What happens when a newly reborn muscle car comes back onto the scene?  People get excited, fans go nuts, and those with too much money look for the first pickings.  Well, those of you with cash to hemorrhage are going to be pleased; the first three (reborn) Dodge Challenger cars are going to be placed on the auction block at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona.  There is not a doubt that these three SRT-8 6.1L V8 models are going to fetch a cute coin.  After several successful sales of almost every flavor of Shelby Ford Mustang, Dodge hopes to draw in the heat-seeking moths to the auction house, for the benefit of various charities

This coming January will host the sale of the first Dodge Challenger, with proceeds to benefit notMykid, a charity dedicated to promoting the understanding of America’s youth.  The second Dodge Challenger will be set up for private auction for which Dodge dealers are allowed to participate in.  Proceeds from auction #2 will benefit the United Way of Southeastern Michigan.  Finally, the third vehicle will be a no-holds-barred Internet frenzy, with the 3 of 3 SRT-8 triplet being posted in an eBay auction sometime in early 2008.  Check out more detail below, in the official press release.

Press Release

Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 17, 2007  -  Bidders get ready. Chrysler announced today that the first two all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger vehicles off the Brampton (Ontario) Assembly Plant production line will be auctioned, with proceeds benefiting local charities. The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger — the ultimate modern American muscle coupe — will make its worldwide debut at the Chicago Auto Show on Feb. 6, 2008.

“Dodge is thrilled to build on the excitement of the countdown to the return of the Challenger by giving consumers the chance to get one of the first all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger vehicles produced,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Marketing. “The Dodge Challenger is an icon and the revival of this storied nameplate has enthusiasts chomping at the bit to get one. Consumers now have the opportunity to not only own the car of their dreams, but to help those in less fortunate circumstances as well.”

Proceeds from Dodge Challenger No. 1 will benefit notMYkid, an organization dedicated to facilitating improved understanding about youth behavioral health issues including suicide, drug abuse, eating disorders and depression. Dodge Challenger No. 1 will be auctioned at the 37th annual Barret-Jackson Collector Car Auction Event in Scottsdale, Ariz., Jan. 12-20, 2008.

Proceeds from Dodge Challenger No. 2 will benefit the United Way of Southeastern Michigan, through a private auction for Dodge dealers. The auction begins Sept. 26.

Information about the third Challenger to be auctioned via eBay.com will be announced at a later date.

The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger is the ultimate modern American muscle coupe. The new icon stays true to both its historical and modern concept roots. It is a modern vehicle that follows the authentic Dodge muscle car formula — a two-door, HEMI V-8-powered rear-wheel-drive coupe. The 2008 Dodge Challenger is the true evolution of an iconic muscle coupe and the perfect compliment to the four-door Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300.

Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of seven percent, Dodge is the Chrysler Group’s best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market with a 22 percent market share in the U. S. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 16 percent market share. Dodge is also entering key European volume segments with Nitro and Caliber.

The introduction of the new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 marks a milestone in the Dodge brand’s history with its boldest lineup of passenger cars including the all-new 2008 Avenger and Caliber, as well as the refreshed Dodge Charger and Magnum. This onslaught of product gives the brand a completely new and refreshed passenger car lineup. In 2008, Dodge will introduce the all-new modern muscle car, the Dodge Challenger, to further complement its lineup of Dodge trucks including the new 2008 Dodge Dakota, Dodge Nitro, Dodge Durango and the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with 35 new or improved features.

notMYkid
notMYkid was founded in 2000, and is designed to educate parents about youth and adolescent substance abuse, eating disorders, suicide, ADHD, depression, and more. Information is available on eh website www.notMYkid.org to educate parents about the warning signs and symptoms and to empower them to implement effective prevention and intervention strategies. In 2006, notMYkid reached 80,000 parents and students nationwide. The organization offers several programs for parent education as well as peer-to-peer youth programs.

United Way of Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve the lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness.