The return of the Dodge Challenger in 2008 brought tire-smoking performance packaged in a head-turning design. Dodge offered the Challenger SRT only as a limited edition in 2008, and it was available in just three colors: Hemi Orange, Bright Silver Metallic, and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat. No manual transmission was available on the inaugural model. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
Dodge introduced and released the Dodge Challenger in 2008 as a limited-production SRT-only option. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
The grille in the new Challenger is an updated design, made to mimic the 1970 Challenger. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
As iconic as the Challenger itself, the flip-open fuel filler door, reminiscent of Challengers past, was an element Dodge considered essential. This styling cue has remained with Challenger throughout the production run. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
The biggest downfall in the release of the Challenger in 2008 was probably the unavailability of a manually-shifted transmission. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
Exclusive to SRT8 cars, the front seats are well bolstered and fitted with suede-like inserts. These help keep you in place during aggressive maneuvers, yet are comfortable enough for daily driving. (Photos Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
2009
When the 2009 models were released, Dodge expanded the Challenger’s available options with a couple of alternatives less intimidating than the SRT. This made the retro-styled Challenger more accessible. They started with a new base SE Challenger and fitted it with a V-6 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. If the base Challenger wasn’t to your liking, the vehicle between the base Challenger and the SRT8 model was considered by many to be the best pick: the new R/T Challenger. It came with a 370-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8.
The year 2009 also brought back another iconic Mopar option, the Pistol Grip shifter. If you ordered the R/T, you could also get the Track Pak option, which featured a 6-speed manual gearbox, a limited-slip differential, Hill Start Assist (prevented rolling backward when starting on hills with the manual transmission), and a recalibrated, performance-oriented steering system. Challenger R/Ts with a manually-shifted transmission came with a retro shifter poking through the console. When equipped with the 6-speed gearbox, the 5.7-liter Hemi delivered an additional 5 hp.
At the top of the option packages was the SRT8. It came with an even more powerful 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi V-8, black hood stripes, 20-inch alloy wheels, an even sportier suspension and steering than the R/T, a limited-slip rear, and Brembo brakes.
2010
The 2010 Challenger didn’t receive any changes from the previous year. Trim levels were still arranged in line with the three engine choices. The base SE had a V-6, the R/T had the 372-hp and 400 ft-lbs of torque 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. The maximum-performance SRT8 came with a 6.1-liter Hemi V-8, still packing 425 hp and 420 ft-lbs of torque.
Finally, in 2009, the Challenger was fitted with a manual transmission. The Tremec TR-6060 6-speed gearbox, which is also used in the Viper, is connected to Challenger’s Pistol Grip–esque shifter. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
The 2009 5.7-liter Hemi was the first to receive MDS; it was standard on 2009 and later automatic-equipped Hemi cars. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
Again this year, if you purchased the R/T you could also order the Track Pak option, which featured the 6-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip rear differential, the Hill Start Assist, and a recalibrated performance steering system. A late-availability Super Track Pak included the regular Track Pak’s equipment, plus ultra-high-performance tires, a larger rear stabilizer bar, performance brake pads, and a revised stability control calibration with an “ESP off” function. The 5.7-liter Hemi was paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment, but a 6-speed manual was also available as an option. If you chose the R/T’s manual transmission, you increased power output to 376 hp and 410 ft-lbs of torque.
The SRT8 added dual scoops and black stripes to the hood, 20-inch alloy wheels, a suspension and steering arrangement that was more oriented to performance than the R/T, a limited-slip rear differential, and Brembo brakes. The SRT8 came with a 6.1-liter Hemi V-8, with either the automatic or manual transmission that was also found in the R/T.
2011
For 2011, the Challenger received a host of upgrades. Benefiting from many changes made to the suspension, brakes, and steering, the 2011 Challenger became even more capable of keeping up with its rivals when the road took some twisty turns. The new Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 delivered a significant improvement in both power (up to 305 hp) and fuel economy. This was also the year that Dodge added the 392 Hemi V-8 to the SRT8 model. The 392-inch (6.4-liter) Hemi was now the top Hemi engine.
The 2011 Challenger again came in SE, R/T, and SRT8. The R/T once again had a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, which was good for 372 hp and 400 ft-lbs of torque when connected to the standard 5-speed automatic transmission. Add the 6-speed manual transmission that was available when ordering the Super Track Pak group, and you increased output to 376 hp and 410 ft-lbs of torque. For 2011, the 5.7 Hemi (when equipped with the automatic transmission) included new fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation technology.
The SRT8 received all of the R/T’s basic equipment, but the Track Pak added the 6-speed manual transmission. The SRT8 with the 392 Hemi Inaugural Edition received special blue or white paint, full body stripes, and other special exterior trim. Inside, you found two-tone white-and-blue leather upholstery and interior trim plus special 392 monogramming on the front seat headrests. The all-new 392-inch Hemi V-8 produced 470 hp and 470 ft-lbs of torque. The 5-speed automatic was standard, and a 6-speed manual was available with the Track Pak.
2012
Once again, there weren’t many changes to the Challenger for 2012. You could still get the three basic packages, but now the SXT replaced the SE.
Just as in 2011, the R/T had the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. When connected to the 6-speed manual transmission, the 5.7 delivered 376 hp and 410 ft-lbs of torque. When it was hooked to the available 5-speed automatic transmission, output dropped to 372 hp and 400 ft-lbs of torque. The R/T Classic package included the R/T Plus items as well as 20-inch “heritage-style” wheels, black body-side stripes, and functional hood scoops. The Super Track Pak included even-higher-performance-oriented steering, brakes, shocks, tires, and stability control programming.