Dodge Challenger: the modern muscle car of 2008-2023

The third-generation Dodge Challenger was introduced in early 2008 as a full-size muscle car and a rival to the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. It brought back the shape of the 1970 Challenger on a shortened version of the Chrysler LX platform.

Dodge Challenger (2008) at a glance

Based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the 2008 Dodge Challenger.

History of the Dodge Challenger (2008)

Dodge teased the new Challenger with spy photographs in late 2005 and showed an official sketch on 21 November 2005. The Challenger Concept appeared at the 2006 North American International Auto Show and previewed the third-generation car, whose design cues were adapted from the 1970 Challenger R/T. Chrysler began taking deposits on 3 December 2007, and the production car debuted on 6 February 2008 at the Chicago and Philadelphia shows.

The new Challenger was a two-door notchback coupe that seated five, with more than 33 cubic feet of rear passenger volume. It was significantly longer and taller than the original, though it shared many design elements with it. As with the new Chevrolet Camaro, the concept’s pillarless hardtop body gave way to a fixed B-pillar hidden behind the side glass to create the illusion of a hardtop. A convertible was planned but cancelled because of weight concerns and low demand. The LC chassis was a shortened-wheelbase version of the LX platform used by the Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300, and it used many Mercedes-Benz components, including suspension designs from the W220 S-Class and W211 E-Class, the W5A580 five-speed automatic, the rear differential and the ESP system.

All 7,119 cars built for the 2008 model year were SRT8s with the 6.1-litre Hemi V8 and a five-speed AutoStick automatic. The entire 2008 run of 6,400 cars for the United States was pre-sold and production began on 8 May 2008. Chrysler of Mexico offered 100 SRT8s with 425 hp, and two cars were auctioned for charity, the first fetching 400,000 dollars. Chrysler Canada sold a further 670 SRTs badged as the Challenger 500 in homage to the Charger and Coronet 500s.

The full range arrived for 2009, when production of the limited-edition 2008 cars ended in July 2008 and the expanded line-up started in early August. Four trims were offered: SE, R/T, SRT8 and, in Canada only, SXT. The SE used a 3.5-litre V6 with 250 hp and a four-speed automatic that became a five-speed during 2009, while the R/T had a 5.7-litre Hemi rated at 372 hp with the five-speed automatic or 375 hp with the Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual. The SRT8 kept the 6.1-litre engine and gained an optional six-speed manual and a standard limited-slip differential, and a Rallye Package with stripes, a chromed fuel cap and 18-inch wheels was new for the SE. The SE was replaced in the United States by the SXT from 2012, and production ended on 22 December 2023 as Stellantis moved towards electric cars.

Design and features

• Retro styling: design cues taken directly from the 1970 Challenger R/T.
• LC platform: a shortened LX base with Mercedes-derived suspension and electronics.
• SRT8 launch: the first year was sold only with the 6.1-litre Hemi and 425 hp.
• Two gearboxes: a five-speed automatic or the Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual.

Dodge Challenger (2008) versions

• SRT8 (2008-): the 6.1-litre Hemi model that launched the range.
• SE: the 3.5-litre V6 entry model, with a Rallye Package from 2009.
• SXT: the better-equipped V6, sold in Canada from 2009 and in the US from 2012.
• R/T: the 5.7-litre Hemi model with automatic or six-speed manual.

The modern Challenger shared its platform family with the Dodge Charger and the Dodge Magnum, and it revived the name of the 1970 Challenger. More Dodge models are in the Dodge collection.

Sources

• Dodge Challenger (2008), English Wikipedia: launch, platform, engines, trims, end of production