Poll: Which Sports Car Would You Buy for Around $25,000?

Let us just start off by saying that if you live in the States, you should feel fortunate that you can acquire a fairly rewarding and fun to drive sports car for $25,000 (approx. €19,300) or even less if you don't care much about all the bells and whistles of modern automobiles. If you are wondering why, head over to this post.

Now, with the recent arrival of the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ twins as well as a pricing announcement for the 2013 Ford Focus ST, which goes on sale later this year, buyers searching to buy a sports car for around $25k will have plenty of options to choose from.

The automotive menu at this price point includes front-wheel drive sport hatchbacks such as the MazdaSpeed 3 and VW Golf GTI, rear-wheel drive coupes like the Hyundai Genesis 2.0 Turbo and Chevy Camaro V6 and the Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster.

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2009 Dodge Challenger SE 250Hp V6 Priced at Low $20,000s

Earlier today we gave you the first official pictures and details on the new V6-powered Challenger SE and the V8-powered Challenger R/T models that where unveiled at the NY Show today. During the presentation that followed, Chrysler LLC Vice Chairman and President, Jim Press revealed that the prices for Dodge’s retro-penned muscle car will start in the low $20,000’s.

“If you’re looking for a car priced in the low-20s that is both cool and affordable, our new Dodge Challenger SE is it,” Press said. “The new Dodge Challenger SE has many cool features such as the MyGIG infotainment system with available navigation, a built-in iPod interface, an available 276 watt Boston Acoustics sound system and UConnect with Bluetooth capability and voice recognition in English, French or Spanish,” Press continued.

“And the SE has a 250 horsepower, 3.5L V-6 , leaving the competitor’s base 210 horsepower in the dust. But the best news is outstanding mileage. Our highway target of 25 MPG makes the Challenger SE an economy car as well. So I gotta ask, why would anyone in the market for a car in the low-20s settle for anything else, when they could have all this,” he said. –More live pics from the NY Show after the jump

Dodge Presents Challenger V8 R/T & V6 SE Models in New York

For those of you who loved the Challenger SRT8 but would like to spend less than $40k to obtain one, Dodge has unveiled the R/T and SE versions of its new muscle car. The R/T model promises to offer equivalent doses of fun with the 425 6.0L V8 SRT8 as it’s powered by Chrysler’s 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that delivers a hefty 375 Hp and 404 lb.-ft. of torque (548 Nm) when it runs on premium fuel.

Aside from the 5-speed automatic transmission, Dodge also offers a six-speed manual transmission for the R/T - the first for a new-generation HEMI-powered car. According to the American carmaker, the R/T can go from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds.

As for the entry-level Challenger SE, it is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine matted to a four-speed automatic transmission -yes, 4-speed autos still exist in the States... The V6 unit produces 250 Hp and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (339 Nm). Both versions of the Challenger are set to arrive in Dodge dealerships this fall. –Continued after the jump

Press Release: Introducing the All-New 2009 Dodge Challenger

35 Years Later, Dodge Redefines Modern American Muscle

• Re-creation of vintage American muscle car blends nostalgic flair with modern engineering and technology
• First five-passenger, two-door coupe produced from proven Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger platform
• First modern-day, HEMI®-powered car offered with precision-shift six-speed manual transmission
• New-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 delivers increased fuel economy (an estimated 5 percent) with more horsepower (30 hp) and improved torque (8 lb.-ft.)
• 5.7-liter HEMI goes from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds
• SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine goes from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds
• Best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room provides spacious back seat for up to three adults
• Best-in-class trunk space (16.2 cu. ft.) equal to the Dodge Charger
• New "EZ" entry with high-mounted seat-back lever for easy, one-handed operation; enables second-row passengers to enter and exit with ease
• More than 25 safety and security features including supplemental side-curtain air bags, advanced multi-stage air bags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and anti-lock brakes
• Equipped with cutting-edge technology including MyGIG™ radio/navigation, UConnect® Hands-free Communication System, Keyless Go push-button start and Remote Start
• To ensure quality, Dodge Challenger engineers logged nearly 3.2 million customer-equivalent miles in the development process
• All-new 2009 Dodge Challenger to arrive this fall

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics - unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines, and technology - designed to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations.

