Release notes from Allpar
Posted: 10 Feb 2008 23:32Allpar has updated their Challenger page with too many items to list http://www.allpar.com/cars/dodge/challenger.html
There are answers to many questions that were asked on here.
The lighting-
The Challenger has undeniable presence, whether up on a rotisserie, in photos, in video, or in person, where each color - but especially the orange - looks phenomenal, low, wide, and lean. The large running lights were an excellent idea, providing a neat touch of color with the lights on and a unique look; and they come at a time when kids are switching from noxious blue headlights to yellow-orange headlights. The grille comes off very well, and the tail is simply excellent, with full-length, even lighting around a single backup-lamp bar. (Only the end parts light up for brakes.) It is amazing that the designers were able to get approval for the full-length tail-lights, the single-bar reverse light, and the real coup de résistance, the separate sidelights and dual-headlight-style grille. Apparently, though, the main battle was to get approval for the grille without the trademark Dodge crosshairs - it looks so much better as produced that one would never believe there was anyone fighting it.
Suspension-
The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 sports a five-link Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) to allow independent tuning of the ride and handling characteristics. Multiple links maintain independent control of camber and toe. Lower unsprung mass improves the ride while the decoupling of left and right wheels over road imperfections maintains better tire contact and ride comfort. Stabilizer bar attachments to the knuckles provide maximum response to vehicle lean. For 2008, SRT-exclusive fully-forged 20-inch Alcoa aluminum wheels with 4-season Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires are standard; three-season Goodyear F1 Supercar tires are optional.
Other information and interesting tidbits-
Braking is delivered via a specially designed system. All four wheels are equipped with red, painted Brembo calipers that feature four pistons for even clamping performance. 360 x 32mm vented rotors are found up front and 350 x 26mm vented rotors are in the rear, for braking distances of around 110 feet from 60 mph.
Jeff Gale, Lead Designer – Dodge Challenger Exterior Design, said, “We used the original Challenger as an inspiration. The side mirrors actually started with a mold from the mirrors of an original Challenger. We tweaked a few details for fit and finish, then put them through our modern aerodynamic testing metrics and ended up with a body-mounted mirror that is remarkably similar visually to the original, but offers significantly better aerodynamic performance.”
“The dark headliner was very important to us when designing the interior,” said Brian Nielander, Manager – Dodge Challenger Exterior and Interior Design. “It not only stays true to the original Challenger, but it also gives a sinister, more businesslike atmosphere.”
A fascia directs air around the front of the vehicle, dual snorkel hood scoops bring cooling air into the engine compartment, and ducts direct air to cool the brakes. The rear spoiler brings up memories of the Dodge Challenger T/A, while generating significant rear downforce.
Interior 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 highlights include leather seats with added bolstering and an orange accent stripe, stitched accents, four-bomb gauges with tachometer and 180 mph speedometer in the center, and an SRT-exclusive Reconfigurable Display (RCD) with Performances Pages that provide drivers instant feedback on 0–60 mph time, 60–0 mph braking, g-forces and ¼-mile time.
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 early, in June of 2008. Vehicles are expected to start arriving to dealers in late June/July. 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.
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. In addition to VVT and expanded MDS operating range, the HEMI’s fuel economy (~4%) and performance improvements (~10%) result from an increased compression ratio, an active intake manifold with long runners for low-end torque and short runners for high-rpm power, improved cylinder head port flow efficiency, and reduced restriction exhaust and induction systems. To raise the reliability and durability of the HEMI engine, other updates are crankshaft structural upgrades, a dual-mass crankshaft damper, floating pin piston design, valve spring design and oil pump capacity increase for VVT. The 2009 Dodge Ram will get 380 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque from the new Hemi and the Challenger numbers are expected be somewhat similar.
The expanded Multiple Displacement System (MDS) will be included in the new 5.7 that is offered in R/T automatic transmission models, while 6-speed manual R/T models will feature the same engine without MDS. A 6.4 liter version, with an estimated 500 or more 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. Finally, the 2011 or 2012 Challenger will most likely include the upcoming 4.0 liter Phoenix engine, replacing the 3.5 liter. 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. (Courtesy oh20; first released at allpar).
Pricing for the other models, which are certain to be less expensive, will be announced later.
There is some more information and photos there also.
There are answers to many questions that were asked on here.
