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New car reviews » 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8

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Better than: a V6 Challenger
But not as good as: a 1970 Challenger
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 81.19  

Yeah, it’s got a Hemi. When Chrysler brought back the Challenger, they were quick to show that performance was part of the package. The model lineup included the fabled Hemi, part of the SRT8 package.

The 6.1-liter Hemi can now be ordered with a six-speed manual (a five-speed auto was the only original offering) plus some new colors, including Furious Fuschia (shown here) and Detonator Yellow (our test car).

Small disclosure: Dodge doesn’t have a published weight for the six-speed Hemi Challenger—or if we do, we can’t find it. The weight listed is for the automatic car.

Other staff views:

David S. Wallens Editorial Director:

I admit, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the Challenger. However, I got off on the right foot this one—the fact is welcomed me with some Sabbath probably helped. I think it followed that up with some early Van Halen or something.

It’s also quick and makes all the right noises. I’m a sucker for a throaty V8.

Anything else? Well, I hate to complain, but it is as big as a house. To give it some perspective, those are 20-inch wheels on there. We parked it next to an Accord—like a car made to carry a family of five—and the Challenger just dwarfed it. Taking it through our bank’s drive-up window wasn’t like throwing a hot dog down a hallway.

But maybe this car isn’t about being the right size or fitting in. It’s a big, silly American muscle car. Go grab a Big Gulp and find a lawn to trench.

Reader comments:

1. turboswede: — Jul 12, 2010 3:35 p.m.
   

   Honestly, after watching the 3rd episode of the 15th season of Top Gear, and then this. I have to say I think JG and the rest of the GRM crew are now better at making entertaining car-related films than Top Gear!

   Great film, JG. Congrats on 20 years, go USA! and hope you can keep your Thai Food down in the future :)

2. amg_rx7: — Jul 12, 2010 4:35 p.m.
   

   That steering wheel looks as big as the donuts. :)

3. JG Pasterjak: — Jul 12, 2010 5:28 p.m.
   

   Thanks guys. Not bad for a one-man crew on a Sunday, eh?

   I want to like the Challenger more than I do. The numbers are all there—big power, big tires, lots of gears, big brakes—but the whole seems less than the sum of the parts. The size is certainly working against it. When I stopped for gas I was standing there filling it and I suddenly realized that the trunk lid was even with the middle of my chest. It’s a physically imposing car, and I don’t think that’s helping in the user-friendly department.

   jg

4. John Brown: — Jul 12, 2010 6:24 p.m.
   

   That and the Irish call you a wee little man J.G.

5. JG Pasterjak: — Jul 12, 2010 6:30 p.m.
   

   Five and a half feet with my big boy shoes on. Still, no “car” should have a truck at man-boob height.

   jg

6. mistanfo: — Jul 12, 2010 6:55 p.m.
   

   is the trunk at man boob level for a teenager, or should you be wearing a Brozier?

7. dean1484: — Jul 12, 2010 6:56 p.m.
   

   That is some funny stuff rite there!!!! GRM needs a TV show!!!!!
   

   Although I am a huge Hendrix fan I was so hoping for the Dukes of hazard music with the horn dubbed in.

   Ohya. Just because I noticed it how did you get the camera to move / follow you if you were all alone? About at the halfway point of the video or close to the start of gratuitous examples of american HP & Torque.

   Keep these videos coming!!!!!!

8. JG Pasterjak: — Jul 12, 2010 7:09 p.m.
   

   Hey, someone noticed my camera moves. Nothing gets by you guys.

   That’s all Hollywood magic. I just shoot a lot higher resolution than I need so there’s plenty of extra image area that I can pan around in the editing process. After some practice you can start to make the animated movements look pretty “real,” as if someone were holding the camera. Go back and take another look. Some look pretty realistic, but a couple are a little too smooth and fluid to be actual hands moving a camera.

   jg

   Oh, and my boobs are at regular height, and I’m not a midget as defined by the law.

9. ansonivan: — Jul 13, 2010 9:22 a.m.
   

   I like what you did with the sound levels, quiet for the introduction, loud for the action. Looking forward to future installments.

10. scardeal: — Jul 13, 2010 10:17 a.m.
    

    JG: I just want you to know that I’m just as short as you. But I think you can take me in a fight.

11. JohnGalt: — Jul 13, 2010 8:30 p.m.
    

    Good looking cars. I parked beside one at a gas station last Sunday. Made my RX-8 look quite small. One question, where is the handbreak? Can you just not see it from that angle?

12. JG Pasterjak: — Jul 13, 2010 9:19 p.m.
    

    The handbrake is operated by your foot.

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