"Our all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger is a modern-day muscle machine representing the best from the past and present," said Mike Accavitti, Director, Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. "Thirty-five years following the debut of the original, we are bringing Dodge Challenger back and loading it with essential hardware, styling and technology desired by today's buyer."

The Dodge Challenger is the first five-passenger, two-door coupe produced from Chrysler's proven rear-wheel-drive platform that delivers the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. Developed with Dodge's credo of "bold, powerful and capable," the Challenger delivers a modern two-door muscle car.

Three models will be offered in North America: Dodge Challenger SRT8®, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SE.

Essential Hardware

The Dodge Challenger R/T features the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission that produces an estimated 370 horsepower (276 kW) and 398 lb.-ft. of torque (540 N•m). For 2009, the HEMI engine is upgraded to get an estimated five percent improvement in fuel economy as well as an increase of 30 horsepower (9 percent) and 8 lb.-ft. improved torque (2 percent) over a greater range of engine speeds. The Dodge Challenger R/T also offers a precision-shift six-speed manual transmission - the first for a new-generation HEMI-powered car - that produces 375 horsepower (280 kW) and 404 lb.-ft. of torque (548 N•m) when running on premium fuel. The Dodge Challenger R/T can go from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features an SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine mated with a new-for-2009 six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick that generates a blistering 425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. of torque (569 N•m). The vehicle can go from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds.

The Dodge Challenger SE powered by the 3.5-liter High Output V-6 with a four-speed automatic transmission produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (339 N•m).

Patterned off the Dodge Charger architecture, the front suspension and five-link independent rear suspension system on all Dodge Challenger models provide excellent ride and handling characteristics.

Essential Styling

The Dodge Challenger design team stayed true to the concept revealed at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, while drawing upon elements from the original Challenger. The result: a bold, aggressive muscle machine that blends nostalgia with modern Dodge style.

"Our designers wanted to capture the mind's-eye view of what people today remember about the Dodge Challenger from 35 years ago," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler LLC. "Their challenge was to excite today's customer by capturing the emotion of the original Challenger, while offering today's comfort and performance."

On the exterior, the long, raised performance hood with scoops and recessed grille with round dual headlamps are reminiscent of the original Dodge Challenger. The bold A-line, or character line, that runs from stem to stern gives the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger an instantly recognizable muscle car profile. Retro dual rectangular exhaust outlets complete the look from the rear.

On the interior, the trapezoidal theme of the door-panel cove and gauge cluster, dark headliner and slanted shifter console are inspired by the original Dodge Challenger. The modern interpretation of the Dodge Challenger offers exceptional rear seating for a two-door coupe, achieving best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room compared to the competition. Coupled with best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.) - equal to the Dodge Charger - the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger offers added comfort and functionality.

Essential Technology

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger offers customers a full range of innovative technologies including:

• MyGIG™ provides a cutting-edge multimedia audio and entertainment system, with built-in navigation
• UConnect® Hands-free Communication System provides convenient, voice-activated communication with Bluetooth® cellular phones
• SIRIUS® Digital Satellite Radio offers a variety of commercial-free radio programs and music for enhanced listening enjoyment
• Keyless Go allows the driver to start the vehicle with the simple push of a button
• Remote Start starts a secured vehicle with the key fob
• More than 25 Safety and Security Features

Dodge Challenger offers more than 25 safety and security features including:

• Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags extend protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers
• Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) modulate the brakes for the driver to provide steering control while braking
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) applies selective braking or throttle reduction to control oversteer and understeer
• Brake Assist ensures maximum braking action during panic stops
• Traction Control reduces the throttle and/or applies selective braking to optimize traction during acceleration
• Hill Start Assist (HSA) for Manual Transmission application assists the driver in launching the vehicle on an incline
• Automatic Headlamps turn headlamps on at dusk and off in the daylight without driver intervention
• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) alerts driver about low tire pressure(s) in order to facilitate safe handling

2009 Dodge Challenger Production

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger will be built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. It will be built on the same assembly line as the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.

