2008 Challenger looks better than concept

[RapidTransit]

I've driven the 5.7 six speed version and let me tell you the production version is better looking than the concept! --RapidTransit


By Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press


The 2008 Dodge Challenger may look like the concept car that excited visitors to the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit 2 1/2 years ago, but the designers changed every surface to create the production model.

The most obvious difference is the grille, where Dodge's signature crosshair grille was discarded to give the production car a cleaner and more elegant face.

"It looks more like the original 1970 Challenger, and opening up space in the grille helps with engine cooling and air flow," Challenger lead exterior designer Jeff Gale said.

The concept team cheated a bit, producing a body that wouldn't fit on Chrysler's LX platform, which underpins the Challenger and the bigger Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans.

The production designers narrowed the car's body by 4 inches through the doors, which helps account for the production Challenger's better-proportioned look. The narrower cross-section also led to doors and sides that are more upright than the concept's. The car's front overhang is also 2 inches longer, and the front bumper fascia projects forward of the hood farther than on the concept.

"We had to do it to fit the LX platform," Gale said, "but there were some aesthetic benefits, too."

The designers also added a black molding around the bottom of the car, which fools the eyes into thinking the Challenger is less tall than it actually is.

"It makes the car feel slimmer and less bulky," Gale said.

The overall effect is one of the rare production cars that looks considerably better than the concept that inspired it.

It took just six months to design the production model, Gale said. The project got the green light in February 2006, and the design was done by July.

[gn300]

Yea, but it still needs side stripes!

So.... whats the verdict on the 5.7 with the six speed?

Are the gears so close your shifting all the time?

[Muscleman305]

The interior sure does and maybe the rear, but they totally killed it for me by making the side sooo slab sided like my Charger!! What i love about the original is that the side tucks in under, now it just looks like a 2 door charger. The 70 challenger next to this one makes the new one look like a fat ass hippo. I really hope they redesign it for the convertible in 2010 and make it slimmer and lighter, withmore curves and sexier like the old one.

[FI R/T]

Originally Posted by Muscleman305

The interior sure does and maybe the rear, but they totally killed it for me by making the side sooo slab sided like my Charger!! What i love about the original is that the side tucks in under, now it just looks like a 2 door charger. The 70 challenger next to this one makes the new one look like a fat ass hippo. I really hope they redesign it for the convertible in 2010 and make it slimmer and lighter, withmore curves and sexier like the old one.

they're probably not going to change anything for the convertible except for the cloth top. it'll probably weigh more than the coupe too, which is what convertibles are notorious for.

[RapidTransit]

its funny seeing the challenger next to the mustang. the chally could stand to lose a couple of pounds thats for sure.

[Muscleman305]

Right!! especially if it wants to sell tomore than old people that never go over the speed limit and just want to look and feel fast. Real performance guys are always going to go for a Mustang or Vette and maybe the Camaro which is going to be about 250-300lbs lighter plus GM's engine is alot cheaper to mod and more parts. A high performance Cuda or trans am version better be around the corner or this car is going to be a joke at the track or on the street if u plan to race anyone. Supercharged v4 civics that weigh half this are going to be running circles around it all day lol trust me I know i drive a 2ton hemi charger.

[oilmanpaul]

Supercharge the Challenger and watch the Camaros and Mustangs disappear in your rearview mirror.