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???
It would be nice if it proves to be true. . .


And this too for what it's worth:

http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums...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

[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...

[Guest]

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????

[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!!!