Chrysler gives new life to Challenger SRT8

Chrysler reaches back to the future with its retro-styled, 425-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT8 introduced Wednesday at the 100th Chicago Auto Show.

Photo: Chrysler gives new life to Challenger SRT8

The sport coupe's lineage goes back to Detroit's 1970s rear-wheel drive pony cars that parents of many of today's buyers remember fondly, UPI reports.

Chrysler has already disclosed pricing for the Dodge Challenger SRT8, which will start at $37,995 — including destination — with Dodge already accepting orders. Customers will have a choice of three colors — Black, Silver or HEMI Orange — with all three coming with carbon fiber racing stripes. Deliveries will begin in the spring.

The SRT model will be followed by less expensive models, including V6 and V8-powered models.

The first offering of Challenger SRT8s will come with a numbered dash plaque, with all using an automatic transmission.

Pricing for other Challenger models has yet to be revealed, but an announcement is expected to be made sometime in mid-2008.

Customers who shell out the cash for a Challenger SRT8 — including the $2,100 gas-guzzler tax — will receive a car that is pretty much fully loaded. Only three options will be available: a set of summer tires instead of all-season rubber for $50, a MyGig Multimedia Infotainment system with navigation for $890 and a power sunroof for $950.