Our driving experience is limited to a racecourse, and by sub-freezing temps, so we can't attest to the Challenger's ride and handling abilities under too wide a variety of conditions. But we like what we get. In spite of the fact that the Challenger screams "musclecar" from every seam, there's a feel of sophistication about it. The steering has good feel and crisp turn-in, although we'd go for just a tad more feedback. The control arm/multilink underguts offer plenty of stick, but a ride you'll appreciate on a long, fast haul. It's tuned more aggressively than the 300 SRT8, yet not as harsh as the Chargers. SRT engineers have learned they can "add ride quality" to this suspension package-meaning back off a bit on spring rates-without negatively impacting handling.

As you'd expect, the powertrain leaves little to be desired, except perhaps six manual gears and a clutch. This Hemi has a wide performance envelope: lots of torque down low, yet it loves to rev. It's quiet on cruise, but bellows when you nail it. Expect 0-to-60 times of about 4.9 seconds. The transmission is responsive to throttle commands, always seems to pick the right ratio, and there's a manumatic mode should you wish to call the gear choices for yourself. The oversize, vented Brembos have more than got it covered, which is important as the Challenger is no lightweight. It's larger than the Mustang and upcoming Camaro and weighs an estimated 4150 pounds. This is one of the penalties for being morphed out of existing sedan architecture.
While body motions are well controlled and the big brakes and tires keep the car in touch with the pavement, you feel those many ounces. Even the somewhat nose-heavy GT500 is lighter by 150 pounds. We'll soon strap our test gear to a full production Challenger and let you know the rest of its performance story.
With all the talk of increased CAFE, the need to get off foreign oil, protection of the ozone layer, and myriad other green-related concerns, it's likely that the upcoming round of great American musclecars will be the last, at least as we know them. If the genre has a future, it may or may not be powered by big-cube, torque-laden, gas-sucking V-8s. Let's smoke 'em while we've got 'em.
| 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 |
| Base Price | $37,995 (est) |
| Vehicle Layout | Front engine, RWD, 4-pass, 2-door coupe |
| Engine | 6.1L/425-hp/420-lb-ft OHV 16-valve V-8 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| Curb Weight | 4150 lb (mfr) |
| Wheelbase | 116.0 in |
| Length x Width x Height | 197.7 x 75.7 x 57.0 in |
| 0-60 mph | 4.9 sec (mfr est) |
| EPA City/Hwy Econ | Not yet rated |
| CO2 Emissions | Not yet rated |
| On Sale In U.S. | March 2008 |

Editor Stone and others find out how easy it is to pitch Challenger pilot units sideways on an icy-cold racetrack.
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