Interactive 2008 Challenger site
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1970 Dodge Challenger 440-6
Move Over People Are Racing
James MMA/727
1970 Dodge Challenger 440-6
Move Over People Are Racing
James MMA/727
- Dave-R
- Posts: 24752
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Allpar has updated their Challenger page with too many items to list http://www.allpar.com/cars/dodge/challenger.html
There is quite a lot of information about the finer details of the car.
Apparently the main battle was to get approval for the grille without the trademark Dodge crosshairs.
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.
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.
There is quite a lot of information about the finer details of the car.
Apparently the main battle was to get approval for the grille without the trademark Dodge crosshairs.
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.
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.
- mopar_mark
- Posts: 6738
- Joined: Fri Jul 14, 06 8:01 pm
- Location: Windlesham, Surrey
I like the new Challenger, even if it has been a long time coming.

I find it amusing that they offer a manual version & also a hill start assist for those unable to balance the clutch or ability to balance the clutch & use a hand brakeother than the addition of a 6-speed manual version with 3.92 rear gearing and Hill Start Assist,

- mopar_mark
- Posts: 6738
- Joined: Fri Jul 14, 06 8:01 pm
- Location: Windlesham, Surrey