My Challenger Report

[E8502]

Here's my blog entry in response to the thread at Allpar, but it's good info nonetheless:

	Quote:
	Jeez guys, jeez! What does it take to make you happy?!? First you moan about the Charger having two too many doors, and that it disgraces the name, and you yell for a coupe that is built upon heritage. Then, in less then a year from the Charger's debut, the company gives you a sexy, purely heritage driven car with a 6.1L, 6 speed stick, and a price under $38K, and you still complain. This time it's "too old fashion looking." What the heck guys, what do you really want??? From a design standpoint, it's a pretty great work of "auto art." The lines are just right as to hide the cars size, and it has a glamorous roof-line that evokes fond memories V8 hartops of days gone by. A high greenhouse gives the sides a substantial look of imposing substance. The rear end is flamboyant and bold, with the taillight spanning the entire rear. Dual exhausts showcase the power, and large 18" rims with low profile tires put all that power to the ground. A sleek modern interior with stubble touches of sporty trim help to tell folks this isn't just another coupe... Surely this car is a big disappointment, I mean, what is there to like about it? Anyway, a bit more info on this car: They are definitely going to sell more then 10,000 units. I'd guess at least 25,000 for its first year on the market. Speaking of when this bad boy will be released, I hear early March 2007 production (for Fast Feedback cars), on dealer lots by late April (so in all, similar to the Magnum timetable). I don't know why the main Allpar page says 2009 Challenger (we'll fix that) - it will be a 2008 model according to most sources. Prices will probably start around $22,000 for the V6 model (I don't know at this point if they will use a tweaked 3.5L or the 4.0L, whatever one they use, expect about 275HP). There will probably be a few trims of the V6 models, each with varying content. The next model up will be the 5.7L Hemi "R/T" which will come in at just under $30K. The SRT-8 with 425+ horsepower will most likely be about $36,000 - $38,000 depending on options. In other news, this years dealer preview meeting had a lot of new products, all of which hold much promise. I'm eagerly awaiting the 2007 Sebring convertible, which will be replacing my still pristine 2004 Limited in a few years. Jeep had its new offerings there, and the refreshed Wrangler in both two and four door versions. One must wonder what place the Liberty has in the Jeep line anymore... Also previewed was a tweaked Durango, and the Firepower made a surprise stop (Humm...?). No shows were the new Viper, and the RT vans, but they will be coming on this years show circuit, so we need not worry... Both are important vehicles that have defined a niche, and with the new revisions, I'm sure they will continue to do so. ~ E8

[DMAG]

Awesome! Thanks for the info Chris!

As a side note: This car looks AWESOME! (Glad I've held out so far!)

[E8502]

	Quote:			Originally Posted by DMAG
	Awesome! Thanks for the info Chris! As a side note: This car looks AWESOME! (Glad I've held out so far!)

It really does. It also shows us what the LX platform is truly capable of.

[fnkychkn]

great info E8502. can't wait to torture test one of those. yeah baby!!!!

[E8502]

You'll just have to borrow a friends one for the day. And maybe buy a new set of rear tires. Lol.

It should be noted that GeorgeJetson of Allpar Forums is suggesting that there will only be one version of the Challenger - the 6.1L version shown in the spy pictures. I find this info hard to believe (considering a number of factors), but it should be noted anyway.

[kudasai]

anybody got an idea when we can start pre ordering? i just decided to flush all the new money i make as a warrant :D

[DMAG]

	Quote:			Originally Posted by E8502
	It should be noted that GeorgeJetson of Allpar Forums is suggesting that there will only be one version of the Challenger - the 6.1L version shown in the spy pictures. I find this info hard to believe (considering a number of factors), but it should be noted anyway.

I can't see that happening. They need to get volume to pay for this offshoot of the platform. I wonder if the Firepower will be based of this as well?

[jaak]

Paint it silver and it's going to start looking a lot like Joe Rogan's "Sick Fish" 'Cuda...

[SRT84me]

This looks awesome!!! I am so glad i have waited and waited and waited for this car. Came close a couple of times to grabbing an 05' Mustang GT or a Charger Daytona, now i know had i gotten one i would have been kicking myself on this very day. Now the waiting game begins again. Colors, Trims, Interiors, 392 Hemi/6.1L 425, Price, SRT greatness, 6spd man tranny...... Can it get any better?

[moparman53]

Is it still considered a LX?

I don't care what Allpar says, it looks great. The Charger sort of hints at it's roots, while this thing shouts them.

[Daytona1146]

Perfect! By the time the Challenger is out my kids will be out of those damn car seats and I can go back to a 2 door car. Don't get me wrong, I love my Charger Daytona, but how can you beat a new Challenger/Hemi/6-speed.

[gn300]

[QUOTE=SRT84me]This looks awesome!!! I am so glad i have waited and waited and waited for this car. Came close a couple of times to grabbing an 05' Mustang GT or a Charger Daytona, now i know had i gotten one i would have been kicking myself on this very day. Now the waiting game begins again. Colors, Trims, Interiors, 392 Hemi/6.1L 425, Price, SRT greatness, 6spd man tranny...... Can it get any better?[/QUOTE
In a word yes,yes, it can CONVERTABLE!!!!!!!!

[bluefox]

In the old old days Plymouth had the Roadrunner and the Cuda...Dodge had the Charger and the Challenger. It looks like Dodge is returning to the late 60's Glory days. With the Plymouth name gone, why could'nt Chrysler take up the name sake... and bring back those two old friends. (Roadrunner and Cuda)
Then all would be well in MOPAR land. Just dont bring back the Valliant! ugly!

[MattRobertson]

	Quote:			Originally Posted by bluefox
	Just dont bring back the Valliant! ugly!

No way! Bring back the Valiant! My first car.

• 225 Slant-Six that was so simple even I could work on it.
• Plastic and vinyl interior, so when one of my friends barfed in it all I had to do was pull it up on the lawn, open the doors, roll down the windows and get out the garden hose (yes I really did that).
• Nice high clearance so I could drive cross-country. Roads optional.
• Innovative cooling system: When the temp outside hits 100+ degrees, roll all the windows down and turn on the heater. Thoughtful design keeps the engine from boiling over at sustained highway speeds. But you need to wear thick shoes and socks.

Dang that was a fun car.

On a more modern note, I visited my dealer and inquired about pre-ordering with the fleet manager. They don't do waiting lists and there is no way to pre-order with DC, but my sales guy has me down as a sucker with a desire to spend money. I'm sure I'll hear from him.

[apollo]

Being somebody who will never buy a Korean or Japanese car, because I find them blander than vanilla icecream, I am of opinion that Detroit finaly got it.

Cars need to envoke emotions. My Maggie gets my heart pumpin every morning much better than that over-caffinated cup of espresso I make myself.

Yes, a lot of people just want a boring car to take them from point A to point B, but there is a very considerable number of people (babyboomers with the kids out the house and late 20s to 30s more successful males) who want something different and are not willing to be in the same ranks as the neighbor next door or pimplefaced Honda-drivin' teen.

That said Detroit needs to get a handle on the overpromissed wages and benefits. Clean up and move on. To be competitive with the Asian brands only having good cars won't do. Costs got to be worked out too.

That all said, great job on the concept car. Lets see if the oil will stay below $3.00, so the boys at DCX don't change their mind on 6.1 with 6 manual.