The Dodge Challenger Muscle Car

The Second Rebirth comes in, 2008,

The Third Generation:

It was unlikely that Chrysler was going to let their Challenger gradually erode its dedicated fan base. With that in mind 2007 saw Chrysler take deposits for the upcoming third generation Challenger. A range of models were to be built, not the least of which was a SRT8 that had included a high performance 6.1.Hemi powerplant.

With the new Challenger, the Challenger name lives on, and followers of the vehicle across the world now have the chance to own modern classic.

Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, a Dodge Challenger styled like the original 1970-'74 generation appeared for 2008. At a glance, it may seem as if Dodge reused the body shell from "the old days," as the grille, beltline, roof line and character line running along the profile all echo the first Challenger. It even has four round headlights and a full-width horizontal taillight strip.

If you're a serious Mopar enthusiast, however, you'd notice upon closer inspection that the new Challenger is taller and quite a bit bulkier. And indeed with a curb weight of 4,152 pounds (some 500 or so pounds greater than the first one), it is. The wheelbase and overall length are also both up by around 6 inches.

To be fair, the current and more portly Challenger has a lot more in it than the old car - various airbags, stability control, more luxury features and bigger wheels. In fact, the latter measure 20 inches in diameter, compared to the relatively puny 14- and 15-inchers of the old Challenger.

As it essentially uses a shortened version of the Dodge Charger's platform, the Challenger is once again rear-wheel drive, just as a muscle car should be. Initially, only the top-dog SRT8 version was offered, and it just happens to pack a 425-hp Hemi V8. At 370 cubic inches (6.1 liters) the newer big Hemi is some 55 cubes down compared to its burly forebear, yet actually makes more power. (Before 1972, gross - not net - output was given.) A manual transmission wasn't at first available, just a well-sorted five-speed automatic.

With a rapid 5.1-second 0-60 time and a storming 13.2-second quarter-mile, the Challenger SRT8 beats the performance of the legendary 426 Hemi Challenger of the early '70s. Unlike the old brute, the new one actually stops and turns quite well, too. The new Challenger has the impressive quality of feeling smaller and lighter than it is when being pushed on a twisty road. A stopping distance of just 115 feet is likewise impressive, full-on sports car territory.

Model facts:

The base model Challenger:

Is powered by a 3.5 L (214 cu in) SOHC V6 producing 250 brake horsepower 250 lb·ft torque which was coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission for the first half of 2009, then was changed to have a 5 speed automatic transmission standard equipment for the second half of the 2009 model year and on.

Several different exterior colors, and either cloth or leather interiors are available. Standard features include air conditioning; power windows, locks, and mirrors; cruise control; and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, sunroof, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and a premium audio system are available as options, as are ABS, and stability and traction control.

The Canadian market also sports the SXT trim, similar to the SE, however is even more generous in terms of standard features. Some of these features being ESP, an alarm system, and 18-inch wheels.

SE:

SE Rallye Package

New for 2009 was the Rallye Package for the SE model. The Challenger SE Rallye Package features design cues including dual body stripes on the hood and the trunk, chromed 'FUEL' door, deck lid spoiler, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and Micro Carbon in the interior accents.

Exterior paint colors and dual-stripe combinations on the Dodge Challenger SE Rallye include:

Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl - with Dark Gray dual stripes and Red accent stripes
Bright Silver Metallic - with Dark Gray dual stripes and Red accent stripes
Deep Water Blue Metallic - with White dual stripes and Red accent stripes
Inferno Red Crystal Pearl - with Black and Dark Gray accent stripes
TorRed - with Black dual stripes and Dark Gray accent stripes
Dark Titanium Metallic - with Black dual stripes and Red accent stripes
Stone White - with Black dual stripes and Red accent stripes

R/T

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T:

The mid-level Challenger is powered by a 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8 coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission or a Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual transmission. On cars equipped with the automatic transmission, the engine features the Multi-Displacement System and produces 372 brake horsepower (SAE) and 398 lb·ft torque. With the 6-speed manual transmission, the Multi-Displacement System option is deleted and the engine produces 376 brake horsepower (SAE) and 404 lb·ft torque.

Another feature is the Intelligent Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off (iDFSO) available with the manual and the automatic models, the first to combine both Multi-Displacement system and fuel shut-off. The final drive ratio is 3.06:1 on cars with the automatic transmission, 3.73:1 on cars with the 6-speed manual and 18-inch wheels or 3.92:1 with the 6-speed manual and optional 20-inch wheels.

Also available on R/T is the "Track Pak" option group, which includes the Tremec manual transmission, a limited slip differential and self-leveling rear shock absorbers. During the end of the 2010 model year,

Dodge released the special edition "Mopar '10" Challenger R/T. The Mopar '10 featured a myriad of Mopar aftermarket upgrades straight from the factory including a Mopar cold air intake, hurst pistol grip shifter, custom Katzkin leather interiors and R/T Classic wheels that are painted black as opposed to the standard chrome. All Mopar '10s had metallic gray paint to go along with a choice of three different colors for exterior striping.

The 2009 SRT8, while still equipped with the 6.1L Hemi V8, is virtually identical to its 2008 counterpart, with the main difference being the choice of either a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. Standard features include Brembo brakes, a sport suspension, bi-xenon headlamps, heated leather sport seats, keyless go, Sirius satellite radio, and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels in addition to most amenities offered on the lower R/T and SE models such as air conditioning and cruise control.

In addition, the 2009 will have a true "limited slip" differential. A "Spring Special" SRT8 Challenger was also offered in B5 Blue, but due to rolling plant shutdowns, just over 250 Spring Special Challengers were built before the end of the 2009 model year. For 2010, SRT8 models add Detonator Yellow as an available color (at extra cost), and only with the optional "Special Edition Group". Yellow Challengers will only be built for a limited time (October/November 2009). Another retro color, Plum Crazy Purple, was also available during Spring 2010 production, offered exclusively in the "Spring Special" package. Another retro color, Furious Fuschia, similar to the 70s Panther Pink, was limited to one-day production at the Brampton, Ontario plant

R/T Classic

2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic The Challenger R/T Classic, with the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi, and retro aspects such as script "Challenger" badges on the front panels and black "R/T" stripes. It comes with a five speed automatic, standard, with an optional six-speed manual transmission including a pistol-grip-shifter.

Available in Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Bright Silver Metallic, Stone White and in five "heritage" colors: HEMI-Orange, TorRed, B5 Blue, Plum Crazy Purple and Detonator Yellow. Prices start at $34,005 (including destination) and production started in February 2009.

What's under the hood:

According to a brochure, the base model 2011 Dodge Challenger SE will come with Chrysler's new high-feature 3.6-liter V6 engine, packing 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque (compared to 290 horsepower under the hood of the Jeep Grand Cherokee using the same engine). The Challenger's current five-speed automatic will remain, fuel economy will be rated at 19 city, 26 highway miles per gallon.

Reflecting its new engine, the Challenger's base price will inflate from its current $23,695 to $25,305 - an increase of $1,610.

The mid-level Challenger R/T will remain relatively unchanged, but is still in line for a higher MSRP. The 2011 Challenger R/T will see a price increase from $31,610 to $32,770.

Unlike the other Challenger models, the SRT8 is listed as having a price decrease for 2011, dropping from its current price of $43,680 to $43,100.

The mid-level Challenger R/T's 5.7-liter HEMI sees a small power bump to 379 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, but only when paired with a manual transmission. An earlier report suggested that it could see a small highway fuel economy increase as well - likely due to some light gear ratio and aerodynamics tweaking.

Interior clean-up:

The 2011 Challenger will lose its four-spoke steering wheel and will gain the new three-spoke unit already seen in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The wheel provides cruise control, Bluetooth and trip computer controls on the front, while it brings back Chrysler's signature rear-mounted audio controls - a feature not seen on the 2010 Challenger.

Otherwise, it looks like the Challenger will gain an automatic mode for its climate control system and revised gauges. Also new will be active head restraints and standard side curtain and seat mounted airbags.

Overall, however, the Challenger doesn't look like it will gain the interior makeover anticipated by many.

Styling tweaks:

Outside, the only obvious change to the Challenger seen is that its lower grille has been flipped upside down and it gains a much more pronounced front spoiler - at least on the SRT8 model.

A closer inspection reveals new exterior door handles. It's also hard to say for sure, but it looks like Chrysler's popular Inferno Red Crystal will be available on the SRT8 for 2011 - that metallic shade isn't currently available on SRT8s. That said, it isn't unusual for a pre-production car to wear incorrect badges or to be painted in an incorrect shade.

