No manual Dodge Challenger until 2009

The new Dodge Challenger harks back to one of the toughest cars from the muscle car era of the 1970s but the only transmission option available is a five-speed auto. In fact, the entire run of 7,100 2008 model Challenger SRTs, the performance variant of the Challenger lineup, all come with a slush box for the 435hp 6.1L V8 HEMI.

The good news is that Chrysler hasn’t ruled out adding a manual option. The bad news is that it won’t be available until the 2009 Challenger arrives later this year. Handling the HEMI’s 435hp and 420lb-ft of torque will be a six-speed Tremec 6060 manual gearbox, a modified version of the same unit used in the Dodge Viper SRT10, reports Automotive News.

The 2009 model will also see the introduction of a cheaper 3.6L V6 model to match the base Ford Mustang and an expected entry-level Chevrolet Camaro. Officials will provide full details about specifications and equipment at next week’s New York Auto Show.

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8