Instant Wheels

Archives
Owning a Challenger SRT-8
Local couple enjoys life in the fast lane. [Watch]
The tire-pressure test
Can we solve our oil woes four tires at a time? [Watch]
Hot air -- or gas in your tank?
Obama says tire pressure can reduce demand for gas; McCain mocks the idea. We're challenging Riversiders to help us put it to the test. [Watch]
$2.99-a-gallon gas
You have to buy a car to get it. [Watch]
Driving the 2008 Jeep Rubicon
[Watch]
Driving the 2009 Ford Flex
'It's always exciting to see a new vehicle for the first time.' Instant Wheels Editor Paul Batista gets behind the wheel. [Watch]
2009 Dodge Journey
Our 'Instant Wheels' editor says the new Journey is a total "mom rod." [Watch]
Driving the Challenger SRT-8
'Instant Wheels' editor Paul Batista is the first Southern California reporter to spend "quality time" with the Dodge Challenger SRT-8. [Watch]
Dodge Challenger SRT-8 is in town
It turns heads. The Dodge Challenger SRT-8 begins its visit to the Inland Empire. See it this Saturday. [Watch]
Dodge Challenger SRT-8 Preview
See it. Sit in it. Look under the hood. The Challenger SRT-8 debut will happen next weekend. [Watch]
Watch the amphibious sports car
It's the sQuba, the world’s first real submersible car, at the Geneva Motor Show. [Watch]
The 2008 Lincoln MKZ
Get behind the wheel of a compact luxury sedan; it handled nicely in the rain. [Watch]
Inside the tiny Smart Car
The smallest US-production car commands big attention. [Watch]
The 2008 Dodge Challenger
Watch a preview of our program featuring the Inland Empire Auto Show. [Watch]
Show and Go car show dazzles Riversiders
2008 car show delivers horsepower, beauty -- and money for charity. [Watch]
The Inland Empire Auto Show
The hot rods are back in town. [Watch]
Are hybrids too quiet?
At slow speeds, hybrids have to be 40 percent closer before they can be heard, according to professor Lawrence Rosenblum. [Watch]
Quiet hybrids may pose risk to pedestrians
UCR professor conducting study on safety issue. [Watch]
Electronics are star of Mercury Sable
The car is another example of the ongoing merger between cars and electronics. [Watch]
Behind the scenes at NASCAR
Rain, moisture made the track slippery for Sunday's big race, which had to be finished on Monday. [Watch]
The ultimate green machine
It's the car you can charge up at home. Learn more about a modified version of the Toyota Prius. [Watch]
THE 2008 FORD TAURUS
FANS OF THE CAR COULDN'T WAIT TO CHECK IT OUT. [Watch]
There's an office packed inside
It's big! Watch a review of what's described as a "luxury crossover." Instant Wheels editor Paul Batista drives the 2008 Buick Enclave. [Watch]
FUEL UP AT HOME
HONDA IS SELLING A CAR THAT NEVER NEEDS A GAS STATION; FORD OFFERS A HYBRID SUV; AND 55-AND-A-HALF CORVETTES AT THE RIVERSIDE PLAZA. WATCH THE MOST POPULAR AUTO REVIEWS OF 2007. [Watch]
THE FORD ESCAPE HYBRID
WATCH A REVIEW OF THE SUV FROM FORD THAT'S ALSO A HYBRID. [Watch]
DOESN'T LOOK GOOD - SUV INTO A BUILDING
GM SAYS ITS NEW OnSTAR TECHNOLOGY COULD END HIGH SPEED CHASES. WATCH IT, AND SEE WHAT YOU THINK. [Watch]
The Flexstreme
GM says it will travel 40 miles before it needs a drop of fuel. [Watch]
THE VOLVO S 80 AND C 30
WILL THIS BE THE NEW LOOK FOR VOLVO? [Watch]
THE FORD MUSTANG GT CONVERTIBLE
WATCH A REVIEW OF THE FORD MUSTANG GT CONVERTIBLE. [Watch]
55-AND-A-HALF CORVETTES
WATCH THE MILLENNIUM CORVETTE SHOW AT THE RIVERSIDE PLAZA. [Watch]
The Ford Edge
Instant Wheels Auto Editor reviews the Ford Edge. [Watch]
Owning a Challenger SRT-8

Paul Batista
Instant Wheels Editor

challenger2.jpg “Us and our baby,” that’s how Gina Fredborg described the photo. As she beamed I realized that we were definitely on the same page. Kids are
great, but having a “baby” — that’s special.

As best as I can tell, Dave and Gina Fredborg were the first Riversiders to drive a Challenger SRT-8 off the lot. And, If I may brag, in June I was the first Southern California auto editor to review it on InstantRiverside.com. That’s how Gina and I met; she saw the stories and
was quick to let me know that she and her husband were expecting.

I had my media test vehicle about 2 months before Dodge shipped them to the dealers. When we brought it to Moss Bros. Dodge for its first media shoot, the Challenger seemed to effortlessly capture attention. In my original report on InstantRiverside.com I said “I do believe the return of the Challenger in 2008 is a big deal, despite gas prices.” (I love quoting myself, especially when it appears I was right.)

On their first weekend Gina and Dave drove their Challenger SRT-8 to Sacramento. “It’s broken in. Damn, is that a nice car!” That’s how Gina described their maiden voyage. Notably absent is any discussion about her husband. (Sorry Dave, this too shall pass– maybe.) Notably present is
discussion about gas mileage.

challenger1.jpg“Dave already put in the cold-air intake and tweaked the muffler. We’re getting 20 m.p.g. on the highway and it sounds as fast as it is” said Gina. (Note to reader, Dave took care of business under the hood.)

Its easy to get distracted by the Challenger SRT-8. It’s 4-wheeled mix of raw power and classic beauty is tangible, it’s audible, and most
importantly, attainable. It’s not a concept car anymore - it is absolutely real.

My media test car was cloaked in classic Hemi Orange; Gina opted for black. I think what I enjoy most about this story is the fact that the revival of
the Challenger has become an automotive moment. I’ll admit that it’s hardly like the original Challenger. And to me, that’s completely fine -
Dodge has hit the bulls-eye. They’ve used a tried-and-true platform and bolted a sexy 2 door coupe body down to it.

You can watch my video reports on the Challenger SRT-8 by scrolling down the Instant Wheels headlines here at InstantRiverside.com.

So it looks like Dave and Gina are in a good place. They have a baby. It
won’t need a babysitter, just an occasional valet.

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