The lighting-
The Challenger has undeniable presence, whether up on a rotisserie, in photos, in video, or in person, where each color - but especially the orange - looks phenomenal, low, wide, and lean. The large running lights were an excellent idea, providing a neat touch of color with the lights on and a unique look; and they come at a time when kids are switching from noxious blue headlights to yellow-orange headlights. The grille comes off very well, and the tail is simply excellent, with full-length, even lighting around a single backup-lamp bar. (Only the end parts light up for brakes.) It is amazing that the designers were able to get approval for the full-length tail-lights, the single-bar reverse light, and the real coup de résistance, the separate sidelights and dual-headlight-style grille. Apparently, though, the main battle was to get approval for the grille without the trademark Dodge crosshairs - it looks so much better as produced that one would never believe there was anyone fighting it.
Suspension-
The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 sports a five-link Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) to allow independent tuning of the ride and handling characteristics. Multiple links maintain independent control of camber and toe. Lower unsprung mass improves the ride while the decoupling of left and right wheels over road imperfections maintains better tire contact and ride comfort. Stabilizer bar attachments to the knuckles provide maximum response to vehicle lean. For 2008, SRT-exclusive fully-forged 20-inch Alcoa aluminum wheels with 4-season Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires are standard; three-season Goodyear F1 Supercar tires are optional.
Other information and interesting tidbits-
Braking is delivered via a specially designed system. All four wheels are equipped with red, painted Brembo calipers that feature four pistons for even clamping performance. 360 x 32mm vented rotors are found up front and 350 x 26mm vented rotors are in the rear, for braking distances of around 110 feet from 60 mph.
Jeff Gale, Lead Designer – Dodge Challenger Exterior Design, said, “We used the original Challenger as an inspiration. The side mirrors actually started with a mold from the mirrors of an original Challenger. We tweaked a few details for fit and finish, then put them through our modern aerodynamic testing metrics and ended up with a body-mounted mirror that is remarkably similar visually to the original, but offers significantly better aerodynamic performance.”
“The dark headliner was very important to us when designing the interior,” said Brian Nielander, Manager – Dodge Challenger Exterior and Interior Design. “It not only stays true to the original Challenger, but it also gives a sinister, more businesslike atmosphere.”
A fascia directs air around the front of the vehicle, dual snorkel hood scoops bring cooling air into the engine compartment, and ducts direct air to cool the brakes. The rear spoiler brings up memories of the Dodge Challenger T/A, while generating significant rear downforce.
Interior 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 highlights include leather seats with added bolstering and an orange accent stripe, stitched accents, four-bomb gauges with tachometer and 180 mph speedometer in the center, and an SRT-exclusive Reconfigurable Display (RCD) with Performances Pages that provide drivers instant feedback on 0–60 mph time, 60–0 mph braking, g-forces and ¼-mile time.
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 early, in June of 2008. Vehicles are expected to start arriving to dealers in late June/July. 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.
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. In addition to VVT and expanded MDS operating range, the HEMI’s fuel economy (~4%) and performance improvements (~10%) result from an increased compression ratio, an active intake manifold with long runners for low-end torque and short runners for high-rpm power, improved cylinder head port flow efficiency, and reduced restriction exhaust and induction systems. To raise the reliability and durability of the HEMI engine, other updates are crankshaft structural upgrades, a dual-mass crankshaft damper, floating pin piston design, valve spring design and oil pump capacity increase for VVT. The 2009 Dodge Ram will get 380 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque from the new Hemi and the Challenger numbers are expected be somewhat similar.
The expanded Multiple Displacement System (MDS) will be included in the new 5.7 that is offered in R/T automatic transmission models, while 6-speed manual R/T models will feature the same engine without MDS. A 6.4 liter version, with an estimated 500 or more 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. Finally, the 2011 or 2012 Challenger will most likely include the upcoming 4.0 liter Phoenix engine, replacing the 3.5 liter. 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. (Courtesy oh20; first released at allpar).
Pricing for the other models, which are certain to be less expensive, will be announced later.
There is some more information and photos there also.
I'll take it. What do you think of Steve Stanford and HRM's, April Fool's joke? 
HMMMMM!?!?!. Kid's College Fund!! 
Just kidding about the college fund. 
Take Care, Pat
Seriously, I can dig that issue with the bakersfield meet, Hot rodded MoPar 360,(I told you that 340/360 small block and that rpm air gap with small cam and Holley made 439 H.P. on street parts)! and of course the juicy details on the 08/09 Dodge Challenger. Looks like the 08 will be the one to have for collectors but with 5000 made I dont forsee 100,000 offers at Barret jackson in 20 years. Not to mention all the Challenger clones that will be built from leftover parts and wrecked Chargers, magnums ect.. 
