Challenger Production Numbers and Development Timeline

[Series 5]

Dodge Challenger Production Totals 2008-2012

2008.75 Model Year
7,209 - SRT8
7,209 Total for 2008

2009 Model Year
8,625 - Base
16,395 - R/T
9,834 - SRT8
34,854 Total for 2009

2010 Model Year
24,789 - Base
22,877 - R/T
10,156 - SRT8
57,822 Total for 2010

2011 Model Year
12,562 - Base
8,552 - R/T
5,265 - SRT8
26,379 Total for 2011

2012 Model Year (as of 11/11/2011)
6,659 - Base
4,481 - R/T
2,476 - SRT8
13,616 Total for 2012
---------------------------------
Grand Totals for all model years
52,635 - Base
52,305 - R/T
34,940 - SRT8

TOTAL: 139,880
---------------------------------


*** See next post for Modern Challenger Additional Production Information ***

[Series 5]

Additional Production Information

2008 Model Year

A. Models:
USA and Canada - SRT8 5-speed auto
6,400 numbered editions (USA and Mexico)
693 (Canada)
116 (Pilot/Test/Corporate models)
7,209

B. Special Models:
One-only B5 Blue model, number 0043, auctioned for charity (February 2008)

C. Production Information:
First pilot model built: October 23, 2007
Order banks opened: December 3, 2007
Start of Production: April 2008
End of Production: July 11, 2008

D. Key Changes:
All-new

E. Exterior Colors:
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat (31%)
Hemi Orange Pearl Coat (59%)
Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat (10%)

--------------------------------------

2009 Model Year

A. Models:
SE, R/T, SRT8

B. Special Models:
B-5 Blue (R/T Classic, SRT8; April 2009)

C. Production Information:
Order banks opened: June 2008
Start of Production: July 28, 2008
End of Production: August 10, 2009

D. Key Changes:
Introduction of base V6 model and 5.7L R/T models
Introduction of 6-speed 6060 Tremec option on R/T and SRT models
5-speed auto trans replaces 4-speed on SE and SXT (starting April 14, 2009)

E. Exterior Colors:B-5 Blue (except SE)
Bright Silver
Brilliant Black
Dark Titanium (except SRT)
Deep Water Blue (except SRT)
Hemi Orange (except SE)
Inferno Red (except SRT)
Stone White (except SRT)
Torred

--------------------------------------

2010 Model Year

A. Models:
SE, R/T, SRT8

B. Special Models:
Detonator Yellow (R/T, SRT8; November 2009)
Plum Crazy (R/T, SRT8; November 2009)
R/T Classic (R/T; November 2009)
Furious Fuchsia (R/T, SRT8; August 2010; 400 FF numbered SRT)
Mopar '10 Special Edition (R/T; August 2010, 500 USA + 100 Canada)

C. Production Information:
Start of Production: August 17, 2009
End of Production: October 29, 2010

D. Key Changes:
Super Track Pak option for R/T (December 2009)

E. Exterior Colors:
B-5 Blue (except SE; ordering closed Sept. 2, 2009)
Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Brilliant Black
Dark Titanium (except SRT)
Deep Water Blue (except SRT)
Detonator Yellow (except SE)
Furious Fuchsia (except SE)
Hemi Orange (except SE)
Inferno Red (except SRT)
Plum Crazy (except SE)
Stone White (except SRT)
Torred

--------------------------------------

2011 Model Year

A. Models:
USA: SE, SE Rallye, R/T and SRT8
Canada: SXT, SXT Plus, R/T and SRT8

B. Special Models:
SRT 392 Inaugural Edition
Green with Envy (R/T, SRT8, April 2011)

C. Production Information:
Order banks opened: September 16, 2010
SRT 392 World Debut: Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010. SEMA Show, Las Vegas
Start of Production: December 6, 2010 (delayed from November 30)
End of Production: July 26, 2011

D. Key Changes:
Introduction of all-new 392 Hemi
Introduction of all-new Pentastar V6
Touring‐tuned suspension (V6 models)
Second‐generation rear‐wheel‐drive architecture
Significant handling enhancements
Interior enhancements (minor)


E. Exterior Colors:
Billet Metallic (except R/T Classic; December 2010)
Blackberry Pearl (except SRT)
Black Clear Coat
Brilliant Black
Bright White
Deep Water Blue (except SE, R/T)
Green With Envy (except SE; April 2011)
Toxic Orange
Tungsten Metallic (except SRT)
Redline 3 Pearl (New Tri-Coat paint)

--------------------------------------

2012 Model Year

A. Models:
USA and Canada: SXT, SXT Plus, R/T and SRT8

B. Special Models:
Yellow Jacket Edition (January 2012)
Rallye Redline Edition (March 2012)

C. Production Information:
Order banks opened: June 7, 2011
Start of Production: July 27, 2011
End of Production: July 2012

D. Key Changes:
Active Damping Suspension, two mode (SRT)
Heated steering wheel (SRT)
Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters
900-watt 18-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
Ready Alert braking
Rain Brake Support

