Leno needs another car -- the first Dodge Challenger SRT8
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Jay Leno has become the first owner of a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. Last Monday (June 2), he drove his own 1970 Challenger to Valley Dodge in Van Nuys, California, to pick up his new ride (MSRP: $37,320), resplendent in a black paint job. “I can’t believe he didn’t light up the tires as he drove out of the dealership,” said Dodge’s Howard Teasley. “Leno showed more self-control than I would.”
Self-control seems to be just one of Leno’s virtues. As a well-known avid gearhead and car collector (his automotive acquistions can be seen on www.jaylenosgarage.com, his General Motors-sponsored website), his influence in the car world is considerable. As one Dodge representative said: “It’s kind of like the automotive equivalent of being chosen by Oprah’s book club.”
The new Challenger SRT8 has also been hob-nobbing with other members of the ‘Rich and Famous’ club. Dodge recently arranged a track day at Willow Springs International Raceway, up near Rosamund, California. Among the attendees were Snoop Dogg, Carmen Electra, David Spade, Luke Wilson, Jaime Pressly and Rob Lowe, most of whom have expressed an interest in purchasing said 425-horsepower muscle car.
“We had so many inquiries from people in Hollywood about buying a new Challenger that we decided to organize a little event,” says Dodge’s Mike Accavitti. “It’s great when you have something people really want.” Amen to that.