If you’re a muscle car fan waiting for a Dodge Challenger with a manual gearbox, you’ll have to wait until next year. All the 7,100 2008 Challenger SRT8s will come with a 5-speed automatic transmission and a 6.1 liter HEMI V8 producing 435hp as standard.

The company has provided some press with a sneak peek at the Challenger’s equipment but will offer more details at the New York Auto Show next week. The Termec 6060 six-speed manual gearbox will not be available until the 2009 Dodge Challengers arrive later this year.

Usually Chrysler offers a base model first followed by SRT performance versions. But with the Dodge Challenger, the SRT version comes first followed by the lower-prices units coming in with the 2009 model year. The lower priced units will be powered by a 3.6 liter V6.

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Gallery:

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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