2008-2011 Dodge Challenger car specifications
Engines (except Challenger R/T Classic car)
The Challenger SRT8 used a 6.1 liter Hemi from 2008-2010, and a 6.4 liter 392 Hemi from 2011 on. The Challenger R/T always used a 5.7 liter Hemi; the Challenger SE, a V6 (3.5 liters until 2010, and 3.6 liters from 2011 onwards.) Also see: Hemi engines • Pentastar V6 engines • 3.5 liter “LH” V6 engines
| C/R | Horsepower (kW) @ rpm |
Torque lb-ft (Nm) |
mpg (EPA) | Min. Octane |
Pref. Octane | Redline | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRT-8 (<2010) | 10.3:1 | 425 (317) @ 6200 |
420 (569) @ 4800 |
14/22 M 13/19 A |
91 | 91 | 6,400 |
| 392 SRT8 (2011+) | 10.9:1 | 470 (351) @ 6,000 | 470 (637) @ 4,200 | 14/23 M 14/22 A | 91 | 91 | 6,400 |
| R/T manual (2009-10) | 10.5:1 | 375 (280) @ 5,800 |
404 (548) @ 4,200 |
15/23 | 87 | 91 | 5,800 |
| R/T auto (2009-10) | 10.5:1 | 370 (276) @5,800 |
398 (540) @4,200 |
16/23 | 87 | 89 | 5,800 |
| SE (2009-10) | 10.0:1 | 250 (186) @ 6,400 |
250 (339) @ 3,800 |
18/25 | 87 | 89 | 6,800 |
| R/T manual (2011+) | 10.5 | 376 (280) @ 5,150 | 410 (555) @ 4,300 | 15/24 | 87 | 89 | 5,800 |
| R/T auto (2011+) | 10.5 | 372 (277) @ 5,200 | 400 (542) @ 4,400 | 16/25 | 87 | 89 | 5,800 |
| SE (2011+) | 10.2 | 305 (227) @ 6,350 | 268 (363) @ 4,800 | 18/27 | 87 | 87 | 6,400 |
392 Hemi details
The 392 Hemi takes 5W-40 synthetic oil, an unusual requirement. It has pushrod-activated overhead valves (sodium filled exhaust, hollow-stem intake), with 16 conventional hydraulic lifters using roller tips. Fuel injection is returnless; the automatic cuts the fuel supply when coasting when certain conditions are met. The block is a deep-skirt, cast iron design with cross-bolted main bearing caps and aluminum alloy heads. Oil capacity is 7 quarts, coolant is 14 quarts; bore and stroke is 4.09 x 3.72 inches.
| Challenger SRT8 |
Charger SRT8 | 1970 Dodge Challenger |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-60 | low 5 seconds (G1) | low 5 seconds | n/a |
| Horsepower/Torque | 425/420 (G1) |
425/420 | 425/490 |
| Mileage | 13/18 (G1) | n/a | |
| Wheelbase | 116” | 120" | 110 |
| Length | 197.7 | 200.1" | 191.3 |
| Width | 75.7 | 74.5" | 76.1 |
| Height | 57.0 | 58.2" | 50.9 |
| Track | 63.1 | 63" | 60.7 |
| Weight | 4,140 (G1) 4,170 (G2) |
3,800 (V6) - 4,031 (V8) | |
| Weight distribution | 55.6/44.4 | 53/47 (V6), 54/46 (V8) | |
| Interior volume | 93.9 c.f. | 104 cubic feet (120.2 EPA) | |
| Cargo volume | 16.2 c.f. | 16.2 cubic feet (460L) | |
| Front head room | 39.5 (1004) | 38.7 (983) | 37.4 |
| Front leg room | 42.0 | 41.8 | 42.3 |
| Front shoulder room | 58.2 | 59.3 | 58.1 |
| Front hip room | 54.7 | 56.2 | |
| Seat travel | 270mm/220mm | 10.6 driver, 8.7 passenger | |
| Rear head room | 37.4 | 36.2 | 35.6 |
| Rear leg room | 32.6 | 40.2 | 30.9 |
| Rear knee clearance | 1.2 | 4.5 | |
| Rear shoulder room | 53.9 | 57.6 | 56.8 |
| Rear hip room | 51.4 | 55.5 |
Competitive comparison: Camaro, Challenger, and Mustang
Is the Challenger really too heavy, as some say?
| 2010 figures | Weight (V6) | Weight (V8) | Wheelbase | Length | Width | Passenger Volume | Trunk Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Challenger (SE/SRT8) | 3,720 | 4,132* | 116 | 197.7 | 75.7 | 16.2 c.f. | |
Mustang | 3,453 | 3,605 | 107 | 188 | 73.9 | 83.3 c.f. | 13.4 c.f. |
| Camaro | 3,780 | 3,849 | 112 | 190 | 75.5 | 91.5 c.f. | 11.3 c.f. |
| 2012 Lexus GS350 | 3,795 | n/a | 112 | 190.7 | 72.4 | ||
| 2012 Mercedes E350 | 3,825 | ? | 113 | 191.7 | 73.0 |
Thanks to cd36. * R/T model weighs 4,041 pounds.