Nardelli Gives Sneak Peek at Production Dodge Challenger SRT8

Here’s the good news; Chrysler LLC’s Chairman and Chief Executive Bob Nardelli showed a quick montage of beauty shots featuring the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 production version during a speech to the Automotive News World Congress on Tuesday night (Jan. 22, 2008). The bad news is that this is the only shot we have. If any of you guys or gals happened to be there and you managed to take a pic or a video from the presentation, don’t hesitate to send an e-mail here.

eBay: No.43 2008 Dodge Challenger up for Auction

Following the sale of the No. 1 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 for $400,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction on Jan. 19, Chrysler LLC announced today that it will proceed to the auction of the 43rd 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 on eBay beginning Feb. 12, 2008. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the “Victory Junction Gang Camp”, a year-round camp that serves children, ages 7 to 15, with a variety of health issues.

In order to draw more attention on the auction, the No. 43 Challenger will be the only 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 to be painted B5 Blue, while the lucky buyer will also receive two VIP passes to the Dodge Challenger 500, May 2008, complete with airfare and lodging, a meet-and-greet session with Kyle Petty and an inclusion of a Dodge Motorsports prize pack with vehicle delivery.

Link: eBay

2009 Dodge Challenger Snapped On The Road

In less than a month’s time, Dodge will lift the covers off the road-going Challenger coupe at the Chicago Auto Show (February 8 to 17). Until then, we’ll have to be content with pictures like the one that Autoblog.com’s reader Ray O’Connor managed to take from his car on his way to work in the Detroit area. Form what we could make from the photo, the specific car features different taillamp and bumper design compared to the prototype while it also gets a rear spoiler.

Via: Autoblog.com , Pic: Ray O’Connor

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8: First Production Shots Released

Dodge has released the first official teaser photos of the production Challenger SRT8, just three days after dealers began accepting orders for the limited edition version on Monday Dec. 3. As anticipated, petrolheads went crazy as more than 4,300 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vehicles were ordered by customers the first day. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the SRT8 is $37,995, including a $675 destination fee. The limited edition version is powered by a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, and features a numbered dash plaque, plus dual “carbon-fiber” hood stripes that harken back to the original Dodge Challenger. -Continued after the jump

Although the production version of the Challenger will makes its public debut at the Chicago Auto Show next February, we suspect that Dodge will give use more photos of the car during the next few weeks. And if not, don’t worry, we’re more than sure that some kind Samarian will crack the dam…

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Priced At $37,995 – Orders Start On December 3

In a few days and specifically on Monday, December 2007, Dodge dealers will start taking orders for the limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 models. Featuring a numbered dash plaque and a 6.1-liter HEMI V8 engine, the 2008 Challenger SRT8 models will be available in Black, Silver and HEMI Orange. Additionally, the first run Challenger SRT8 will also get dual “carbon-fiber” hood stripes.

According to Dodge, the 2008 Challenger SRT8 will arrive in showrooms next spring with an MSRP of $37,995 that includes $675 destination. Pricing and details for the complete Challenger lineup will be announced at a later date. -Press release after the jump

Press Release

Dodge Announces Pricing for All-new 2008 Challenger SRT8

Dodge Challenger SRT8 available for $37,995

• The American muscle coupe is back, packed with modern technology and innovation
• Demand for contemporary version of iconic pony car drives Dodge to accept orders for the 2008 Challenger SRT8® beginning Dec. 3, 2007
• Introduction begins with limited-edition Dodge Challenger SRT8 models – each with numbered dash plaque
• Complete, broader Challenger lineup details and pricing still to come
• 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 models feature 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 and are available in Black, Silver or HEMI Orange

Auburn Hills, Mich., Nov 29, 2007 - Dodge announced pricing today for the modern interpretation of the American muscle coupe. The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8® will arrive in showrooms next spring at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $37,995 (which includes $675 destination).

Due to unprecedented demand, Dodge dealers will begin taking orders on Dec. 3 for the limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 models. Each will feature a numbered dash plaque and a 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 engine. 2008 Challenger SRT8 models will be available in Black, Silver and HEMI Orange. All will feature dual “carbon-fiber” hood stripes, harkening back to the original Dodge Challenger.

