From Motor Authority – We’ve known for months now that Dodge would be dropping in a new 6.4-liter (392 cubic-inch) HEMI V-8 for the SRT8 range, but it just went official: the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 will get 470 horsepower, 470 pound-feet of torque, and a special Inaugural Edition limited to just 1,492 cars.

The bump in power–up 45 from last year’s 6.1-liter Challenger SRT8–will be welcome, but the bump in torque will be more noticeable, with another 90 pound-feet available from 2,900 rpm. All that grunt will make the Challenger SRT8 392 an even better tire-shredding machine, though suspension upgrades for 2011 will help it turn better, too.

SRT-tuned shocks and springs, more negative camber at all four corners, and an upgraded heavy-duty pump for the fully hydraulic steering make for what Dodge is calling a “more nimble and playfully ‘tossable’” Challenger. Lateral acceleration is now up to .93g, bearing out Dodge’s claims of increased grip at the least.

The first of the 2011 Challenger SRT8 392s built will be the 1,492 Inaugural Edition models. These cars will get a choice of two exterior colors (Deep Water Blue or Bright White Clear Coat) with a range of stripe options. Twenty-inch SRT wheels are standard, with polished faces and satin black painted pockets.

Unique 392 HEMI badges on each side lay claim to the big mill under the hood, and an updated front chin spoiler improves aerodynamics and cleans up the look. Inside, the Inaugural Editions are available with Smooth Pearl White leather upholstery with dual blue stripe accents and blue stitching. Serialized plaques will mark the number of the car in the limited run. The 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 will arrive at dealers by the end of the year.

The Dodge Challenger is another item we got right – whether it be the 1970′s muscle car or upcoming 2011 Challenger model. Oh, there’s one more thing…Freedom.

This ad first appeared during the World Cup – in an attempt to remind each resident of our globe that we beat the British, and if need be we could do it again; so long as there are a few Dodge Challengers around.

Thanks to my buddy Dave for pointing this one out!

Building on the already solid Challenger base, the series-numbered cars will come with red-anodized HARD-DRIVE pistol grip Hurst shifters, 20-inch one-piece forged aluminum Hurst wheels with polished lips and graphite gray spoke insets and red Hurst logo centers.

An Air-Speed rear deck spoiler, Hurst/Eibach suspension, and Hurst/Magnaflow exhaust are intended to make the most of the car’s looks and performance. Inside, the custom Hurst Challengers get black leather interior from Katzkin, plus red inserts, top-stitching and logos. A full complement of Hurst logos in the dash, grille, fender graphics and floor mats wraps up the package.

(source: Hurst via Motor Authority)

Well, it looks like someone is still interested in Dodge, and fortunately (or unfortunately depending on which side of the political fence you live on) it is the US Air Force. Galpin Auto Tuners along with the United States Air Force have come up with an interesting recruitment tool. No, it’s not a video game – it’s an actual automobile. The Dodge Challenger Vapor is half car, half space ship – and all horse power.

The Challenger Vapor features radar-absorbing stealth-black paint, not unlike what is used to mask stealth bombers. The Vapor is set to run almost silently, thanks to “stealth exhaust” – whatever that means. Reminds us of when KITT used to go “Silent Mode” on Knight Rider. You need biometric verification to enter the cockpit via gull wing doors. The driver can view night/thermal vision projections on the windshield while sitting in a compartment that looks like something out of Crimson Tide.

If the driver doesn’t feel like getting out of their bunker he or she can command Vapor from a remote control system (even through internet) modeled after the Air Force’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The car reportedly gets somewhere around 500 horse power – but it’s true specs and top speed are being kept a tighter secret then what’s inside Area 51.

A recent post in Edmund’s Car blog brings up a misconception about what Chrysler incentives will be able to get you before June 9th, the day Chrysler dealers must stop selling cars. Many believe now is the time to get yourself a cheap Dodge, Chrysler or Jeep vehicle – and you’d be right…sort of.

If you walk into a Dodge dealer and check out a Caliber or Dakota pickup truck, chances are you’ll be able to purchase one for somewhere around 50% off MSRP. You see, Chrysler isn’t buy the cars back once their dealerships close, and selling the vehicles to other CDJ lots may be iffy, also dumping the cars off at auctions runs the chance that no one will make a profit. But you won’t be driving off in a brand new 2009 Challenger R/T at 50% off. Cars like the new Challenger are still a big draw, and can attract buyers willing to spend $10,000 under MSRP – even if that keeps the final costs to around $25K. A 50% profit loss on an American Muscle Car is not something any dealer, living or dead, will settle for. It will be interesting to see what Chrysler dealers decide to do with their overstocked and unable to be sold inventory after the first week of June.

