Designed and engineered by Dodge’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) performance division, the Challenger SRT8 represented a modern interpretation of a classic icon. The Pick of the Day is a 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in South Bend, Indiana.
“Over 700 horsepower on tap, courtesy of a Kenne Bell mammoth 2.8-liter supercharger,” the listing says. “Reliable power and very drivable car on the streets!”
The Challenger name has been used off and on in the Chrysler world since 1959, but the original Challenger that many enthusiasts recall first made waves in the marketplace in the fall of 1969 for the 1970 model year. That car took a calculated swing at the popular Ford Mustang, but it was touted for its unique engineering: “It borrowed from no one – completely new from the wide stance up. This pony has a mean streak,” ads said.
A second iteration of the Challenger was sold from 1978 through 1983 as a rebadged version (or “captive import”) of the Mitsubishi Galant. And finally, in late 2005, Dodge unveiled spy photos of what would later become the newest Challenger – launching in production form for 2008. The newest Challenger carried the spirit (and the styling) of the old, and the SRT8 variant ranked at the high end of the model lineup. It was known for its HEMI 6.1-liter V8 that was rated from the factory at 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. For some enthusiasts, though, 425 horsepower just wouldn’t cut it.
This HEMI Orange Pearl SRT8 gives us a glimpse of what can happen when the right modifications are added to an already capable platform. Aside from the supercharger, the car has also been modified with a BC Racing coilover suspension, an upgraded Bluetooth-enabled sound system, a front strut tower brace, and a traction control kill switch.
Worth calling out is that while model year 2009 marked the first availability for a TREMEC six-speed manual transmission, this car is equipped with the five-speed automatic. It is described by the seller as being fully loaded, although it does not have a sunroof. Finally, despite being 16 years old, the car has only 44,500 miles on the odometer.
“Fantastic driving SRT8 that can rip up the streets, handles very well, and puts down the power predictably,” the listing concludes. This SRT8 is an eye-catching, modern muscle car that is bound to deliver plenty of grins per mile to whoever gets behind the wheel.
The asking price is $34,900.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