“The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers pure American pony-car muscle,” said James Press, Vice Chairman & President – Chrysler LLC. “With styling that stays true to Challenger’s original heritage, an abundance of modern amenities and cutting-edge technology, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will deliver the SRT credo of benchmark performance at a tremendous value.

“The Challenger SRT8 is only the beginning of the story, as we’ll soon follow with a complete lineup of Challenger models that will offer a wide array of features and deliver outstanding value for our customers,” Press added.

Customers may begin placing orders at their Dodge dealer on Monday, Dec. 3. They can expect to take delivery of their vehicle next spring.

The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will be built at the Chrysler Canada Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario, on the same assembly line with the Dodge Charger, Charger SRT8, Magnum, Magnum SRT8, Chrysler 300 and Chrysler 300 SRT8 vehicles.

Pricing for the complete all-new Dodge Challenger lineup will be announced at a later date.

SRT performance vehicles – including the Dodge Viper SRT10, Dodge Caliber SRT4, Dodge Magnum SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, Chrysler 300C SRT8, Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8, and now, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 – are engineered by Chrysler’s in-house performance organization: Street and Racing Technology.

The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 showcases the renowned, five key aspects of every SRT vehicle: exterior styling that resonates with the brand image; race-inspired interiors; world-class ride and handling characteristics across a broad range; benchmark braking; and standout powertrain. The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will unquestionably deliver in all five areas.

Via: Motorpasion , Source: Dodge

HXC Cuda: Customized 2009 Dodge Challenger

Since we’re all about tuning today, one of our readers, “Chris P” from New York, rightfully thought that a customized version of the 2009 Dodge Challenger would sound interesting to our viewers. True, the Dodge Challenger hasn’t been officially presented in production form yet (sales start in Summer 2008), but HXC Performance wants to get a head start by opening a preliminary ordering list.

The tuning house will offer the customized Dodge Challenger which they call HXC Cuda, in four available colours (orange, green, purple and red) combined with painted billboards. The standard HXC Cuda will also feature 20-in. black alloy wheels, a shaker hood, coilover suspension, Brembo brakes, revised grill and fender inserts. According to HXC, the basic Cuda with the stock 5.7-litre Hemi V8 will cost under $50,000 (€35,000). -Continued after the jump

Additionally, HXC will offer a serious of upgrades including 20-in. alloy rims, Sparco bucket seats a high-end audio system and a supercharger kit.

Thanks for the tip Chris P!

Press Release - HXC Cuda List / Ordering Information

HXC Performance is now taking names for potential buyers of the 2009 HXC Cuda.

If you are interested in being on the preliminary list for the HXC Cuda, please email your contact information to sales@hxcperformance.com

-Name (First name, Last initial)
-City/State
-Email (contact/updates)

Because of the limited volume of 2008/9 Challengers expected to be built, HXC Performance is taking a new approach to having customers order cars. Like other specialty builders such as Saleen and Roush, the HXC Cuda will still be available for sale in select Dodge Dealerships, but to make it easier for buyers, the HXC Cuda will also be available to order through the HXC Performance Website.

How It Works;
After building and submitting your HXC Cuda online, your Name will be added to the HXC Cuda Build List and your Challenger will be ordered when one of our HXC Authorized Dodge Dealers has a Challenger Allocation available.

By taking this approach to ordering your car, we take out the hassle of dealing with local Dodge Dealers and hunting down a Challenger allocation. We want our customers to be able to order the exact car they want, and do so with the knowledge that their Challenger will be ordered as quickly as possible, and their HXC Cuda will be built to their specs.

The Process;
Once an Order has been submitted on the HXC Performance Website, our list of HXC Authorized Dodge Dealers are notified. Any one of our HXC Dodge Dealers can then "Grab" that order if they have a Challenger allocation available.

After HXC Performance has verified a Challenger is on order with that Dodge Dealership, we then notify the buyer and inform them that their vehicle is in the Dodge order system. The Challenger is then delivered to HXC Performance and your HXC Cuda gets built.

With over 1,500 potential HXC Authorized Dodge Dealers in the U.S., there is unlimited potential of Challenger Allocations to fill HXC Cuda Orders.

Link: hxcperformance