom of the B post, then travel up the B post at which point you grab it and place over your chest. In the Challenger, seat belts are set up convertible-style; there is a small bar at the bottom of the B post which the seat belt is attached to. This allows it to slide back and forth to help with getting it out of the way when getting in the back. Then the seat belt travels through a loop at the top of the seats like in a convertible. You grab the seat belt from the top of the seat and then place across you chest. This may indicate that someone is thinking ahead to making a convertible.
The interior is, we’re now told, very different from the concept. The radio area is completely different; the console top is the same color but has a different shape, including an iPod valley in front. Gauges are different, and now include large chrome rings around each pod (a late change).
Finally, the 2011 or 2012 Challenger will most likely include the upcoming 4.0 liter Phoenix engine, replacing the 3.5 liter.
The first Challengers will all be SRT8 models with 5-speed automatic transmissions, powered by the 425-hp 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine. Only three exterior colors will be offered – HEMI Orange, Bright Silver and Brilliant Black, all with “carbon fiber” hood stripes. Other Standard features include a Dark Slate Gray interior, leather seats with a HEMI Orange accent, 20" x 9" wheels, a 13-speaker 522-watt Kicker audio system, chrome fuel filler door, Keyless-Go ignition and HID headlamps. Production of the 2008 SRT8 models is set to start in April 2008 with models starting to arrive to dealers in early May.
First three Challengers to be auctioned off for charity. On September 17th, 2007, Chrysler announced that the first three 2008 Challengers off the assembly line, all SRT8 models, would be auctioned off for charity. The first auction, for Challenger #0002, was held on eBay and was for Dodge dealers only. The auction started on September 26th and ran for one week. The winner was Dave Smith Motors of Kellogg, Idaho, with a final bid price of $175,407.07. The 2nd auction, for Challenger #0001, is set to be held by Barrett-Jackson on January 19th, 2008. The 3rd auction will feature Challenger #0003 and will be a public auction on eBay. The auction date will be announced around February 2008.
Shortly after the 2008s comes 2009 model-year production. The always-reliable oh20 reported that the lineup will be expanded to three models with the addition of three more engines, the base model having the 3.5L V6 while the R/T model will offer the all-new 5.7L VCT Hemi with MDS (5-speed) and without MDS (6-speed). Both the R/T and SRT8 will offer an optional six-speed TREMEC manual transmission. Production of the 2009 models is set to start on July 28th, 2008, arriving to dealers in late August/September. During the 2009 and later model years Dodge will most likely offer some special edition Challenger models similar to what has been done with other vehicles in the past.
All 2009 Challenger models will feature, as Standard equipment, front and side air bags, air conditioning, body-color door handles and fascias, cell phone storage, cruise control, a floor console with sliding armrest, functional hood scoops, non-adjustable pedals, power mirrors, power windows (1-touch down), rear wheel drive, rear window radio antenna, 3-point rear center seatbelts, satin/chrome grilles, Sentry Key anti-theft system and a tilt-telescoping steering wheel. None of the Challenger models will feature a spare tire, a “service kit” will be offered instead.
Other features and options on the 2009 Challenger will include Remote Start, MyGIG Infotainments systems with and without navigation, Sirius Satellite radio, foglamps, and a power sunroof. Base models will have a Tire Pressure warning light while other models will have a Tire Pressure display.
The 5.7L Hemi engine is set for an upgrade, which is why the R/T Challengers will not arrive until the 2009 model year. Chrysler will have variable cam timing in place on these new generation 5.7 engines, neatly leapfrogging most variable-valve timing systems. Variable cam technology will allow a 10% boost in power and a gas mileage increase of around 3-4 mpg. The MDS system has also been updated to work at a wider range of speeds. A new active intake system controls the lengths of the intake manifold’s channels, shortening the intakes at lower RPMs for more torque and lengthening them at higher RPMs for more power. The 2009 Dodge Ram will get 380 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque from the Hemi.
The multiple displacement system (MDS) will be featured in the new 5.7 that is offered in automatic transmission models, while 6-speed manuals models will feature the same engine but without MDS. A 6.4 liter version, with an estimated 500 hp, is still expected to be offered in a future model of the Challenger, possibly debuting in the 2010 model year.
Additional features of the 2009 R/T will include a rear body-color spoiler, 4-wheel anti-lock heavy-duty brakes, anti-spin rear differential, chrome pedals, dual rear exhaust, heated front seats, illuminated cupholders and map pockets, power heated mirrors, instrument cluster display screen, performance steering and suspension and 20”x8” chrome-clad wheels. R/T models will have a 19-gal. fuel tank, vs the 18.5 tank on the base models.
The 2009 SRT8 models will be very similar to the 2008 Challenger SRT8 models, other than the addition of a 6-speed manual version with 3.92 rear gearing and Hill Start Assist, there will be very few changes other than the addition of exterior colors. The 6.1L HEMI will return, and the available features and options will be nearly identical but offered in expanded option groups/packages.
2009 colors will include but not be limited to, Bright Silver, Brilliant Black, High-Performance Red, HEMI Orange, Dark Titanium Metallic and Stone White. Additional colors are still to be determined. For the interior, Dark Slate Gray will be offered on all models. Other interior color choices are unknown at this time.
Challenger convertible models are rumored to be added in the 2010 model year, with production possibly starting in the first half of 2009, several months earlier than the 2010 non-convertible models.
Convertibles will be offered in the base and R/T models only. This explains the front seat belt mounts, which are normally bolted to the bottom of the B post, then travel up the B post at which point you grab it and place over your chest. In the Challenger, seat belts are set up convertible-style; there is a small bar at the bottom of the B post which the seat belt is attached to. This allows it to slide back and forth to help with getting it out of the way when getting in the back. Then the seat belt travels through a loop at the top of the seats like in a convertible. You grab the seat belt from the top of the seat and then place across you chest. This may indicate that someone is thinking ahead to making a convertible.
The interior is, we’re now told, very different from the concept. The radio area is completely different; the console top is the same color but has a different shape, including an iPod valley in front. Gauges are different, and now include large chrome rings around each pod (a late change).
Finally, the 2011 or 2012 Challenger will most likely include the upcoming 4.0 liter Phoenix engine, replacing the 3.5 liter.
