Production of Canadian-Built Dodge Challenger Begins

One of the most awaited vehicles of 2008 has finally hit the production line –

Dodge's Challenger SRT8. Since its introduction as a concept car at the North American International Auto Show in 2006, interest and demand for this classic-inspired modern day muscle car have been extremely strong. And those who put down their deposits for the 2008 Challenger SRT8 won't need to wait much longer, as the first production units rolled off the line at the Brampton Assembly Plant yesterday.

The Challenger has been fully integrated into the Brampton plant, which features flexible manufacturing enabling the new model to be built beside the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, its four-door relatives. The Challenger's production volume for 2008 model year has been set at around 7,000 total units for all markets, all of which were pre-ordered and sold.

But if you're interested in a Challenger and missed out on the first batch, worry not as 2009 model year Challengers will go into production in August and will be available starting in late summer, and there will be more choice in terms of models, features and pricing. Dodge is expanding the Challenger lineup to include SE and R/T models in addition to the performance-leading SRT8. The SE will be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 250 horsepower, while the R/T features the famed 5.7-liter HEMI V8 for a little extra go, and has the availability of a manual transmission.

Although pricing hasn't been announced for these other models, the retail price of the 2008 Challenger SRT8 was set at a very reasonable $40,095; that is with the exception of the first Challenger SRT8 that sold for $400,000 earlier this year at Barrett Jackson.