Charger / SRT-8 article in Wards -- Manual Tranny!

[DMAG]

Posted on Allpar:

Somebody named 'Yossarian' posted this to Cheers & Gears yesterday:

SRT-8 Charger will have a 6 speed manual (though the prototype hasnt been built yet AFAIK, this is just on paper), but I have no info about the tranny in a Chrysler SRT-8. If what I heard is true, the reason its getting a manual because the SRT folks arent confident about the A580 behind the 6.1L power. I doubt that because the E55 AMG uses an AMG enhanced auto behind 470hp and 516tq. We'll see.

Hmmmmm...this is interesting.

[FreeLantz]

I wonder if the 300C and Magnum SRT-8 will also get that eventually as an option........??

Wasnt that high performance version of the Charger supposed to be called "Daytona"? Or did I dream that......lol

[Scatch!]

I've heard that about the six-speed. Like Mr. Lantz, I'm wondering if the Magnum or 300C will ever get a manual. I'm kind of waiting to see how that pans out, because the manual is not only fun, but more economical, faster, and easier to service.

IIRC. the Ram has a MTX mated to the Hemi, so I wonder how that would work in the LX.

I'm glad you posted this, because a question about a future manual was going to be my very next post.

[APT]

I know that DCX is testing a new automatic with the 6.1L. I think it is based on the 45RFE with more torque capability (heavier duty).

[redzed]

1. Mercedes 5-speed slushbox can take up to 738lb/ft of torque...

...although the current Kokomo produced unit is rated for something like 428lb/ft.

2. The current LX cars lack a hand-operated emergency brake. Mercedes used to be stupid enough to combine a manual gearshift with a pedal operated e-brake, but only Cadillac has the audacity to continue the practice (with the CTS and CTS-V).

3. The Tremec T-56 offers a lousy, agricultural gearchange. Oddly enough, the Corvette has the best shift linkage of any T-56 equipped car, despite the shifter being farthest away FROM the rear mounted gearbox.

4. When Daimler-Chrysler (or really Mercedes) leads the industry in automotive transmission technology, why would they want to compromise the SRT-8 with crude feeling T-56 transmission?

Sadly, I suspect that the T-56 will be the only transmission offered in the SRT-8 models. Considering how modern cars are geared, the 6th ratio will continue to be utterly useless in normal driving. Hopefully, there won't be a boneheaded CAGS-type 1-to-4 skip shift....

[DMAG]

Interesting stuff!

http://wardsauto.com/ar/auto_srt_exp...rger/index.htm

Both vehicles will be powered by the all-new 6.1L version of Chrysler’s highly acclaimed Hemi V-8 engine.

Sources claim the new powerplant will produce 420 hp and 390 lb.-ft. (528 Nm) of torque, a significant 24% horsepower boost FROM the 340 hp rating of the current 5.7L Hemi.

Sources also indicate the 6.1L Hemi will not feature Chrysler’s much-touted multi-displacement cylinder-deactivation system. The higher-output 6.1L Hemi will be reserved only for performance applications, where fuel economy routinely is not a top priority.

The Charger SRT-8 will feature a 6-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, boosting the vehicle’s performance potential.

[SHOT_999]

DAMN! Let's hope the rumors are true...

[shiltz]

hope they do offer the 5 speed auto too, that was one of the big things I liked about the magnum, not only was it a really nice looking car with lots of power but it didn't have the hasle of a manual like most higher performance cars seem too, the charger would be something I may consider trading in the magnum for in a few years but definatly not if it's only offered with a manual for the 6.1.

[OBT]

Anybody subscribe to Wards so we can find out what the linked story was about?

[Fred]

IMHO I think they're going to only offer the 6 spd SMG with paddleshifting. The problem with manuals is that there's more user error, good luck getting a 7yr/70k mile warranty claim covered on a manual, and those that do, the dealers will get heat about and those that don't, the media will be all over them to muddy DCX and it's a tremendous liability. Some of the SMG boxes have pretty impressive shifting.