The original Dodge Challenger was a late introduction to the United States pony car market, and was first launched in the 1970 model year, as a direct competitor of the Mercury Cougar, and derived from the Plymouth Barracuda, though it was two inches longer and had completely different lines. Following the recent trend of retro-muscle cars being re-imagined, the 2008 Dodge Challenger, which will be released later this year, joins Ford's redesigned Mustang and Chevy's upcoming 2009 Camaro as a modern muscle car.

The concept form of the 2008 Challenger debuted at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, and since then it's earned a fair share of buzz both online and in print media, garnering more than a few magazine covers along the way. Dodge is clearly hoping that this Challenger will give its performance image a boost.

Those in the know say that the production vehicle of the 2008 Dodge Challenger looks exactly like the concept car, inside and out. Dodge's website has a link to information about the auction of the very first Challenger, but the rest of us will have to purchase one. The starting MSRP, at your local new car dealer, ranges from $37,320 to $40,095.

read more