Is it true? The Challenger is a GO!?!

[Mosie]

Can it be, Could it be... Is it true?
The Challenger is a GO for 2007, as a 2008 M.Y.!?!

Now I don't want to get people's hopes up, or spread false information, but I read it on the internet, so it's GOT to be true..! Right?!

http://www.allpar.com/cars/dodge/challenger.html
“As of yesterday (Feb. 9), Challenger was given a “go” by management. Model year unknown. 6.1 liter Hemi and 6-speed manual transmission only.” — “Der Spien,” a former engineer with DCX.
But in a 6.1 liter Hemi only???
:banana: It would be nice if it proves to be true. . . :pepper:


And this too for what it's worth:

http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5730
C&G has your exclusive information on production plans for the 2008 Dodge Challenger. Sources tell us that the vehicle will begin production NEXT YEAR in 2007 as a 2008 model year vehicle.

Again, if it proves to be true :thumbs_u:

[obiwan]

Guess I should start saving pennies and get out the for sale sign....

Got to have that one!

[Fondy]

YAY I want one now!!!!!!!!

[blackmagsxt]

Well crap...the manual transmission leaves me out.......crying like a girl.....oh wait...I am a girl...

[shiltz]

Ditto, well we can hope they come to the senses and offer it with an auto option as well.

[Displaced Hokie]

There is plenty of time for you all to learn to stick shift before it gets here!

This is a positive thing, as it shows that DCX is focusing its engineering groups on the most popular configuration to speed development. An auto would probably come in the following year or so I'd bet.

Also consider that if they beat the Camaro to market, DCX gets first dibs on those that won't buy a Mustang.

Did I miss something or is there a reason the 6.1 seems to dissapoint folks? Is it that there was a larger version shown somewhere? A 6.1 with MDS would be fine with me.

Hokie

[shiltz]

It's not an issue of learning how to use a manual, I basicaly know how they work, just haven't actualy gotten any hands on experience, I don't want a manual however, they are nothing but an anoyance and a hastle if you ask me, give me newer automatic technology, not old manual technology, to me spending $35k+ for a car I have to manualy shift would be like buying a $35k+ car I need to stick my hand out the window to signal a turn, sure I can do it, but why would I want to.

The issue with the 6.1 isn't just a 6.1 as in it's to small, but only a 6.1 as in no 3.5, not 5.7, so there will be no reasonably priced model, just the expensive SRT-8 which will basicaly kill sales on the car.

[blackmagsxt]

I agree with shiltz.........my thinking exactly. I can learn to drive a stick I just don't see the point. Guess I'm basically lazy.....LOL Don't want to shift gears anywhere else but in my mind.....

[Rev.Hammer]

BlackMagsxt:
You will become what is willed from yourself.
You have plenty of time to learn and if you believe that you can and practice with the utmost intensity. It will come true.

You will be leading that beast around on a leash like some Valkyrian Goddess out of a Vallejo painting...

[Bandit]

I can only hope and pray that this is the truth!

I too will wait until they smarten up and offer an auto. Manuals are a pain around town, and not one bit faster than a properly set up automatic.

The 6.1 is likely to be in the R/T version, and lemme tell ya... in a car lighter than my Magnum SRT that 6.1 will certainly get the attention of everyone who rides in it.

I will still hold out for the SRT version, and it is entirely possible that we'll see a larger engine option for those.

Now the question is.... orange or black????

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/2659/challenger7sn.jpg

[charliec]

Okay, if you have never driven a powerful (400+hp) rwd vehicle with a manual transmission, then allow me to tell you this:

You do not know what you are missing.

I have a Magnum SRT8 and I have almost torn the autostick out trying to jam the gears in that slushbox. I have to sit on my right hand!

There is a reason that the Viper is not available with an auto.
I wouldn't buy an automatic Challenger.

[AutoMag]

pleaseofferitinwhitepleaseofferitinwhitepleaseoffe ritinwhite

[TurboAWD]

Guys, Go back to the first post and read the name of this "former engineer" that has apparently given the car the GO. Read his name 5 times fast "they're spying"
LMAO

[VanillaRT4me]

I'm not thrilled about the 6.1L because it will likely come without MDS, right? I really like the gas saving advantage that MDS provides.