Gearing / transmissions
Gear Ratios |
42RLE Automatic |
5-speed Automatic |
6-Speed Manual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2.84 | 3.59 | 2.97 |
| 2nd | 1.57 | 2.19 | 2.10 |
| 3rd | 1.00 | 1.41 | 1.46 |
| 4th | 0.69 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| 5th | 0.83 | 0.74 | |
| 6th | 0.50 | ||
| Reverse | 2.21 | 3.16 | 2.90 |
| Final | 3.64 | 3.06 | 3.73 (18-inch wheels, no LSD) 3.91-3.92 (20-inch wheels or LSD) |
| OTGR | 2.51 | 2.54 |
The five speed automatic was used on all engines starting in 2011. The four speed automatic was used only with the V6 in 2009. The six speed manual was used on R/T and SRT8 models, and was a Tremec TR-6060 with ZF-Sachs 240mm twin-disc clutch. It had a triple cone synchronizer design in first and second gears, with double cones in higher gears; it used 1-4 skip shift and reverse inhibit solenoids. Gear ratios did not change from 2010 to 2011.
Suspension specifications, 2011+
| Standard | Performance | Super Track Pack | SRT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comes with... | Challenger SE | SE with Super Sport Group Challenger R/T (standard) | R/T option | SRT8 |
| Front stabilizer bar | 27 mm | 30 mm | 30 mm | 30 mm |
| Front shock rate | 240 lb/in | 340 lb/in | 340 lb/in hi-po | ? |
| Rear stabilizer bar | 16 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm | 16 mm link type |
| Rear shock rate | 547 lb/in | 670 lb/in | 670 lb-in hi-po | ? |
Front suspension is independent short-long arm with high upper A arm, coil springs over gas charged monotube shock absorbers and solid stabilizer bar with lateral and diagonal lower links with dual ball joint knuckles.
Rear suspension is a five link independent design with coil springs, gas charged monotube shocks, solid stabilizer bar, and isolated suspension cradle.
Starting in 2011, electro-hydraulic power steering was used on SE and R/T models (SRT8 remained hydraulic.) SRT8 used Bilstein shocks, front and rear.
Other specs. For the sake of convenience, the 2008-2010 Challengers are referred to in this chart as G1, while 2011 and newer are referred to as G2.
| Item (inches) | SE (G1) | SE (G2) | R/T (G1) | R/T (G2) | SRT8 (G1) | SRT8 (G2) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CdA (small / big wheels) |
8.86 | 9.21 9.53 | 8.73 8.98 |
8.91 9.22 | 9.01 | not listed | ||
| Weight | 3,720 lb 1,688 kg |
3,834 1,735 kg | 4,041 lb 1833 kg |
4,082 1,852 kg | 4,170 lb 1892 kg |
4,160 auto 4,170 manual | ||
| Weight Dist. | 53.5/46.5 | 52.4/47.6 | 54.7/45.3 | 54.3/45.7 | 55.6/44.4 | 54.4/45.6 (a) 54.6/45.4 (m) | ||
| Fuel Capacity | 18 gal | 19.1 | 19 gal | 19.1 | 19 gal | 19 gallons | ||
| Exhaust | Single | Dual | Dual | Dual | ||||
| Turning circle | 37.5 (11.5) | 38.1 | 38.9 (11.9) | 38.1 | 38.9 | 37.5 | ||
| Standard tires | P215/65R17 GY Integrity* |
P235/55R18 Michelin MXM4 | P245/45ZR20 Goodyear RSA |
same | ||||
| Standard wheels | 17 x 7.0 Steel |
18 x 7.5 Cast Aluminum | 20 x 9.0 Forged Alum. |
same | ||||
| Front rotor (all vented) |
12.6 x 1.1 | same | 13.6 x 1.1 | 13.6 x 1.26 | 14.2 x 1.26 slotted |
same | ||
| Front caliper | 2.36 single piston | 1.65 dual piston | 1.73 Brembo | same | ||||
| Front swept area | 254.8 sq in | 259 | 292 sq in | 249 | 351 sq in | same | ||
| Rear rotor | 12.6 x .4 | same | 12.6 x .4 | 13.6 x 1.26 | 13.8 x 1.10 vented | same | ||
| Rear caliper | 1.65 | 1.65 | 1.65 | 1.65 | 1.26 Brembo | same | ||
| Rear swept area | 260.4 sq in | 264 | 260.4 sq in | 264 | 316 sq in | same | ||
| Ground clearance | 5.16 (131.2) | 5.06 (128.7) | 4.8 (122.2) | 4.8 (122.2) | ||||
* Get the popular equipment package so you can upgrade to the optional Continental ProContact!