So, would you like to have a Hennessey-enhanced Challenger? Sure, who wouldn’t?! A complete Challenger SRT600 package; including engine, suspension, brake upgrades and embroidered floor mats, is $74,950. The driver has to supply a car themselves. You can also go for the engine-only upgrade for $29,500.

From the official Press Release:

In early testing a Hennessey Challenger HPE600 Turbo recorded a quarter mile time of 11.9-seconds @ 121 mph on optional Nitto Drag Radial tires with a conservative launch. In addition, the HPE600 also spent time on the Carolina Motorsports Park road course where HPE’s suspension upgrades (including KW adjustable coil-over shocks/springs, larger anti-roll bars, and unique bushings) were track tuned. With the significant increase in power and handling, HPE also has available for the Challenger a set of vehicle specific StopTech brakes replete with lightweight rotors.

“Pricing for the SMS 570 Challenger is expected to begin in the mid- to high-$50,000 range, company spokesman Axel Catton said.” from AutoWeek.com

There are already many (and we mean many) pre-orders for the new Dodge Challenger. Those are cute and all, but how about a SMS 570TM Challenger or SMS 570XTM Challenger – meaning you could own a street legal SMS Supercharged 5.7L Hemi Challenger with 500 to over 700 horsepower!

Take a look at the press release below from Saleen, and be amazed how they stray from their Ford production history over to Dodge:

Steve Saleen and his new company SMS are pleased to introduce the first product in his line of Signature Series ultra-high performance vehicles, the SMS 570TM Challenger and SMS 570XTM Challenger.

As a professional racecar driver and innovative businessman, Mr. Saleen is well known as the founder of a number of Steve Saleen brands including Saleen Autosport, Saleen Productions, Saleen Speedlab, Saleen Performance, Saleen, Inc. and now SMS. In the years of building the many brands, Mr. Saleen oversaw and participated in every aspect of the business, in product development, sales and marketing. Mr. Saleen’s latest endeavor will focus on the expansion into the high-end of the diverse American Muscle Car markets.

The fully certified and street legal SMS 570TM Challenger and SMS 570XTM Challenger will be based on the all-new and exciting 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T platform and will feature a SMS Supercharged 5.7L Hemi with respective power ratings from 500 to over 700 horsepower! Both models are fully equipped with a compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components including: drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior…

…Each of these limited edition vehicles will be personally signed by Steve Saleen as part of the SMS Signature Series product line complete with unique badges and graphics. Production numbers will be limited per year depending on the model, and the opportunity to be one of the few owners is limited to a first-come, first-served basis, so prospective customers need to act now as production is commencing in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Dodge’s Challenger first appeared on dealer lots in 1970, in response to the popularity of such models at the Mercury Cougar, Ford Mustang and Plymouth Barracuda. Many of the exterior elements were based off concepts from the 1966 Dodge Charger. Under the hood, it was a different story – at the time, one could take home an R/T edition (meaning Road and Track) with a Magnum V8 and 335 horsepower – maybe a bit too much for a trip to the grocery store, but in a pre-inflation world (where gas wasn’t engulfing the majority of your paycheck) it was great to plow down your town’s main boulevard on a Saturday night.

1970 Dodge Challenger 

1974 Dodge Challenger

In 1971 the cult-classic Vanishing Point showcased a dazzling array of car stunts, a breathtaking soundtrack and enough engine revs to make any motor-head’s …well… head spin. Both movie and automobile star became ingrained in American pop-culture.

“Lucy” 

Today, car makers are focusing their designs on both new age materials, safety and the ideas of yesterday’s classic automobile. If Dodge’s 2009 Challenger becomes successful, it will most likely be one of the early contenders in a race to create (or re-create) the best new “classic” muscle car.

Unverified reports from a “Chrysler executive” may come as a happy surprise to neo-nostalgic car lovers – A 2009 Dodge Challenger could be yours for as little as $23,995 base price. You won’t get the SRT8 model, just your basic V-6 (or possibly V-8? Perhaps that’s wishful thinking) for little more than a base V-6 Ford Mustang. You can still shell out approx $40,000 for your more powerful SRT edition – but if you’re looking to cruise in style without breaking the bank hope that Chrysler’s prediction comes true. Keep in mind, an official price for a base V-6 Challenger has yet to be released.

Chrysler’s ‘Deep-throat’ was not available for comment