2008 Dodge Challenger

A new retro Dodge Challenger concept car was shown at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. The concept uses a shortened LX platform, has the 6.1 L Hemi V8 coupled to a manual transmission, and borrows many styling cues from the original 1970 model. On July 1, 2006, prior to the Pepsi 400 at the Daytona International Speedway, Dodge announced that this concept would, in fact, be made for the 2008 model year.[1] It will be built on the Chrysler LC platform, which is the shortened version of the Chrysler LX platform, similar to the concept’s platform. The rear-wheel drive performance coupe will be a direct competitor to the hugely successful Ford Mustang, as well as to the potential future Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac GTO muscle cars. The Challenger will be made in limited numbers on the same line as the Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, and Dodge Magnum in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, as the same flexible manufacturing system that allows the Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee to be built on the same line, as well as the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot, one after the other (instead of in batches). The SRT-8 Challenger will feature the 6.1 L Hemi V8 as standard equipment. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be offered. There will be no other models for 2008, others may be added in 2009.

Unlike all other American domestic sport coupes, the new Challenger is a true two-door hardtop, with no B-pillar. Recent spy photographs (unconfirmed) of production test mule Challengers have revealed the presence of a B-pillar, but it is as yet unclear as to whether actual production models will contain the B-pillar.