Other specifications (Inches (mm) unless otherwise specified)
Specs that changed in 2011:
| Car specification | 2008-2010 | 2011 and newer |
|---|---|---|
| Steering ratio, turns lock to lock | 16.1:1, 2.75 | 14.4:1, 2.75 |
| Frontal area (SRT8 only) | 25.3 sq ft (2.35 m2) | 25.6 square feet |
Frontal area and drag coefficient are a bit complex:
| Car specification | 17-18” wheels* | 20” wheels | All |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009-2010 Challenger SE | 0.350 | ||
| 2011+ Challenger SE | 0.360 | 0.372 | |
| 2009-10 Challenger R/T | 0.350 | 0.355 | |
| 2011+ Challenger R/T | 0.348 | 0.360 | |
| 2008-10 SRT8 | 0.353 | ||
| 2011+ SRT8 | 0.356 |
* 17 inch wheels were not used in 2011 or beyond
Specifications that did not change by model or by year:
| Car specification | Dodge Challengers SE thru SRT8, 2008-? |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 116 (2946) |
| Track, F/R | 63/63.1 (1603/1604) |
| Length x width | 197.7 (5023) x 75.7 (1923) |
| Height | 57.1 (1449) |
| Headroom, F/R | 39.3 / 37.4 |
| Legroom, F/R | 42.0 / 32.6 |
| Shoulder room, F/R | 58.2 / 53.9 |
| Hip room, F/R | 54.6 / 48.6 |
| Seat travel | Driver, 10.6 (270); Passenger, 8.7 (220) |
| SAE front/rear volume index | 55.8 cubic ft (1.58 cu.m.) / 38.1 cubic ft (1.08 cu.m) |
| Interior volume, EPA index | 91.5 cubic ft (2.59 cu. m.), 107.7 cubic ft (3.05 c.m.) |
| SAE cargo volume | 16.2 cubic ft (0.459 c.m.) |
| Trunk liftover height | 33.0 (839) |
| Battery and alternator | 625 CCA, 160 amp (2011+ SRT8: 730 CCA, 220 amp) |
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 factory invoice
Factory invoice...
- FWP= "Factory Wholesale Price."
- HB= 1239.00 (Holdback, 3% of MSRP (before Destination) back to dealer)
- FFP= 39,627.00 (Family & Friends Program, 1% below invoice)
- EP= 38,237.00 (Employee Price, about 5% below invoice)
Thus, the dealer actually pays considerably less than the $40,027 “wholesale price” for the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 car. Dealers usually pay less than the wholesale price minus the holdback (in this case, $40,027 - $1,239 = $38,788), with an advertising reimbursement and supplemental floorplan reimbursement. That profit is reduced or eliminated by financing charges on stored cars, insurance, commissions and salaries, advertising, etc.
Safety and security - 2009 Dodge Challenger series
- All-speed traction control senses wheel slip and applies brakes to slipping wheels; reduces excess engine torque until traction is regained
- Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): advanced ABS modulates the four brakes individually for optimum control and stopping performance
- Brake assist: In a panic brake condition, the system applies maximum braking power, providing the shortest possible stopping distance
- Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): Makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants in the event of an accident by turning on interior lights and unlocking doors after air-bag deployment. Also shuts off the flow of fuel to the engine
- High-intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps: around three times the light output of standard lamps
- Knee bolsters: The lower instrument panel and the glove-box door position the occupant, enabling air bags to work more effectively
- Sentry Key® engine immobilizer: the engine key has an embedded transponder with a security code. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the controller sends a random number to the transponder and the engine is allowed to start. If an incorrect key is used, the engine will shut off after only a few seconds.
Some key suppliers to the 2008-09 Dodge Challengers
| Commodity | Supplier |
| Air bags | Takata, TRW |
| AM/FM six-disc DVD/MP3 radio | Alpine |
| Navigation system | Harmon Becker |
| Speakers | Base — Panasonic, Foster Premium — Boston Acoustics® SRT8® — Stillwater |
| Brake calipers | Bosch (SRT8 — Brembo) |
| Console | Collins & Aikman |
| Cooling module | Valeo |
| Door trim | Intier |
| Hard trim | Collins & Aikman |
| Drive shaft | Rotorion |
| Electronic Stability Program (ESP) | Continental Teves |
| Exhaust system | Eberspaecher North America |
| Fascia | Rimply |
| Backlight, door glass, windshield | PPG |
| Quarter glass | Magna Donnelly |
| Half shaft | Delphi |
| Headlamps | SL America |
| Instrument cluster | Siemens |
| Mirrors — Exterior | Lowell Engineering |
| MyGIG™ Entertainment | Harmon Becker |
| Overhead system | JCI |
| Satellite radio service | SIRIUS® |
| Seat belts | Takata |
| Seats | JCI |
| Shock absorber | ZF Sachs (SRT8 — Bilstein) |
| Steering wheel | KS Centoco |
| Sun roof | Inalfa |
| Suspension module | Benteler |
| Taillamps | Shanghai Koito |
| Tires | Goodyear, Michelin, Continental |
| Wheels — Aluminum | Alcoa, Superior |
| Wheels — Steel | Meritor |
| Wiring | Yazaki |