[Rice Eater]

I just called my cousin who is an exhaust engineer for DC in Michigan. He confrimed for me they will be building the challenger. Management had an employee meeting and actually told the employees first about the charger green light before releasing that info to the public.."guess its part of keeping employees involved to maintain their loyalty kind of approach". He said an SRT8 automatic will be offered in 2008. In 2009 they will offer the SRT8, RT and 6cyln versions available in a manual.

So a manual will be offered. I am with the bunch who will wait the extra year for the manual to come out. There is no way I'd buy this car with an auto...it just wouldn't be as fun to drive. I want to chirp 2nd and 3rd!!!

[SmokeRT]

So a manual will be offered. I am with the bunch who will wait the extra year for the manual to come out. There is no way I'd buy this car with an auto...it just wouldn't be as fun to drive. I want to chirp 2nd and 3rd!!!

Ditto. I think it will be a mistake to offer "only" an automatic, and believe someone isn't doing their homework if that's the case. It has failed numerous times in the past. Chevy went crazy for awhile with the Corvette, and just about lost their faithful with "mainly" automatics. Many "hot rod" Benz see early used car lots, because the owner couldn't see all that power controlled by the right foot only. You can bet the Camaro's and already selling like hotcakes Mustangs have mainly manuals going out the door. If the model was starting with V6 and 5.7 V8s, offering only automatics would make more sense, but matching a truly performance engine with only an automatic is missing the boat as the only model. I would go so far as to say comparing a person that is willing to get into the current SRT-8's and "happy" with automatics only is another potentail error. A 300 (luxury sedan) or Magnum (dare I say station wagon) owner is more acceptable to an automatic, and there are plenty of Charger owners begging to row their own gears. I want one too. But if Chevy (Camaro) and Ford (Shelby) are offering manuals, they will be worth a look. I'm a fan of American muscle cars; all of them, as well as a few other fine vehicles no matter where they originate.

[pigpen]

I think its the best choice for this car is manual, heck with traction control I am pretty sure that you will light them up big time no matter what with this car. It may be a pain in the butt to have a manual but its the challenger. Another thing any word about the pistol grip shifter comming for the manual that would be tight.

[Rev.Hammer]

DO NOT BUY THIS CAR IF MILEAGE IS ANY SORT OF AN ISSUE!!!
MDS be cussed because you wontbe able to keep your foot out of it!!

[IGOTTASRT8]

He said an SRT8 automatic will be offered in 2008. In 2009 they will offer the SRT8, RT and 6cyln versions available in a manual.



Does this mean that the first car offered (6.1 manual) is NOT an SRT8?

If that's true, and an SRT8 version is coming out later, then I'll be waiting a while in hopes that the SRT8 gets that 6.4 motor.

I'm going to get the loudest nastiest exhaust ever (because I can't on my CSRT8...it would just be wrong).

Anyways :rock: :banana: :rock: :banana: :rock: :banana: :rock:

[done]

Does this mean that the first car offered (6.1 manual) is NOT an SRT8?

If that's true, and an SRT8 version is coming out later, then I'll be waiting a while in hopes that the SRT8 gets that 6.4 motor.

I'm going to get the loudest nastiest exhaust ever (because I can't on my CSRT8...it would just be wrong).

Anyways :rock: :banana: :rock: :banana: :rock: :banana: :rock:

At this time, it is all speculation as to when, what and how much.

[PowerWagon896]

It's not an issue of learning how to use a manual, I basicaly know how they work, just haven't actualy gotten any hands on experience, I don't want a manual however, they are nothing but an anoyance and a hastle if you ask me, give me newer automatic technology, not old manual technology, to me spending $35k+ for a car I have to manualy shift would be like buying a $35k+ car I need to stick my hand out the window to signal a turn, sure I can do it, but why would I want to.

The issue with the 6.1 isn't just a 6.1 as in it's to small, but only a 6.1 as in no 3.5, not 5.7, so there will be no reasonably priced model, just the expensive SRT-8 which will basicaly kill sales on the car.

What about the people that shell out $300,000 + for a Ferrari.

Sports cars have 3 pedals!

[Darthvader]

I like to pop the clutch and smoke the tires instead of a brake stand.

[Bandit]

Does this mean that the first car offered (6.1 manual) is NOT an SRT8?

If that's true, and an SRT8 version is coming out later, then I'll be waiting a while in hopes that the SRT8 gets that 6.4 motor.

I'm going to get the loudest nastiest exhaust ever (because I can't on my CSRT8...it would just be wrong).

