Click for High-Res Photo Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

It's the worst-kept secret in Chicago . Little details have been dripping out for weeks, but now TheCarConnection.com can bring you the complete story of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, which will be making its formal debut in the Windy City , this week.

Let's get some of the numbers out of the way, first of all. Challenger is making its very well-publicized return after a 35-year absence, and orders are piling up, the folks at Chrysler report. It helps that this is a true two-door, not a pseudo muscle coupe, like the much-harangued four-door Charger.

Under the hood, you'll find Chrysler's big 6.1-liter SRT8 version of the Hemi V-8. It's making a tire-spinning 425-horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Translation? You're looking at 0-60 times in the 4.9 second range, the automaker claims, and 0-100 in "under 17 seconds." Top speed is 170 mph, more than both the BMW M5 and Ford Mustang GT500, noted Chrysler's product development chief, Frank Klegon. Skid pad numbers are a reported 0.88 G.

The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic with AutoStick.

To put all that power to the pavement, Challenger rides on fully-forged 20-inch Alcoa aluminum wheels with 4-season Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires are standard for 2008. Three-season Goodyear F1 Supercar tires are optional.

One big difference from muscle cars past is that this brute comes with some serious braking power, as well. It'll go from 60 back down to zero in just 110 feet, thanks to the big, four-caliper Brembo brakes.

Notably, Chrysler has gone to a five-link rear suspension, rather than the live axle found on the market's most popular muscle car, the Ford Mustang. "We'd rather run like a thoroughbred than ride like a pony," teased Klegon.

If the numbers don't get the message across, Dodge intends to offer Challenger in three classic boy-racer colors: black, silver, and HEMI orange - all decorated with carbon fiber-like dual hood stripes.

The Challenger SRT8 front end incorporates a variety of functional styling features, including a fascia designed to direct air around the front of the vehicle, working dual-snorkel hood scoops and ducts that direct air to cool the brakes.

The look is surprisingly close to the popular Challenger concept car, retaining details, such as the crease along the C-pillar. But the overall feel clearly evokes the original muscle car, including the functional spoiler, influenced by the old Challenger T/A model.