PHOTO GALLERY: Dodge Challenger SRT8 production launch and plant tour

On Thursday morning, members of the media joined almost 1,000 employees of Chrysler's Brampton Assembly Plant to to celebrate the production launch of the highly-anticipated 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8.

VIPs on hand included Chrysler Canada President and CEO Reid Bigland, Chrysler Executive VP Frank Ewasyshyn, Plant Manager Alberto Gonzalez, MPP Sandra Pupatello and a representative of the CAW.

According to Reid Bigland, every one of the 2008 Challengers has been spoken for, including the 700 slated for distribution in Canada. Bigland called the Challenger proof that, "the classic American muscle car is not dead," and noted that demand is outstripping supply for this iconic vehicle, labelling it "the ultimate mid-life Chrysler."

In his address to the Chrysler employees and the media, Bigland said that he'd experienced the head-turning powers of the car during his own outings in the Challenger. Frank Ewasyshyn said Chrysler hasn't seen this kind of hype for a vehicle, "since we launched the first Viper."

Click here to see the Challenger on Dodge's site.

Photos by Greg MacPherson // Inside Track Motorsport News