Anyways :rock: :banana: :rock: :banana: :rock: :banana: :rock:

The R/T will be first, and it seems it will be a 6.1. There will be an SRT version, and that's what I am getting. My dealer has me listed as the 1st to own one in these parts. When they receive confirmation of build it is mine.

I would prefer an autostick version, but will take it either way. Today's autos are as fast, and in some cases faster than a manual so there's no real benefit to buying a manual anymore except for personal preference. Since I drive my cars a lot, and there is a lot of traffic here I would prefer not to have to shift up and down all the time.

[sstevens805]

It would be weird to have a sports car this powerful as only an automatic. You really miss out if you dont drive a stick, unless this is your daily driver. Then I can understand. But the autostick in my mag isn't really like a stick. You can only suggest what gear you want it to go into, it still does what it wants. I dont try to throw it into first at 60 but it still is a killjoy at times.

[Bandit]

If it's setup like the current SRT's are then it's not a bad thing. If you're cruising and autostick, it drops a gear... but if you're hitting the gas heavy and autostick it automatically selects the best performance gear and drops right to it. In many cases it'll put you in a gear that's nearly at redline so you get a major boost.

[Buck70]

I agree with shiltz.........my thinking exactly. I can learn to drive a stick I just don't see the point. Guess I'm basically lazy.....LOL Don't want to shift gears anywhere else but in my mind.....

I agree, and I know how to drive a stick. I've even driven one in Ireland, wrong side of the road, wrong side of the car, and shifting with the left hand. only choice the rental co. had. BUT, I (want) an auto and they are worth the few ponies they cost for the convenience factor. Maybe they will offer it in the following M.Y. or put it in the Firepower, which I would rather have than the Challenger anyway.
DB

[tommyzdesign]

i figure some of you would like to see this.
tz
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e116/susantom/challlengerpic.jpg

[Bandit]

Nice! Wheels are way too "Pimp My Ride" but the rest is awesome!

[tommyzdesign]

lol...the wheels are actually just pictures on cardboard , that whole car is basically foam and vinyl i beleive.... not photochopped at all. the mirrors are used for the designers to see different angles and reflections on the cars surface.

[smoove7410]

They could make a sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters. VW and GM both now have systems that shift faster than race car drivers with manual transmissions on the corvette and the new gti. Chrysler should join them in my opinion. If I get an automatic for convenience in getting through la traffic, I still want to be able to have a little fun.

[ZMagnum]

Stick is sooo fun to drive. That's all I drove through college and beyond. Only after I got married did I switch to automatic. The wife needed to be abe to drive my car in case of an emergency.

After a while you get so good at stick you don't even think about it. I could even drink a soda while driving stick. It's not hard at all.

[FactoryD]

I used to be good at drinking a thirstbuster, smoking, and talking on the phone at the same time with a manual.

Not that I would do that anymore though. :)

[Dilliam]

Nothing has been confirmed. DCX's own Vines won't confirm.

[bipto]

Nothing has been confirmed. DCX's own Vines won't confirm.
Did you expect they would?

[PowerWagon896]

I used to be good at drinking a thirstbuster, smoking, and talking on the phone at the same time with a manual.

Not that I would do that anymore though. :)

I knew a guy that could roll a joint while driving a stick.:not_worth

Not that I would have EVER done anything like that!:wink:

[Reppr]

choices, choices, choices. How do you choose between a 6.1 liter and something bigger? I do want to see what the SRT model looks like, though.

[rogerdoger]

I already put an order/ deposit in for one. My dealer says they will be out in fall of 07 (unless they make late summer). It will have a 3.7 v6, 5.7 or 6.1 Hemi and with autostick or 6 spd stick. Mine in Hemi Orange will be a 5.7 auto. Its the same dealership myself and one of my friends got our Magnums, and one got his Daytona Charger. Prices are about the same as Magnum. I want the first one in town for the car shows. Im trading the vette in unless someone buys it for more when it comes.

[Shanes67]

That's what I was told today, the same that rogerdoger reports. I was also at the dealership, I have purchased many cars from them, the salesman I deal with knows better than to feed me a line of bull. He said 3.5L , R/T 5.7, and SRT-8 that will have an optional 6 spd. But that is the kicker... 6 spd only in the SRT-8. I hope this info is solid... not that it matters, I don't think my wife will let me near the dealership when they do come out!

Shane