Ford Mustang’s Big Challenger Arrives
The age old rivalry between the Dodge Challenger and the Ford Mustang may begin to pick up speed once again as Dodge introduces their new 2008 model. The car was debuted at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this month and received quite a bit of attention. Much like the 2008 Ford Mustang, it takes its cues from the past, sporting a retro exterior and a high performance engine.
“The all-new Dodge Challenger SRT8 is engineered to give customers everything they want in a modern muscle machine,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. “The new version of Dodge’s American classic boasts tire-smoking performance and head-turning design while offering a wide array of state-of-the-art technology, such as GPS navigation, ‘Keyless Go’ entry, a MyGIG infotainment system and UConnect hands-free communication.”
The new Challenger should prove to be quite the competitor to the Mustang GT500. It’s a full 200 pounds heavier and will reach 0-60 in the low 5 second range, according to the company. The 6.1L hemi engine is smoking though, and proudly boasts of 425hp and 420lb feet of torque. It’s 75 less hp than the Mustang, and when coupled with its heavier weight, could be a problem if it wants to keep up.
Dodge is also expected to unveil a few models that have a little less horsepower a few less options than their flagship model. The car company managed to keep their new production very close to the concept model with only a few changes. The interior got a few tweaks, and many have noted the similarity of the dash to other Dodge models including the Magnum and Charger. The inside is very simplistic and has been disappointing to some.
So far, three colors are being offered, including Hemi Orange, Bright Silver Metallic and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat. The limited edition will include a numbered plaque on the interior and the only available option for the transmission will be a five speed manual. This car is all about what is under the hood, with a very minimalistic interior and not much else to give the car any zip or sparkle.
The price is expected to be in the $38k range, but this may vary from dealer to dealer. You can expect to see this model show up in dealerships across the country by Spring of 2008 at least in larger cities. The cars will be manufactured at Chrysler’s Canadian plant in Brampton, ON.
Whether or not this will be a true Mustang challenger remains to be seen. Although they do have some problems with lesser horsepower and greater curb weight, the two should still manage to give each other some good competition. It may come down to the talent of the driver in some cases, since the two do appear to be well matched on most areas. This summer is sure going to be interesting as the models hit the streets and car lovers put them through their paces.
“The all-new Dodge Challenger SRT8 is engineered to give customers everything they want in a modern muscle machine,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. “The new version of Dodge’s American classic boasts tire-smoking performance and head-turning design while offering a wide array of state-of-the-art technology, such as GPS navigation, ‘Keyless Go’ entry, a MyGIG infotainment system and UConnect hands-free communication.”
The new Challenger should prove to be quite the competitor to the Mustang GT500. It’s a full 200 pounds heavier and will reach 0-60 in the low 5 second range, according to the company. The 6.1L hemi engine is smoking though, and proudly boasts of 425hp and 420lb feet of torque. It’s 75 less hp than the Mustang, and when coupled with its heavier weight, could be a problem if it wants to keep up.
Dodge is also expected to unveil a few models that have a little less horsepower a few less options than their flagship model. The car company managed to keep their new production very close to the concept model with only a few changes. The interior got a few tweaks, and many have noted the similarity of the dash to other Dodge models including the Magnum and Charger. The inside is very simplistic and has been disappointing to some.
So far, three colors are being offered, including Hemi Orange, Bright Silver Metallic and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat. The limited edition will include a numbered plaque on the interior and the only available option for the transmission will be a five speed manual. This car is all about what is under the hood, with a very minimalistic interior and not much else to give the car any zip or sparkle.
The price is expected to be in the $38k range, but this may vary from dealer to dealer. You can expect to see this model show up in dealerships across the country by Spring of 2008 at least in larger cities. The cars will be manufactured at Chrysler’s Canadian plant in Brampton, ON.
Whether or not this will be a true Mustang challenger remains to be seen. Although they do have some problems with lesser horsepower and greater curb weight, the two should still manage to give each other some good competition. It may come down to the talent of the driver in some cases, since the two do appear to be well matched on most areas. This summer is sure going to be interesting as the models hit the streets and car lovers put them through their paces.
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