We Drive Dodge's Challenger And predict big--correction, fast--things for 2009.

The Car Connection Auto News, Paul A. Eisenstein, Arburn Hills, MI -- Expect Hemi power, says Chrysler's number-two executive, Eric Ridenour, starting with the standard, 5.7-liter version of the V-8. During a recent interview, Ridenour demurred when asked whether there'll also be a high-performance SRT version. The answer, we are told, is a tire-spinning yes, with horsepower likely to reach well above 400. Considering the competition, such as Ford's 500-hp Mustang Shelby GT500, that would seem an obvious necessity.

There's a beautifully dressed, 6.1-liter version of the Hemi under the hood of the show car, but while this is a "runner," it's not designed for burnouts. Even if I took advantage of the massive V-8, I'd wind up leaving the low-slung, cobbled-together rear suspension on the first pothole.

So I gingerly steer it down Main Street, in Royal Oak, Michigan, a trendy community that attracts precisely the sort of gearheads who'd be the prime market for Challenger in '08.

Even on this blustery hot mid-week morning, there are plenty of folks wandering around, and the show car is drawing lots of attention. A kid in a Mustang drives by, toots his horn and gives the thumbs-up. A young woman on the sidewalk nudges her boyfriend, who turns and stares at the bright orange coupe.Expect Hemi power, says Chrysler's number-two executive, Eric Ridenour, starting with the standard, 5.7-liter version of the V-8. During a recent interview, Ridenour demurred when asked whether there'll also be a high-performance SRT version. The answer, we are told, is a tire-spinning yes, with horsepower likely to reach well above 400. Considering the competition, such as Ford's 500-hp Mustang Shelby GT500, that would seem an obvious necessity.

There's a beautifully dressed, 6.1-liter version of the Hemi under the hood of the show car, but while this is a "runner," it's not designed for burnouts. Even if I took advantage of the massive V-8, I'd wind up leaving the low-slung, cobbled-together rear suspension on the first pothole.

So I gingerly steer it down Main Street, in Royal Oak, Michigan, a trendy community that attracts precisely the sort of gearheads who'd be the prime market for Challenger in '08.

Even on this blustery hot mid-week morning, there are plenty of folks wandering around, and the show car is drawing lots of attention. A kid in a Mustang drives by, toots his horn and gives the thumbs-up. A young woman on the sidewalk nudges her boyfriend, who turns and stares at the bright orange coupe.

It's hard to say what the U.S. new-car market will look like by 2008. Some "experts" are predicting oil prices of $100 a barrel and $4 or more a gallon. Whether there'll be any market left for muscle cars is far from certain, but barring that sort of fuel crisis, the initial reaction to driving the iconic Challenger concept can only be described as positive. It's the sort of design you want to see and be seen in.The strongly retro look of the Challenger concept proved controversial when it was unveiled last January. It's Chrysler's style to go for the polarizing exterior design; you love it or leave. But the striking interior gets kudos across the board. Let's be honest, current Dodge products are pretty basic, with far too much Kmart-class plastic. The prototype Challenger is richly appointed with just the right amount of chrome and a set of eye-pleasing gauges.

According to Tremont, the production car will be "very close" in appearance. We just hope that is true both inside and out.

It's hard to say what the U.S. new-car market will look like by 2008. Some "experts" are predicting oil prices of $100 a barrel and $4 or more a gallon. Whether there'll be any market left for muscle cars is far from certain, but barring that sort of fuel crisis, the initial reaction to driving the iconic Challenger concept can only be described as positive. It's the sort of design you want to see and be seen in.