More Information:

Other changes for 2011 SRT8 cars include revived damper valving, new suspension geometry, quicker steering ratios, and an SRT-tuned hydraulic steering pump, which reportedly delivers better feel and response when compared to the last design. Exterior revisions are limited largely to new door handles, a new front splitter design, and a conspicuous lack of the brand's former ram's head logo.

To celebrate the new refinements, Dodge's crafted the 392 Inaugural Edition. Buyers will have their choice of two exterior paint schemes -- Deep Water Blue with white stripes, or Bright White with Viper Blue stripes -- capped off with unique 20-inch SRT wheels, quad exhaust tips, and unique 392 emblems. Inside, Inaugural cars receive unique white leather seat skins, complete with blue stitching and insert stripes, along with embroidered logos on the front headrests.

October 25, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -

Dodge's ultimate modern American muscle coupe, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, receives a big boost in horsepower and torque with the introduction of the legendary 392-cubic inch HEMI V8 powertrain for the street.

And the product story goes beyond the power rumbling under the hood.

Dodge performance loyalists asked for more power off the line, and the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 answers the call with 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. That's 90 lb.-ft. more torque at 2,900 rpm compared with the previous 6.1-liter V-8 engine.

Building on its original mantra of a rear-drive coupe that delivers balance between form and function, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 also brings world-class ride and handling along with high-performance braking and the latest technology that delivers improved fuel efficiency.

New, highly damped shocks offer a firm ride that maintains the feel for everyday commuting while being fully capable for the more challenging situations. SRT engineers recalibrated the suspension geometry to improve Challenger's balance, corning ability and steering responsiveness. Quicker steering ratios and new negative camber settings all around dramatically improve Challengers appetite for cornering.

The performance SRT-tuned, fully hydraulic steering system also has been improved with a new, heavy-duty pump and revised gearing to give drivers more direct feel and on-center response.

The result: the 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 is now more nimble and playfully "tossable" while still capable of an incredible .93g of lateral acceleration on the skid pad - the most of any production Challenger.

To kick off 2011-model year production, Dodge will build 1,492 Inaugural Edition models of the Challenger SRT8 392, all with exclusive content.

On the outside, Dodge is offering unique customization for those first 1,492 owners. Two colors and new full-body stripe combinations include Deep Water Blue with standard Stone White stripes or Bright White Clear Coat with standard Viper Blue stripes. All Inaugural Edition models will ride on standard 20-inch SRT-exclusive wheels that feature a polished face and satin black painted pockets.

Unique "392 HEMI" badges flank both fenders touting the historically significant V-8 engine. Mopar quad exhaust tips deliver the performance exhaust note while adding a serious muscle car styling cue. A larger front splitter and integrated front fender spats give this Challenger SRT8 392 better overall high-speed aerodynamics and balance.

A newly modified front fascia chin spoiler improves aerodynamics and is accent painted for a more aggressive look. The rear decklid spoiler also is completed in matching body color.

The race-inspired interior of the Challenger SRT8 392 Inaugural Edition features standard Smooth Pearl White leather-trimmed seats and dual blue stripes accented by unique blue stitching. Each of the front seats features an embroidered "392" just below the headrest. An exclusive, serialized "Inaugural Edition 392 HEMI" dash plaque, showing the sequential build number from 1 to 1,492, rounds out the exclusive interior content.

There's a lot of history attached to the iconic 392 HEMI name.

The original 392 HEMI engine was introduced in 1957 model year Chrysler and Imperial products, replacing the 354 cubic-inch version of the original HEMI launched in 1951. The new and improved HEMI V-8 engine was quickly adopted by drag racers of all types, and following various historical speed runs on land and water, soon became affectionately referred to simply as the "92."

After 1958, the 392 HEMI was gone as a production engine, but it still remains a legend. Collectors are now preserving many historic 392-powered race cars and hot rods and proudly displaying them on show car circuits.

In 2007, Mopar - Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand - helped celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original 392 by launching a modern, crate engine version of the 392 HEMI.

The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is built at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, and will arrive in U.S. dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2010.

via Chrysler/Dodge courtesy of Motor Trend Staff

2011 Mopar V10 Challenger Drag Pak :

Dodge has revealed over the weekend the 2011 Mopar V10 Challenger Drag Pak which includes the 8.4-liter. 875hp, 512 cubic-inch engine from the Viper. The engine of the 2011 Mopar V10 Challenger Drag Pak is mated to a 2-speed automatic transmission.

The 2011 Mopar V10 Challenger Drag Pak will have its premiere at the Dodge Viper Owner's Invitational in Salt Lake City before being displayed at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas in November.

