Review of my new Challenger SRT8. Lots of pics and info inside...

[MoparPosterChild]

Well, I've had it for about two weeks now, but I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to take any pics until now. I love it. It's an '08 in black with everything but the Mygig. I will be adding that soon among other mods and will do a full write up for each mod as I go.

Background info:

Just a little background info before I go on. I was one of the first civilians out side of Chrysler to get to drive a Challenger before they went into production. I drove a black preproduction model that was hand built and was being taken around to enthusiasts to generate interest and excitement about the car. The minute I saw it I fell in love. I drove it to the Friday night gathering at Bob's Big Boy in Burbank, CA and Popular Hot Rodding Magazine rode along and did a story about me and the car on their website.

Here's a couple pics from my cell phone that day:





I also was invited by Chrysler to a private event celebrating the release of the all new Dodge Challenger and had an opportunity to drive several Challengers at the big track at Willow Springs prior to the official release of the Challenger. That day we got to really drive those cars hard and wind them out for about 5+ hours. From that experience, I know what this car can do when pushed hard, and let me tell you, it is impressive. I had a blast that day like no other and I knew from that moment it was just a matter of time before I would be driving my very own Challenger SRT8.

Here's a couple pics from my cell phone at that event.






Owners Observations:

My observations so far driving this car and comparing it to my 2006 Charger SRT8 has been interesting. I have to say I prefer the Challenger over the Charger in many ways. The styling is an obvious reason to love the Challenger, but Chrysler has refined many things on the platform for this car including the suspension, steering, interior, stock exhaust note, and electronics just to name a few. Also, I was very comfortable buying this car in it's first tear of production because most of the components have already been tried and proven over the past 2-3 years in other SRT vehicles. Whatever areas the previous SRT models may have been lacking in, I feel that Chrysler has made the right adjustments to make the '08 and up SRT's even better than their predecessors.

The steering feels noticeably tighter than my Charger SRT and I feel even more connected to the road. The suspension is just about the perfect combination of firmness and smoothness. I feel this car has a wonderful overall ride quality.

The interior feels much nicer and more comfortable, with soft surfaces just about everywhere my body touches instead of the hard plastic on the console and door panels in my '06 Charger. I also prefer the all black interior of the Challenger instead of the the two tone in my Charger. I must also note the lack of wind noise in the car is really impressive for a muscle car, or just about any car for that matter. I also am one of those guys that wants to have my cake and eat it too, so I love that the SRT comes with all the wonderful creature comforts that I have grown accustomed to like power windows, air bags, heated seats, bluetooth etc. The electronics are better with more performance features and a Uconnect that seems to operate and respond notably quicker. I have always enjoyed the Kicker sound group and will be adding the Kicker upgrade package with 368 watt amp and dual subs to further enhance the sound quality of my system.

The stock exhaust sound is better and slightly more audible. This may be due to the fact that I'm sitting four inches closer to the back of the car on this shortened platform, but I think they made an effort to make it slightly louder and more muscular sounding.

I agree that getting into the back seat is a chore, and the passenger seat should be a power one, not manual, but I won't be riding in the passenger seat or the back, so it doesn't make that much of a difference to me personally.

Some critics want to complain about the large size and weight of the Challenger. The size is actually one of the things that sold me on the car. I wanted this car bad, but a decent size back seat is really important to me so I can put my kids in there if I need to. We have an SUV for the family to ride in, but every once and a while it may be necessary to have the kids in the Challenger and having such a similar lay out to my Charger makes me feel as though I'm not giving up much other than two extra doors. Another thing is the size of the trunk. It seems to me that it's the exact same size as the trunk in my Charger. I love having that space because I tend to haul some semi large equipment around and with this trunk I don't lose that ability. If you've ever driven a Mustang, or seen the new Camaro in person, you know that both of those cars lack in both the rear seat and trunk space department compared to the Challenger. And in regards to the weight of the car... like I said before, this thing is really nimble and responds very well to performance driving. I really didn't feel like I was driving a car that weighs over 4,000 lbs. when I was doing almost 130 mph on the track.

The blind spot takes some getting used to, but I have adjusted my mirrors and driving style accordingly and I was already prepared for it from my previous experience driving the Challengers at the track.

Driving this car is very comfortable and familiar, and it's a BLAST! I love the attention it gets from everyone. No one has had a bad thing to say about it and every time I stop for gas someone comes over to look and ask questions.

In closing...

All in all, making the transition from owning a 2006 Charger SRT8 to a 2008 Challenger SRT8 has been great. I know I made the right choice in buying this car. Don't get me wrong, I loved my Charger, but this car gets my heart pumping in a way the Charger never did. The styling is spot on, and I feel proud to be able to say I own a brand new Hemi Challenger just like the guys in the 70's did back in the day. This car has everything I need and more, but the main thing is, every time I get in the car and push that start button and mash that accelerator, I can't help but smile from ear to ear.

Pics

Just to show you what I'm comparing it to, here's a pic of my 2006 Charger SRT



And here's the new Challenger.

[Mighty Noid]

Congrats on a great car!!!

Looks great!!!

[sergeo'shemi]

congrats on a nice addition to your car collection!

[Turbobuckeye]

Congrats and thanks for sharing the pics!!!

[BilletTechnology]

car looks sick. Some BT goodies will be on the way very soon. Congrats on the new ride.

Every time I see a new Challenger owner the more I think I need to put my old man into one of these soon.

[PaCharger]

Fantastic write up and pics!! Good luck with your new Toy!!

[MoparPosterChild]

Thanks for the comments guys.

I am already putting a thread together to show off my BT goodies and I'm looking forward to the new additions!

[eldiablosrt8]

always a good write up......... look sweet

[thewagon]

I have to agree, there is something about the new Challenger's that just capture one's heart. Great writeup and congratulations!

Too bad you can't make Spring Festival this year.

[pigpen]

Good job on the review

[MoparPosterChild]

I have to agree, there is something about the new Challenger's that just capture one's heart. Great writeup and congratulations!

Too bad you can't make Spring Festival this year.

Thanks!

I wish I could be there, and there's a slight possibility I may still come, but it will be a last minute decision for sure.

[Braddah Jay]

Very very nice Kenny! You gotta swing by PCW one day so i can drool over the new ride! J/K! Hey if you dont make it out to Spring Fest '09 i can leave my MSRT at your house and drive the Chally for you......Just a thought? LOL!!! Hope you make it down for the day bro!