2008 Dodge Challenger gets green light

Chrysler used the backdrop of NASCAR’s Pepsi 400 at Daytona Beach to make it official – the Dodge Challenger will go into production for 2008.

Citing unprecedented public interest, Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda, pointed out the rapid “concept to production” cycle, likening the short development time to earlier efforts of the Dodge Viper and Plymouth Prowler.

DaimlerChrysler plans to build the Challenger as a two-door coupe which will closely resemble the vehicle shown in near production trim at last January’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The styling is based on the original Challenger muscle car which was introduced in 1969 as a 1970 model and produced until 1974.

While all the mechanical details were not confirmed, a Hemi engine is guaranteed as one of the engine choices, in keeping with the ties to Dodge’s muscle-bound heritage.

Speculation is that the Challenger will be produced alongside the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger, in the Brampton, Ontario facility.