Segment:
Muscle Car / Performance Coupe
Positioning:
Retro-styled, powerful, and engaging performance vehicle appealing to enthusiasts.
Key Competitors:
Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro (though Camaro was not yet released in its modern form in 2008, the legacy competitor).
Design Philosophy:
Modern interpretation of the iconic 1970 Dodge Challenger styling.
Performance Orientation:
Focus on powerful V8 engines and rear-wheel-drive dynamics.
Engine And Drivetrain:
Engine assembly, cooling system, exhaust system, fuel system, transmission, driveline components (driveshaft, axles, differential).
Chassis And Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, wheels and tires, braking system, frame and mounting components.
Electrical And Lighting:
Wiring harnesses, lighting components (headlamps, taillamps, interior lights), battery, starter, alternator, ignition system, sensors, ECUs.
Body And Interior:
Exterior body panels (hood, fenders, doors, trunk), bumpers, grille, glass, mirrors, interior trim, seats, dashboard, HVAC components.
Part Identification:
Detailed exploded views, part numbers, and descriptions for accurate component selection.
Component Grouping:
Parts organized by system and sub-system for logical navigation.
Depth:
Detailed component-level breakdown, suitable for identifying OEM and aftermarket replacement parts.
Engine Code Base:
EGT (3.5L V6), EGG (5.7L V8 HEMI), ESG (6.1L V8 HEMI SRT)
Horsepower Base:
250 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Base:
250 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower:
370 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
410 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower:
425 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (89 Octane recommended for V8s, 87 Octane minimum)
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)
Type:
5-Speed Automatic (545RFE)
Type:
6-Speed Manual (Tremec TR6060 for R/T and SRT models)
Overdrive Gears:
Yes (specific count depends on transmission)
Automatic Fluid:
Mopar ATF+4 (or equivalent specification)
Manual Fluid:
Mopar Manual Transmission Fluid (or equivalent specification)
Front Headroom:
39.3 inches
Front Legroom:
43.2 inches
Rear Headroom:
35.7 inches
Rear Legroom:
32.6 inches
Curb Weight Base:
Approx. 3,856 lbs (3.5L V6)
Curb Weight Hemi:
Approx. 4,052 lbs (5.7L R/T)
Curb Weight Srt:
Approx. 4,150 lbs (6.1L SRT8)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by model, typically around 5,000-5,200 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Not specified/intended for towing
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test:
5-Star (Front Seat), 5-Star (Rear Seat)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Crash Test:
Good
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Standard (Electronic Traction Control)
Esp:
Standard (Electronic Stability Program - ESP/ESC)
Brake Assist:
Standard (Brake Assist)
Airbags Front:
Standard (Driver and Front Passenger Airbags)
Airbags Side:
Standard (Front Side Curtain Airbags)
Seatbelts:
3-point active seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
Audio System:
Available Boston Acoustics premium sound system (optional on R/T and SRT8, standard on some trims).
Navigation:
Optional GPS Navigation System was available.
Connectivity:
Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and voice command (optional).
Parking Assist:
Rear parking assist sensors available on some models.
Usb Port:
Available on later models or through aftermarket integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (check owner's manual for specific engine/oil type).
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles or as recommended.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
30,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., copper vs. iridium).
Engine Oil Type V6:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil (meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification)
Engine Oil Type V8:
SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil (meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification)
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology), Pink Color
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid
Interior Rattles:
Common in some early models, often related to door panels or dashboard trim.
Cv Joint Wear:
Can occur with aggressive driving, especially on SRT models.
Brake Dust:
Performance brakes can produce significant dust, requiring frequent wheel cleaning.
Suspension Noise:
Potential for occasional clunks or rattles from suspension components over time.
Heritage:
Dodge has a long history of performance vehicles and muscle cars, dating back to the original Challenger's era in the late 1960s and 1970s.
Reintroduction:
The 2008 Challenger marked the revival of the iconic nameplate, heavily inspired by the 1970 model, built on a modern platform.
Platform Development:
Based on the LX platform, shared with Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, modified for a shorter wheelbase and coupe configuration.
Launch Year:
2008 (as a 2008 model year vehicle)
Manufacturing Plant:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Initial Trims:
SE (3.5L V6), R/T (5.7L V8 HEMI), SRT8 (6.1L V8 HEMI)
Design Award:
The 2008 Challenger was praised for its authentic retro styling and was often cited as a successful revival of a classic nameplate.
Performance Magazine Reviews:
Consistently received positive reviews from automotive publications for its performance, handling (especially SRT8), and styling.