E. Exterior Colors:
Blackberry Pearl Coat (except SRT)
Black Clear Coat
Blue Streak Pearl Coat (January 30, 2012 production start)
Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Bright White Clear Coat
Header Orange Clear Coat (August 22 production start, short production run)
Midnight Blue Pearl Clear Coat
Redline 3 Pearl Coat ($500)
Stinger Yellow (SRT only)
Tungsten Metallic Clear Coat

--------------------------------------

2013 Model Year

A. Models:
USA and Canada: SXT, SXT Plus, R/T and SRT8

B. Special Models:

C. Production Information:
Order banks open: June, 2012
Start of Production: July 2012
End of Production:

D. Key Changes:
Introduction of 8-speed auto transmission

E. Exterior Colors:

--------------------------------------

*** See next post for Modern Challenger Historic Timeline ***

[Series 5]

Did you ever wonder how the Challenger came to be? This post will tell you all about it, all the way up to the 2009 production release. Enjoy

Challenger Development Timeline

2004
January - Planning and design begins for the 2006 concept Challenger.

2005
Feb 1 - Chrysler gives the go-ahead to build a full-size running concept and gives the designers four months to complete the clay model and deliver it to Metalcrafters, a California company that builds Chrysler's concept vehicles. The finished concept, its body made of carbon fiber, had to be ready in time for the world debut at NAIAS 6 months later.

April - Final exterior design sketches are completed.

April - Interior design work begins on the concept Challenger.

June - Complete clay model and design specifications are turned over to Metalcrafters.

Nov 1 - Dodge debuts the 392 Hemi crate engine in an original 1970 Dodge Challenger at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. Inside information gathered at the show strongly hints that a production version of the 392 will debut in a future Challenger model.

Nov 3 - Metalcrafters of California completes the main assembly of the 4,160 lb. Challenger concept model and begins the final prep for its world debut at NAIAS in January.

Nov 20 - First spy photos of the Challenger concept appear on the internet. The two unauthorized and undisguised photos were taken of the Challenger while it was being prepped for an outdoor photo shoot.

Nov 21 - Dodge formally announces the 2006 Dodge Challenger Concept Vehicle and releases a color drawing of the vehicle. The press release states that "The 2006 Dodge Challenger concept resurrects another authentic American muscle car for the Dodge brand and continues to build on the success and heritage of the HEMI engine."

Nov 26 - Kevin Verduyn, head of Chrysler's U.S. design operations, states publicly that Chrysler currently has no plans to produce the Challenger.

Dec 20 - More spy photos of the Challenger concept appear on the internet.

Dec 22 - A MPH magazine cover photo leaked on the internet reveals the clearest photo to date of the Challenger concept. The cover was an advance mock-up of the February, 2006 issue.

Dec 27 - Car and Driver & Road and Track magazines start to arrive in subscribers' mailboxes, with new photos as well as preliminary specifications of the Challenger concept.

2006
Jan 8 - World debut of the 2006 Challenger concept at the Detroit Auto Show.

May 22 - The Challenger concept appears in public, driven to two car enthusiasts gatherings in Huntington Beach, Ca. and Newport Beach, Ca.

July 1 - Unprecedented public response to the Dodge Challenger concept results in Chrysler announcing that after nearly 35 years, the Dodge Challenger will return as the ultimate modern American muscle coupe. Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda officially announces that the Dodge Challenger is a 'Go' and that the all-new Dodge Challenger would debut as a 2008 model in calendar-year 2008. The announcement was made shortly before the Pepsi 400 NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Aug 15 - Chrysler announces a contest giveaway for three vehiles each of the 2009 Challenger R/T, 2007 Chrysler Sebring and 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited in the "Dream Car Sweepstakes". Of the more than 24,000 entries received, over 55 percent of the entrants registered to win the all-new Dodge Challenger. The winners of the Challengers were Brenda Freeman of Jasper, Ga.; Evelyn Puett of Plainfield, Ill.; and Phil Sholtes of Grosse Ile, Mich. No one caught the fact that this was the first "clue" that the R/T would not debut until the 2009 year.

Oct 31 - Dodge displays a white and blue Challenger Super Stock 392 concept at the SEMA show in Las Vegas.

2007
Feb 13 - Dodge announces that Ontario will become the home of the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger, to be built at the Brampton assembly plant with production starting in the spring of 2008.

Feb 15 - At the 2007 Chicago auto show Dodge announces that the production Challenger "will debut in 358 days at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show". A large countdown clock is displayed next to the Challenger concept.

Apr 7 - Brampton assembly plant starts production of the first AME (Advance Manufacturing Engineering) Challenger pilot models. Seven build days are scheduled between April and June.

Apr 29 - Seven very clear photos of the bare Challenger body frame are secretly taken inside the Brampton assembly plant and leaked to the internet.

