Dodge Challenger third generation

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^[10] and Philadelphia International Auto Show. Listing at US$40,095, the new version was a 2-door coupe which shared 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 U.S. 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 offered only 100 of these cars for that country with a 6.1 liter V8 and 425 brake horsepower (317 kW) (SAE); the version of which was the SRT8. Chrysler auctioned off two 2008 SRT8 for charity with the first car going for $400,000 to benefit the notMYkid non-profit organization. A "B5" Blue No.43 car fetched a winning bid of $228,143.43 with proceeds going to the Victory Junction Gang Camp.^[11]

[edit] 2009

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-Liter V6. The R/T hosted a 5.7 Hemi sporting 370 hp (276 kW) and 398 lb·ft (540 N·m) of torque when coupled with the 5 speed automatic, and 375 hp (280 kW) with 404 lb·ft (548 N·m) when matched with the same Tremec 6-speed manual transmission as the SRT8.

[edit] 2010

For 2010, the vehicle cost $515 to $1,010 more than in 2009.^[12] The color, HEMI Orange, was initially dropped for the 2010 model year, then re-released later in the model year. Two new color schemes became available for the 2010 model year; Plum Crazy and Detonator Yellow.^[13] A third new color, Furious Fuchsia was announced in February 2010.^[14] But unlike previous special editions, the Furious Fuchsia 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 pearl black in color with three accent colors (blue, red, silver) 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. Units were built in Brampton, Ontario at the Brampton Assembly Plant and completed at the Mopar Upfit Center in Windsor, Ontario. There were 500 U.S. Units and 100 Canadian units built.
500 U.S. Units 320 Automatic Transmission 180 Manual Transmission
255 with Blue Stripes 115 with Red Stripes 130 with Silver Stripes
Out of the 255 with Blue Stripes 160 Automatics w/ T-Handle Shifters 95 Manuals w/ Pistol Grip Shifters
Out of the 115 with Red Stripes 74 Automatics w/T-Handle Shifters 41 Manuals w/Pistol Grip Shifters
Out of the 130 with Silver Stripes 86 Automatics w/T-Handle Shifters 44 Manuals w/Pistol Grip Shifters

 2011

For the 2011 model, Dodge will outfit the base model Challenger with the new Pentastar V6 engine, which boasts a significant increase in power, now up to 305 bhp (227 kW; 309 PS) and 268 lb·ft (363 N·m). The new engine will also be more efficient than the outdated version, featuring cylinder deactivation and dual variable valve timing. The bottom grille will also be flipped upside down, different from the 2008–10. Chrysler engineers cited airflow as a main reason for the change. For the new SRT8's, the chin spoiler was also reengineered and enlarged to create more downforce. It will resemble the '70 Challenger R/T.^[15] Later in the production year, a refreshed SRT8 will enter production, with the new 392-cubic-inch (6.4L) HEMI V8.^[16] The new engine will feature Variable Camshaft Timing, as well as the Multiple Displacement System featured on the 5.7L (345 c.i.d.) HEMI V8. The 392 has officially been rated at 470 horsepower (350 kW) and 470 lb·ft (640 N·m) of torque. Dodge engineers said they sacrificed peak horsepower ratings for low-end torque, stating a 90 horsepower (67 kW) increase over the outgoing 6.1-L (370 c.i.d.) Hemi V8 at 2900 rpm.^[17] Thanks to the revised engine, Chrysler engineers cited a quarter mile (~400 m) time of 12.4 seconds at 110 mph (180 km/h) – bettering the outgoing 6.1-Liter Hemi by 0.8 seconds, although that figure has varied wildly between automotive magazines. Car and Driver tested the 392 at 12.9 seconds at 114 mph (183 km/h)^[18] while Motor Trend's tester clocked in at 13.0 seconds at 111.3 mph (179.1 km/h) and Edmunds' number was far closer to Chrysler's claimed numbers at 12.6 seconds at 112.1 mph (180.4 km/h).^[20] Nevertheless, the new engine shows significant improvements over the 2008–2010 cars in trap speed and quarter mile times.