Holy Hemi, Challenger update rocks Posted on May 20th
We’ve had novel many experiences piloting vehicles. Once a motorist forced a Mazda sports car onto the shoulder of the road to get a closer look. An officer flashed his red and blue lights for an up-close-and-personal inspection of a Pontiac Solstice.
But the 2008 Dodge Challenger set a new benchmark. There was the guy who made a U-turn to give chase–and a thumbs up. Another guy dropped his beer when circling a tree on his riding mower to get a better look. And, finally, the man for whom Challenger was–almost–a religious experience. He followed us into the church parking lot on Sunday to take pictures with his cell phone to show his co-workers — at the Toyota store.
If we had a dollar for every thumbs up during a weeklong test drive, we’d have the down payment for one of the 6,400 2008 Challenger SRT8s to be built. Sadly, however, all are spoken for. The car is sold out, unless you bid on one of a couple dozen some dealers are offering on eBay for up to $25,000 over sticker.
After a 35-year absence, Challenger has returned, an update of the muscle car that debuted in the fall of 1969 for a five-year run
before high insurance rates and demands for greater fuel economy halted production. The 2008 Challenger tested looks strikingly similar to the original. Dual hood scoops, double wide hood stripes, bulging chrome gas cap, Hemi chrome hood badging, 20-inch radials stuffed into the wheel-well openings and only orange, black or silver body panels. Just the right touches.
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