Apart from the engine and transmission, the 2011 Mopar V10 Challenger Drag Pak also includes a specially modified body for drag racing, Polycarbonate door windows, a Mopar solid rear axle and a lightweight drag-race only front brake assembly.

Mopar Press Release:

Mopar® is dropping a V-10 into the iconic Dodge Challenger.
The new race-only V-10 powered rear-wheel drive 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak features an 8.4-liter 512 cubic-inch engine with a 2-speed automatic transmission.

Apart from the engine and transmission, the 2011 Mopar V10 Challenger Drag Pak also includes a specially modified body for drag racing, Polycarbonate door windows, a Mopar solid rear axle and a lightweight drag-race only front brake assembly.

The 2011 Mopar V10 Challenger Drag Pak price is $85,512 USD.

Mopar will showcase it's new drag car at the Dodge Viper Owner's Invitational in Salt Lake City. The vehicle will then make its way to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas from Nov. 2-5, and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Orlando from Dec. 9-11.

"With the introduction of our new 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak, Mopar will be the only place to get a factory-built V-10-powered race-ready drag car," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group's service, parts and customer-care brand. "Mopar's new Challenger Drag Pak is a race rocket that will appeal to racers, collectors, dealers, and Dodge Viper owners."

Based on the 2011 Dodge Challenger and finished in a Stock Eliminator and Super Stock configuration, the 2011 Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak is the first and only 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race package car. The car features competition wheels and tires, a Mopar solid rear axle with performance gear ratio, a 2-speed drag race transmission with integrated roll control, a complete competition fuel system with fuel cell, and a complete interior with gauge package.

The Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak features a Bright White paint scheme with color options.

Mopar offers three options with this vehicle. First, the Competition Package includes an eight-point roll cage, six-point safety harness and a mesh window net (MSRP: $7,950, part number P5155820).
Second, a Mopar logo body wrap (MSRP: $950, part number P5155892) and a range of body colors (MSRP: $6,800, part number P5155893). With the Competition Package, the car is ready to go down the drag strip.

Orders must be submitted using the Mopar
Challenger V-10 Drag Pak Application, which is available now at www.Mopar.com, the Mopar Direct Connection Tech Line at 888-528-HEMI (4364), or a local Dodge dealer. Customers should work with their local Dodge dealer to submit their application.

2011 Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak Highlights

Identification plate with unique serial number sequence
Primed and painted body, color options available
512 cid V-10 engine
Unique engine calibration
2-speed automatic transmission with shift assembly and built-in roll control
Special body-in-white modified for drag racing
No windshield wiper assembly
No HVAC system (includes block off plates)
No rear seats
No power-steering system
No underbody heat shields
Complete fuel cell assembly
Race headers with collectors
Modified tunnel for transmission clearance and one-piece drive shaft
Raised floor above differential for solid-axle conversion clearance
Polycarbonate door windows
Smart-glass door window system
Solid engine mounts
Mopar solid rear axle
Lightweight seats to accommodate 6-point harness
Special modified K-member with drop-out crossmember
Lightweight drag-race only front brake assembly
Manual rack-and-pinion steering
Front chin spoiler
Lightweight cooling module with electric fan
Lightweight instrument panel assembly
Special cable-operated decklid release
Special cable-operated throttle pedal and linkage
Race-style wheels and tires

For 2010 models, the vehicle will cost $515 to $1,010 higher than 2009 cars. The color, HEMI Orange, was initially dropped for the 2010 model year, then re-released later for the 2010 model year. Two new color schemes will be available for November 2009 for the 2010 model year including the Plum Crazy and Detonator Yellow. A third new color, Furious Fuschia was announced in February 2010. But unlike previous special editions, the Furious Fuschia version will have significant changes to the interior with white leather instead of the usual black seats.

Chrysler also made a late-year addition to the 2010 model year with the limited edition Mopar '10 Challenger R/T. These cars, limited to only 500 examples, were metallic gray in color with three accent colors of stripes to choose from. In addition, these cars were available with black R/T Classic-style rims along with a Hurst aftermarket pistol grip shifter, custom badging, Mopar cold air intake for a 10 horsepower increase, and Katzkin-sourced aftermarket interior.

You would think that with the economy the way it is, that car dealers would stop their BS and give the the customer a break, well guess again!

