First Photos of the Production 2008 Challenger SRT8

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The wait is nearly over as the first photos of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 have been leaked on the Web. Dodge did not intend to show the Challenger in its full production glory until the 2008 Chicago Auto Show on February 6.

Following the Challenger concept's original debut more than two years ago at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, spy photographers have occasionally captured the 425-horsepower, 6.1-liter Hemi V8 powered Challenger prototypes testing on public roads, but no official photos of the long-awaited muscle car have been seen until now.

Official specifications will also be released at the Chicago show. To date, we've only confirmed the Challenger SRT8's 425-hp rating, and its wheelbase measurement of 116 inches, 4 inches shorter than the Dodge Charger.

What this means to you: Expect even more photos to trickle out prior to the Chicago show. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor