Yikes!

 

Hi y'all -

First off, the Challenger will be a little lighter than the Charger. FYI, a V6 Charger's weight is about the same as a loaded Taurus's -- a little over 3800 lb. A loaded SRT Charger is 4160. They're big, but they're not THAT big. (Ignore the concept's weight -- it's a hacked-up Magnum with a hand-formed body, not at all representative of the production version.)

A 6.1 -- or 6.4 -- Challenger should weigh about what a GT500 weighs. As you know, the GT500 seems to be able to get out of its own way without too much trouble.

There will be a V6 from the get-go -- Mopar's 3.5L, making 250 hp. It'll be heavier than a V6 Mustang, but it'll have 40 more HP. Performance should be comparable, and the Challenger will have a real 3-place back seat.

6.1 will be available from the start, rated at 435 hp. Expect base on the 6.1s to be comparable to an entry GT convertible, around $31k. There will be only three options on the 6.1s for MY08 -- stripes, HIDs, and nav -- so MSRPs should stay below $35k. All 08s will be automatic trans. The first run -- MY08s -- will be limited and will start in April; 09s will NOT be limited, will offer the 5.7 as well as a manual trans option on the 6.1, and will commence in mid-summer of next year. A convertible will appear about a year later, as will a higher-horse SRT version (probably with a 6.4 Hemi, though it may end up being bigger. HP should be well over 500.) The performance benchmarks on the SRT Challenger are said to be halfway between a GT500 and a Z06. If you've driven an SRT product, you know they don't screw around -- much like SVT in the old days, their products are well-thought-out and complete.

The Challenger will NOT be limited production, will NOT be V8-only, and will be priced aggressively. Chrysler wants to keep that plant (which also produces Charger, Magnum, and 300) working three shifts, and may be trying to get out of the rental-fleet business like everyone else. Any rumors you hear about "limited production" almost certainly originated with dealers trying to bring in early deposits and commit buyers to prices way over MSRP far in advance. Don't believe 'em, and don't believe any dealer who says they're already taking orders: the cars will not be available for order until September at the earliest.

Chrysler would love to sell 100k Challengers a year. I doubt they will, but we'll see.

That's the latest word from the best sources in Mopar-land.

Cheers.

 

There's the deal breaker right there.

Well, it wasn't the dealers who were saying limited production, it was all the magazines, based upon info they were getting from inside Chrysler.

But if the situation has changed, then Mopar enthusiasts will no doubt be very pleased.

I still have a hard time believing there will be a V6, however. Any way you slice it, that car is big...and will be concomitantly heavy.

 

Lets say 45+ for SRT8 Challenger+ADM the GT will still be more bang for the buck!

 

Gah!? That would be mighty impressive!

 

I as going to ask if you were CRAZY................... Then I look at your signature!

I decided you are!

 

I think I remember reading when the Challenger concept first came out that they were concerned about where they could fit the Challenger on the line since they were overloaded with 300, Charger and Magnum sales. I also remember them mentioning the possiblity of building another factory. Perhaps when these space problems existed, if they really did, then they were going to give priority to the Hemi models and not build any V6's, but now maybe they either went ahead and built the new factory or have had decreased sales of the sedans that have left room to proceed with the V6.

 

Yeah, yeah. We'll see.

 

Aye, and if my grandmother had wheels, she'd be a wagon.

 

That's a pretty accurate assessment of a Charger R/T vs. Mustang comparison.

The Challenger will be 4 inches wider than your Charger because it is being built on the new LY platform. Weight is still an unknown, although it's reasonable to assume it will weigh around 4,000lbs.

Considering a 6.1 425hp Charger SRT8 weighing over 4,200 lbs has established itself as a very low 13 second car on average, despite it's 5-speed auto. It may also be a reasonable assumption that a manual shifted 6.1 Challenger will be slightly quicker, depending on gearing, etc. Furthermore, the Challenger is going to have a mildly tweaked 6.1, so the existing 425 hp rating in the SRT8's may be another 10hp or so in a Chally.

It'll be a stout low 13 car or possibly better.

I honestly don't know where some of you guys get your information, but it isn't coming from Chrysler.

All 08 Challengers are not going to be automatics, although they will be the first off the line for the 08's. 6-speed manuals will be produced in 08.

No final pricing has been announced, but count on an aggregious dealer mark up 'ala the GT500.

The 6.1 hemi rumoured to have around 435hp in the Challenger, will be eclipsed by a 500 plus hp SRT. This is the Challenger I will likely buy.

I will say this much. I am not a brand bigot at all. We have a Honda, a Dodge, and a Ford. I can find things to like a bout all of them. Our SRT8 is an incredible car. It has been no more or less troublesome than my wife's Accord, or my Mustang.

This was a great business decision by Chrysler, and I'm glad to see it done right. The only potential fly in the ointment is not welcoming the aftermarket the way Ford has.

 

If you can get one. Trouble with these is they may suffer from the same ridiculous mark-ups as the GT500...only the rich need apply.

But if you can get one, then get one, because these cars won't be around for much longer. Not with new Federal EPA mandates right around the corner.

I also expect the 400 HP Camaro will outperform the 6.1L Chally.

 

Agreed, the mark up will undoubtedly be off-putting to most, and the EPA regulations might halt the hp war.

I wouldn't bet the farm on the Camaro having any edge over the Challenger though. Based on what we know this far, the curb weights and power output for both are very similar. The Camaro will be lighter, but all indications are not by very much.

Remember, a 3,800lb 400hp GTO and the current 4,200lb SRT8's are very evenly matched.

I'd be willing to wager the Camaro and Challenger will be within a tenth or two of straight line perfromance. Nothing significant or consistant.

 

I think with a V6 available it should outsell the GTO 3 to1.
Oh wait...
That would be how many?