My Experience:

8/4/10 - 8/9/10

Upon my search for my dream car, (an inferno red 2010 Dodge Challenger), I decided to go "Internet" shopping. I sent out many requests for quotes from the various car dealers, in my area for the car they had either on their lot, or one they could acquire from another dealer. This is what led me here to the 'Blah Blah" dealership in Pa. Jason P, (internet salesperson), was fast, and had quoted me a respectable price for a Dodge Challenger, and had even sent me pictures of the car, and I sent him back an e-mail to confirm an appointment.

Now the fun begins, The Dodge Dealer network site said on this particicular car, MSRP $36,610, Jason had already said the car had "Dealer Installed Stripes" for an extra $499, which brought the MSRP up to $37,109. Ok, not too happy about the extra $500 bucks, but ok, the internet price was $32,750, so lets talk.

Part 1.....

I arrived at the Dealership, and went to look at the car. The car was clean, and looked like it was in great shape, I was approached by J B, and I had told Jose, that I had been in conversation with Jason, and he had come up with a quote, and that I was interested in talking to him. Jose had a PHONE CALL at about this time, and now all of a sudden another salesperson comes in and tried to talk to me about, getting info, that, for the most part most dealers want, registration, insurance card, etc. Strange I thought, because as soon as Jose got done with the phone call, Jose then jumped back into the very seat that the other salesperson was in, and kind of moved him out of the way, OK..., Jose now gets all the info he needs, AND NOW CONTACTS JASON. I saw Jason for about a minute, "no joke", and I went back with Jose to his office were we started to hash out a deal. Jose was very good at what he did, and I thought that this was going to be a FAST deal one way or another. Boy was I wrong! Jose constantly got interrupted by phone calls or what ever. and I was probably in the office another 20 minutes or so, by myself, just looking at the stained ceiling , Jose would come by with a cup of coffee, or soda to keep me going, I guess!

Part 2........

At this time, I started to talk to Bob, the owner of the dealership, and he was trying to get his best deal for the dealership, and I was trying to get mine, this went on for about another hour or so, with Jose present sometimes, and other times not. We finally could go no further with the prices, I also had a trade, and we also discussed this numerous times, which Bob mysteriously knew nothing about prior to this day, and that "this will change everything", so after what seemed to be about 3 hours, we were now at a standstill.

Bob and Jose wanted me to make a deal, but in my opinion , we could go a lot lower, but like I said there was no movement, so I decided to leave, I had someplace to go, and needed to be there NOW. They both wanted some $$$ down to "HOLD THE CAR", and said I wouldn't do that, and why should I? The price was not right, period, we were about $800 apart, with the main sticking issue, the trade. I was not going to give in on that, because I had received much better offers at other dealers, in my quest. I then proceeded to leave, and I told them I would contact either Jason, or Jose, if I wanted to proceed with this deal the next morning.

After thinking about it when I got home, in the evening now, (GOT THERE AT 10:00 am, to start all of this ), I said that the $800 was too much of a gap, and that I would go elsewhere. I e-mailed Jason back, and pretty much told him the same thing that night, but did not get a response, so I thought that was the end of it.

The next morning Jose called and he wanted to know what I was going to do. I told him that I had e-mailed Jason with my response, and he said Jason never said anything about it, and, I thought to my self, here we go again!

I thought about this deal all night, and thought, ok, what if we split the difference down the middle, say $400, I really wanted to compromise, and I think Jose wanted too also. Jose was very receptive to this idea, even quoting to me that "I will only make $100 on this deal, but that was ok with him", yeah right, we all know about dealer holdbacks, and "ADDED FINANCE CHARGES", that makes the monthly payment go up more that $20 a month, who gets that? Jose wanted my credit card # so that he could again, "HOLD THE CAR". Again I said no, and he said, that the car may be sold over the weekend, so be it, I said, no money down period! He did want to meet with me again Monday, so that we could discuss this AGAIN with Bob, the owner.

Ok so now it is Saturday, remember this started Thursday, and I just received a generic e-mail from "mystery man, Jason". The e-mail said, "should I sell my car, or trade it in", probably in regard to the low ball number on my trade, with a link to Blah Blah's "Helpful website", so now lets see what happens Monday!

Part 3.............