June 28 - First spy photos of a cameo'd test mule Challenger, taken by Brenda Priddy, are released to the internet.

Aug 19 - A spy video of a cameo'd test mule Challenger driving on the streets of Auburn Hills, Michigan, appears on the internet.

Sep 17 - Dodge announces that the first three 2008 Challengers off the assembly line, SRT8 5-speed automatic models, will be auctioned for charity.

Sep 26 -The first of the three Challenger charity auctions, for dealers only on Ebay, opens with a $25,000 starting bid for Challenger No. 0002. The first details of some of the key features of the SRT8 Challenger are revealed for the first time in the auction listing - the 6.1L engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission are officially confirmed.

Oct 3 -Dave Smith Motors of Kellogg, Idaho puts in the winning ebay bid of $175,407.07 for Challenger No. 0002.

Oct 13 -Three camera phone images of a completely unmasked production Challenger, taken without permission at a dealer show in Las Vegas, appear across the internet.

Nov 29 - In an email to dealers, Dodge announces that order banks will open up on December 3rd. The email states that every franchised dealer will receive at least one 2008 Challenger.

Dec 3 - Dodge opens up the order banks and announces pricing for the "All-New 2008 Challenger SRT8", set at $37,995 plus a $2100 Gas Guzzler tax. New details are officially confirmed including the three colors to be offered on the 2008 models (Black, Silver and Orange), a Kicker audio system, 20"x9" wheels, carbon fiber hood decals, MyGIG navigation radio and power sunroof option. In the first day 4,300 Challengers are sold.

Dec 6 - First Official photos released of the "All-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8". Dodge releases five partial-view high resolution "teaser" photos. In response to persistent rumors that only 5,000 2008 models would be built, Kathy Graham, Dodge Challenger public relations specialist announces "We haven't decided yet. It will be less than 10,000."

Dec 10 - Advance orders for the 2008 Challenger pass the 7,000 mark.

Dec 31 - Advance orders for the 2008 Challenger pass the 9,000 mark.

2008
Jan 16 - First photo of an unmasked 2009 Challenger R/T is posted on the internet, caught while being valet-parked. The same day, the clearest photos yet of an unmasked Challenger also appear, a 2008 silver SRT8 model spotted driving on the streets of Michigan.

Jan 19 - The second of the three Challenger charity auctions is held by Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona. Challenger No. 0001 brings a winning bid of $400,000.

Jan 21 - Chrysler announces that it will build 6,400 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 coupes for the United States, with several hundred more slated for Mexico and Canada.

Jan 23 - A clear spy photo appears showing the center stack and floor console area of a 2009 pre-production 6-speed R/T Challenger. An additional photo appears, shot through the drivers window, showing the steering wheel and dash area.

Jan 24 - Car and Driver magazine releases embargoed exterior images of the production SRT8 Challenger, some of which are shown on two prototype magazine covers for the April 2008 issue.

Feb 6 - The long-awaited world debut of the production SRT8 Challenger at the 2008 Chicago auto show, with a simultaneous debut at the Philadelphia auto show.

Feb 12 - Bid opening date on Ebay for 2008 Challenger Number 0043, a one-only B5 Blue model. The proceeds will benefit the Victory Junction Gang, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children with chronic illness, founded by Kyle Petty, in honor of his late son, Adam.

Mar 19 - Scheduled debut of the 2009 base model and 2009 R/T model Challengers, 2008 NY Auto show.

Apr 15-21 - Start of production for the 2008 Challenger SRT8.

July 2009
Start of production for the 2009 Challenger models.

[Series 5]

Well I hope you Challenger owners enjoy the numbers and the history. It took a while to prepare the post, but it's nothing compared to what the guy who found all the data had to go through. All data was collected by ResumeSpeed from the Challengertalk forum. He spent countless hours gathering all this data, which is not easy to do considering all the research, filtering of incorrect data and confirming it all.

Some douchebags on Challengertalk posted complaining that they found a mistake or two right after the extensive data was posted, some people really have some balls. The funny thing was they got bashed by the other members so they appoligized right away. You know what they say, "Engage Brain Before Releasing Mouth""
ResumeSpeed, he's one of the good guys on Challengertalk.

[Orangepeel815]

That is pretty cool, a lot of free time, but like I say at every show Chargers and Magnums rock and Challengers are over rated LOL and that's why I just get photo ops.

[Series 5]

That is pretty cool, a lot of free time, but like I say at every show Chargers and Magnums rock and Challengers are over rated LOL and that's why I just get photo ops.

You know deep down you want one, admit it, your a Challenger closet lover.

[RTCHAS]

Good read Bill thx for post it here!

[Series 5]

Thanks for the posts guys. I'll be updating the numbers as information is available. I want to keep a rolling record of Challenger production details, specially since it will be going away in 2014.

[Orangepeel815]

We will have a going away party lol

[345PAHemi]

We will have a going away party lol

nah,.....it's gonna be a sad day.. i may have to go out 'n get me one b4 they go

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