Test drive: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
So here it is, at long last -- my 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 test drive. As a rule, I try to avoid whining about how hard my job is -- I drive cars and write about them for a living, how hard can it be? -- but I have to tell you, this one really threw me for a loop. I wrote no fewer than a half-dozen different versions, two of which I came very close to publishing. One involved a dream I had one night, in which I drove the Challenger to a Chrysler media event. In the dream, I had a conversation with a Chrysler executive about the Challenger that just so happened to correspond perfectly to the About.com Cars review template. I wrote it, edited it, re-read it, and promptly began contemplating a change in career.
Why the sudden obsession with perfection? When it comes to old muscle cars, I'm a Chrysler man through-and-through, and the Challenger struck a deep emotional chord, so really I wanted to get this one right. You know what they say -- if at first you don't succeed...and if at second, and at third, and at fourth, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. Finally, after enough tries, I got what I wanted. Here it is. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Aaron Gold
Wow, I wonder how long until my local Dodge dealers have some. That sounds like a drive worth taking.
So Aaron, what color looks best on this beast? In pictures, I liked the silver better than the orange. In person, that could easily change.
Maybe this one deserves an “extended test drive” :0
I guess I have to say?
It is so retro and old fashioned. Yes I have worked on Z28 and even a 383 Challenger back in the day but those days have passed.
Civic SIs, Mazdaspeed3s, Evos, and WRTis are the new pony cars.
I guess I am just a little tired with US car companies copying the past.
I guess this car is less work than restoring a Challenger but IMHO it is also less fun.
Every time they park a Hyundai in your driveway and read your review, I fill with doubt as to your car-guy credentials.
Clearly the Challenger has cracked your shell and your car-guy marrow has been exposed. You’re true blue.
it sound fast butt look overweight to me. the 70 was a much better lookin car
Great review…loved your passion! The feelings you had were the same ones I had when I brought home my brand new’69 Mustang Mach 1 Cobra Jet (I slept in it the first night).
This is a beautifully executed retro car. Unfortunately, its timing couldn’t be worse for real world drivers. With its ridiculous premium fuel consumption in a $5 a gallon world, it’s nothing but a weekend cruiser for the few. It’ll be interesting to see what the SE’s MPG numbers shall be. In sum, I won’t be considering buying one, but rather shall wait for the coming MINI SUV which shall give me all the retro, utitity, fun-to-drive and fuel efficiency that I want AND still be a head turner.
Agreed with what Don said. Well worth waiting for this review. It suited the car.