Here it is Monday, 8/9/10, and just like I figured, the $400 off was not going to happen, in fact when I got there and went to Jose's office he had the papers ready for me, and it still said $25,800, (with my trade in)! What a rip off!! He said that he thought I meant the price was from $25,888 to $25,800! What a liar! He said to wait in the office, and he was "Going to see what he could do", frankly at this point I had enough, and after waiting another 20 minutes, I had enough, and walked out of the dealership, Jose no where to be found, again. I am on my way home now, and am totally pissed off, and had enough of this BS. I get about 10 minutes away, and I get a phone call on my cell, it's Jose, and wanted to know where I was? I told him I had enough, and I wasn't going to wait around anymore and that I was going to another dealer, and had thanked him for his effort, but that it was time to move on. The business manager calls about 20 minutes later, and I did not answer the phone. I then went to another dealer, and in less than 1 hour I had a better deal, and the dealer was local to me, and not 55 miles away, like the other one. I have to admit I really liked that inferno red Challenger, but the dark titanium Challenger that I bought is going to be just fine to! AMAZING!!

Production of the limited edition 2008 SRT/8s ended in July 2008, and production of the expanded 2009 line-up started in early August of the same year. The expanded offering was the same as had been unveiled earlier that spring at the 2008 New York Auto Show.

Chrysler debuted the full Dodge Challenger line for 2009, with four different trims - SE, R/T, SRT8, and the SXT in Canada only.

In addition to the SRT8, which remained unchanged except for the optional 6 speed manual, the line-up included the previously mentioned SE and SXT which offered the 250 HP 3.5 V6, and the R/T which hosted a 5.7 Hemi sporting 370 hp and 398 lb·ft of torque when coupled with the 5 speed automatic, and 375 hp and 404 lb·ft when matched with the same Tremec 6 speed manual stick as the SRT8.

sales for the year, 25,852

October 2009;

TALLADEGA, Ala. - Dodge became the second manufacturer to unveil its NASCAR Nationwide Series new car entry, taking the wraps off the No. 12 Penske Racing Dodge Challenger for driver Justin Allgaier Friday at Talladega Superspeedway.

Ford unveiled its Mustang earlier this month at Roush Fenway Racing. The Nationwide car of tomorrow will appear in four races in 2010, with full implementation in 2011.

Chevrolet's Impala and Toyota's Camry will be officially unveiled Saturday at Talladega.

Dodge brought back its Challenger model this year, and Dodge officials said running the "pony car" in the Nationwide Series should help sales of the street version.

"We're very proud of the look of the car," said Dave Bailey, senior manager of Dodge motorsports engineering and SRT Body, Interior and Electrical. "It's great looking. We've maximized the brand identity of the vehicle, as well as achieve the aero parity. We feel this is the right opportunity to showcase the Dodge Challenger in this series as the Challenger came back to the market in 2009."

Dodge and Ford were the only carmakers to use pony cars for its Nationwide cars of tomorrow.

"It looks like a race car," Penske Racing President Tim Cindric said, "but it also really relates to what's on the streets right now."

Penske Racing is the only Dodge team in Nationwide that will get factory support, and it is expanding to two cars for 2010, one for Allgaier and the No. 22 for Brad Keselowski.

Dodge officials said the Charger will be used in the non-COT races next year.

On December 3, 2007, Chrysler started taking deposits for the third-generation Dodge Challenger which debuted on February 6, 2008 simultaneously at the Chicago Auto Show, and Philadelphia International Auto Show. Listing at $40,095, the new version is a 2-door coupe which shares common design elements with the first generation Challenger, despite being significantly longer and taller.

The chassis is a modified (shortened wheelbase) version of the LX platform that underpins the 2006-Current Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, and the 2005-Current Chrysler 300. The LX platform was adapted from the Mercedes E Class, reflecting the German company's ownership of Chrysler at the time and quest for economies of scale. All (7119) 2008 models were SRT8s and equipped with the 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi and a 5-speed AutoStick automatic transmission.

The entire 2008 US run of 6,400 cars were pre-sold (many of which for above MSRP), and production commenced on May 8, 2008; Chrysler Canada offered a further 670+ SRTs uniquely badged as the Challenger 500 (paying homage to Charger and Coronet 500s) all of which were shipped to Canadian Dodge dealers. Chrysler of Mexico is offering only 100 of this car for that country with a 6.1 liter V8 and 425 brake horsepower (SAE); the version is SRT8. Chrysler auctioned off two 2008 SRT8 for charity with car #1 going for $400,000.00 to benefit the notMYkid non-profit organization, and a "B5" Blue #43 car fetching a winning bid of $228,143.43 with the proceeds going to Victory Junction Gang Camp.

sales for the year, 17,423

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