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02.17.08Dodge Challenger SRT8 Makes Its Debut
2 CommentsThe Challenger has finally made its way back to the world of muscle cars, with the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. While the Challenger has never truly left the hearts of any real muscle lover, we have all been waiting for an updated version of this classic of American Muscle. The car doesn’t disappoint, with the sound and feel that brings back memories of the good old days of muscle cars. With an engine that roars rather than screams, it becomes very clear very quickly that this is not a muscle care in name alone.
While Ford has been able to take advantage of having the only muscle car available since Chevy ended the run of the Camaro in the 2002 model year, it appears that the battle for power supremacy is making a comeback. With its Hemi V-8 putting out 425 horses, the Challenger is ready to put an end to the stranglehold that Ford has had on this market. The Challenger SRT8 was originally introduced as a concept just over two years ago at the Detroit Car Show. Two years later, we have the real thing ready to make its debut.
The style of the car itself is really a Dodge charger that has been shortened up and proportioned slightly different. The front end is longer while the rest of the car is shortened, a throwback to the original muscle car style. While the car has undergone quite a few changes since the original concept from the car show in Detroit, the car has stayed true to the most basic tenant of bringing back the heart and soul of the original Challenger. It is a nice change to see a car that gladly pulls its design from its heritage, as sometimes you just shouldn’t change what has worked so well in the past.
This Challenger takes the best of the original Challenger design and gives it an upgrade where technology has advanced. The 6.1 Liter V8 Hemi with 20 inch road wheels and upgraded brake systems allows the Challenger to have the same powerful feel while being far more stable and safe. The original Challenger was known for its balance, which allowed the car to make lane changes at 150 MPH, and the new version is no different.
To make the balance work, the original concept was changed from a split grill to an undivided grill. While this was not the ideal look for the car, it was a necessity to bring the balance back to the point it needed to be to hold true to the legacy of the Challenger. In addition to this major change in the design, the car gained more basic additions along the way to keep the aerodynamics as refined as possible, including a splitter and two small dive plane winglets in the front along with a small lip spoiler in the back.
When everything is added up, the all new Dodge Challenger seems poised for a long run at the top end of the muscle car market once again.
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02.10.08Dodge Challenger
No CommentsThe huge Dodge Challenger has returned after a 35 year absence. The new muscle car will be powered by a 425 horsepower Hemi engine with 420 lb-ft of torque with SRT8 trim package. Along with rubber burning power and a design that takes its cues from the original, Dodge has also given the new the Challenger a key less entry system and push button starting, a hard-drive based digital music system with digital music capability, a unique hands-free communication system, and a GPS navigation system. Like henry Ford’s Model T, you can have any color you want, as long as they are orange, black or silver. Each 2008 SRT8 will have a unique numbered individual dash plaque.
For a US list price of $38,000, including destination and taxes, buyers will get a car that will go 1 to 60 in under 5 seconds, five seats, acceleration from 1 to 100 mph back to 1 mph in just under 17 seconds, ¼ times of just over 13 seconds, braking from 60 mph to zero in 110 feet, skid pad performance of ,9 g and a five speed automatic transmission. Strangely enough, this classic muscle car is not yet available with a manual transmission.
The Challenger will be two-door, real wheel drive and is based on the Dodge Charger which found favor with police departments but was sneered at by car purists for its four door design. Dodge will not make the same four door mistake with the new Challenger. The Challenger is four inches shorter than the Charger, featuring a 116 inch wheelbase. It also has a brake-lock differential, all-speed traction control, and an Electronic Stability Program (ESP). Handling should be no problem in the new car, despite the big power load.
The Challenger has head turning looks, both in photos, in video and in person. The orange color is particularly eye catching. The large running lights were an give a unique look to the car, along with a splashy touch of color and they come at a time when customers are changing from bright blue headlights to warmer orange or yellow headlights. The grille looks aggressive in real life and the tail lights look great with full car length lighting around a single backup lamp bar. The ends only light up during breaking. The grill is produced without the Dodge logo in the middle, but even without the logo, this car is undeniably a Challenger.
The unibody that is unique to 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 has a front suspension with multi link short and long arm (SLA). The front suspension cradle puts hydroformed steel tube side rails together with a stamped box section lateral member for better feel. The multilink SLA suspension allowed engineers to reduce vibration and noise by tuning busings while still maintaining peak performance.
The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 has a five-link Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) to allow free tuning of the ride and handling. Multiple links maintain camber and toe independent control. For 2008,three-season Goodyear F1 Supercar tires are optional. SRT-exclusive fully-forged 20-inch Alcoa aluminum wheels with 4-season Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires are standard.
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02.06.082009 Dodge Journey
No CommentsAs more automakers try to appeal to crossover enthusiasts, we’ve seen some strange marriages between cars and SUV’s. The new 2009 Dodge Journey is an appealing little cross over that may make many buyers want to make the switch. It is being marketed as a “transition” vehicle for those who may really need a mini-van but just don’t want to call it that. Honesty may be the best policy, but this may not be the best way to market this sporty little entrant.
Body Notes
The profile of the Journey has been compared to the Dodge Avenger, just a little stretched out, and that pretty much sums it up. It’s a little bit square and looks very much like a sporty mini-van, which may or may not work in its favor. While the exterior may not inspire, the interior sure steps up to the plate with some extra features.
Interior Notes
The seats are very much like theater seating and designed with children in mind. The windows are positioned low enough for even little kids to peer out of, which parents may or may not appreciate. A third row “emergency” seat is available on most models, while the second row seats offer little booster seats for the kids. Parents however aren’t overlooked. This model offers Bluetooth connectivity, a nice telescoping wheel and a double level glove box.
The voice activated MyGIG system is highly recommended. This little “infotainment” section is useful but could be improved. One thing that really was overlooked was the placement of the radio, which requires the driver to contort in order to read the screen. Considering that it’s at knee level, this could actually be quite dangerous.
Parents will really appreciate the next feature, under floor storage bins that can be used to keep snacks, pop and goodies cool. This is a unique feature will appeal to many, and can even be used to store other items for those who may not have kids that need constant entertainment and snacks to keep from driving the adults in the car insane.
Performance Notes
The six speed automatic offers manu-matic control and produces around 235 hp. This should be just enough to navigate nasty parking lots and car pool lanes. This heavier model can actually pull a 3500 lb trailer, which may make the vehicle more appealing to those looking to go on vacation but not spend an arm and a leg on gas. The SE model gets around 16/23 mpg, while the all wheel drive flavor clocks in at 15/22 mpg.
This model starts out at $19k, which seems pretty competitive until you start adding options. By the time you’re done, this relatively cheap crossover has been transformed into a $35k monster. This moves the Journey into a whole other class where it really can’t compete. Whether or not there are consumers ready to make the transition to this crossover remains to be seen, but the initial reaction seems to be good. If Dodge can continue improving the model in the upcoming years, and possibly lower the price of the loaded model, they should do quite well.
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