Karl on Cars - 2008 Dodge Charger R/T: A Worthy Challenger?

2008 Dodge Charger R/T: A Worthy Challenger?

A refresher course in the Chrysler LX platform has me somewhat concerned about the 2008 Dodge Challenger. I just drove a 2008 Dodge Charger R/T (which is basically the same car wtih a bit longer wheelbase and two more doors) and I'm reminded of a couple LX trademarks.

First -- they're BIG! This wasn't a bad trademark when the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum debuted in 2005, because both of those cars should have been big. One was a luxury nameplate that promised plenty of rear-seat space, and the other was a station wagon that combined sleek styling with functional people/cargo hauling. Back then the 300/Magnum offered some of the largest interior volume available for under $30,000. (Since that time mainstream sedans like the Accord and Malibu have grown, thus reducing this advantage for the the LX cars).

Second -- they're HEAVY! Curb weight on the lightest, V6 powered 300 starts at 3,725-lbs and goes up quickly from there (the SRT-8 version weighs almost 4,200-lbs). Poundage on this 2008 Charger R/T with rear-wheel drive is right at 4,000-lbs. We haven't seen final specs on the 2008 Challenger SRT-8, but logic suggests that version will weigh at least two-tons. That compares to 3,400 pounds for a V8 Mustang.

Again, these size/weight issues aren't as big of an issue on a sedan like the Dodge Charger -- once you get past the fact that Dodge Chargers aren't supposed to be sedans. The performance and handling still impress, but there again the market has moved forward and this car is starting to feel a bit "floaty" in terms of suspension tuning and steering response. The new, larger Accord still has that Germanic demeanor, despite its much-larger size, putting direct pressure on my dynamic expections for large sedans. The SRT-8 versions of the Charger/300 are still quite impressive in terms of size/space versus handling/performance, so it's likely the SRT-8 versions of the Challenger will be just as good.

Bottom line, this is an aging platform that works for sedans and station wagons (damn shame everyone wants a crossover and Chrysler had to kill the Magnum). Seat comfort is solid, the rear-seat entertainment system (including satellite TV) gives this sedan minivan-like amenities and the styling still works for me.

How this all translates to the Challenger remains to be seen. If nothing else, the original Challenger was a "boat" compared to the Mustang (though by '71 the Mustang was pretty "boaty" too), so this one being a comparable boat only maintains the Challenger's heritage.

Posted by Karl Jan 31, 2008 7:00 am

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Categories: Dodge

Comments

rayainsw - Jan 31, 2008 7:11 am (#1 Total: 10)

Duluth GA United States of America

And you will be conducting a comparison test with the new G8 GT \ V8 that you have now in your Long Term Fleet.
Soon.
Right?
The R/T appears to be the closest Domestic competition to the G8...
- Ray
Thinking the G8 would "win", but who knows. . .

miniharryc - Jan 31, 2008 7:51 am (#2 Total: 10)

Sadly, I think these cars (in V8 trim, at least) may be non-starters in the current price-/mpg-conscious environment.

Two years too late to the party.

1487 - Jan 31, 2008 9:20 am (#3 Total: 10)

Philadelphia PA United States of America

I would expect the Challenger to be at least 300lbs lighter. It has a shorter wheelbase and overall length than the Charger. I have a hard time believing the Accord is more sporty and balanced than a RWD Charger R/T. Even known Accord worhsippers C&D said the steering isnt as communicative as it used to be. And in spite of the fact than the Accord BARELY makes it as an EPA large car lets not act like its anywhere close to the size of the Charger or any other real large car. It's shorter and weighs hundreds of lbs less than the Charger and that has to affect how it feels vs the Dodge. Honda hasnt come up with a magic formula to make a "large" car feel small. They have a car thats slightly larger and heavier than the old car but is not all that different.

iskch - Jan 31, 2008 12:31 pm (#4 Total: 10)

Karl, I don't see a comparation in between Honda's Accord vs. Dodge R/T. The Dodge R/T will smoke the Honda in a hard beat. But if you put the regular Dodge V6 vs. Honda's Accord the tables will turn to honda's favor. I heard the same thing about the floaty ride on the basic Dodge Charger where you turn hard on the corners you can stick your hand out of the window and reach for the pebbles on the road (just kidding!).

The new Pontiac G8 will create a new competition with the Dodge Charger and we woud like to see a comparation.

editor_karl - Jan 31, 2008 1:20 pm (#5 Total: 10)

L.A. CA United States of America

I don't really consider the Accord and Charger competitors. My reference above was just trying to point out that the jump in interior space from Accord/Malibu to 300/Charger isn't as large as it was when the LX platform debuted in 2005. Nothing more, nothing less.

I agree the G8 will add an interesting twist to this sedan segment (as will the Challenger/Camaro to the Mustang/coupe segment).

savetheland - Jan 31, 2008 6:20 pm (#6 Total: 10)

CA United States of America

Accord is substantially larger than Malibu. It is similar in size to older Taurus even though still smaller than new one - like humans - every car grows eventially :) According to what I am reading in the press (e.g. MT or CD) and on the Internet – Malibu is handling better than Accord. Germanic or not, reviews describe Accord as being heavier, floaty and less sporty than Malibu or Altima, and can suspect than Fusion/Milan too. I did not drive new Accord so have no opinion on that. Therefore I can conclude the purpose of latest Accord redesign was to make it Camry killer. I consider new Accord as Honda’s version of Camry, while Civic is what Accord used to be in the past. I agree though that 300/Charger is too heavy to compete with Mustang. But I also do not consider handling of ordinary Mustang so great to call it sports car. It may compare to Altima coupe but not to Z.

firstwagon - Jan 31, 2008 8:08 pm (#7 Total: 10)

I don't think weight will be an issue. Muscle cars were never light and that what the Challenger is.

blackadder5639 - Jan 31, 2008 9:26 pm (#8 Total: 10)

Savetheland, Edmunds' professional and consumer tests both say that the Accord handles better than the Malibu. With the consumer tests, most of those who preferred the Malibu still said the Accord handled better.
I have the latest C&D magazine. They did compare 7 major 4-cyl midsized cars. The Accord and Altima were rated as handling better than the Malibu and Fusion.
I test-drove the '08 Accord and liked it very much. I am waiting to see how the '09 Mazda 6 will fare against it.

theronrohr - Jan 31, 2008 10:10 pm (#9 Total: 10)

LA CA United States of America

I remember reading a couple times that the v6 Chargers handle better than the v8 on account of their lower weight up front. I have a v6 but didn't compare the v8 back to back when I was shopping. Unfortunately the press almost always get the Hemi... :(

bbechtel16 - Feb 1, 2008 10:13 am (#10 Total: 10)

I've always been a fan of the Magnum and then later the Charger more so. If I had a family and needed a family brute that could pull a light trailer, it would be high on the list depending on the other vehicles in the stable. They have the drivetrain to handle something like that w/o having to worry about rolling the suckers when charging (ha ha) a twisty two lane. I've fallen more recently for the Charger over the Magnum solely on its good looks. Obviously the Magnum is more practical though.