Just over two years after debuting as a concept at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, the Dodge Challenger is now ready to hit the streets for real. The Challenger is reviving a name last used in the late '70s and early '80s on a compact, four-cylinder Mitsubishi-built coupe. This time, though, Chrysler is going back to the roots of the brand with a big muscular rear-wheel-drive coupe, initially available exclusively with a 6.1L HEMI V8 that will power the new Challenger 60 mph in the low 5-second range, according to a very conservative Chrysler. It shares the automaker's LX platform with the Charger and Chrysler 300, and in final form, the car has changed remarkably little from the concept. The most noticeable differences are up front and include the loss of the cross-hair grille and a slim black air dam at the bottom of the bumper. Other changes are pretty subtle, such as some reshaping of the lower air intake.

Out back, the rear bumper is now more prominent and the detailing of the taillights has been revised. A flat black lip spoiler is now mounted on the trailing edge of the deck lid while the Challenger badges on the rear fenders have been dumped. The rear driver side fender now also features a prominent chrome fuel filler cap. The wheelbase of the LX platform has been shrunk from a gargantuan 120 inches for the sedans to a merely large 116 inches for the Challenger. That puts the span between the axles at 9 inches longer the Mustang, which aids interior volume. Read on after the jump for more.

its a challenger not a charger.

I'd almost swear that dashboard is a direct lift from a Chrysler 300. Not that I'm much of a dash stroker but it's just shameful a car with so much awesome has such a ho-hum snoozer interior.

I'd almost swear that dashboard is a direct lift from a Chrysler 300. Not that I'm much of a dash stroker but it's just shameful a car with so much awesome has such a ho-hum snoozer interior.

I find myself wondering how a company that lost a billon last year has the time, resources, money, and administrative approval to carry out a project like this. Then I realize that most likely over 70% of the parts, both mechanical and cosmetic are from the parts bin, and that Chrysler execs have no intention of making any money.

Weren't people paying a couple hundred thousand for the first examples? Thats a lot of cash for a car with few model specific parts, which is one of the reasons why I doubt this car will ever become a huge collectible.

If is dealer markup you are talking about then that goes to the dealership and not the company.

The styling is certainly a success, though, and Edmunds's first drive says the handling is up to par.

What a horrendous interior. It looks fine...but a bit bloated might I add.