Right now just rumors. Can't get Scott to confirm anything concrete in that area. "Supposedly" the Z28 is going to be the top end this time with the LS9, a supercharged 6.2, which is the same motor in detuned guise as the ZR1 with a "rumored" 550 hp. Expect the SS to be around the 435+ with the LS3 "if" the "sources inside GM" from a couple of different mags as well as our own insiders are correct. Of course none of this is confirmed yet, but it does make sense on many different levels and is very viable.

 

All this talk about the Challenger being heavy is so over blown.

Ever look at how well an SRT8 performs? The handling, breaking, and acceleration they produce is nothing short of impressive for a big 5 passenger car weighing over 4200 lbs. Matter of fact they out perfrom our GT's in slalom, lateral G, braking, and acceleration. Every time I spin the key on our Magnum SRT8 it impresses me, and I have to admit the build quality is much better than my GT's.Tight as a drum, and no rattles!!

Guys an SRT8 will perform door handle to door handle with an LS2 GTO with some clipping high 12 seond runs stock. Who gives a rat's butt if it weighs as much as a GT500?

Using tha tlogic it's pretty easy to conclude that a Challenger weighing a couple hundred pounds less and with a 6-speed manual will be a solid 12 second car in the right hands. Add to that the later SRT version will be getting the larger 6.4 500+hp hemi, and what's not to like?

To answer the question - I really would trade the Mustang for the Challenger if I could get my hands on a 6-speed 6.1 verssion for under 45k, but I just have a feeling that those cars are going to command a ridiculous ADM for the first year or two.

 

Don't quote me on this but i thought the base V8 for the Challenger was a 5.7 Hemi with 340HP while the SRT was gonna get a 6.0 or so with 425HP? Is the Challenger SRT gonna have a different motor than the Charger and Magnum SRTs? If it is a 500HP car then I agree at a 12 second car I justthought that it would have the weight of a GT500 with 75 less HP

 

The 425 HP hemi was 6.1 I thought.

 

Your right slim, as of now the top dog Hemi only makes 425HP. I don't think there is gonna be a 500HP Challenger. If there is its gonna be a new engine. So the Challenger will weigh about the same as a GT500 but with 75 less HP? should be a solid mid 13 second car. I think the one advantage the Challenger is gonna have over both the Camaro and Mustang is the ride quality. It's gonna be a boulivard crusier from what I can gather but a nice ride

 

Ok I got details on the new Challenger. For the first year only the top dog SRT version will be availible with a 6.1 425HP Hemi, and all will be auto-sticks. Rumor has it that the car will sell for about $60,000 (ADMs included???) In 09' Dodge will introduce the base V8 5.7 with 350HP and a base model with a 3.5 V6. So far no confirmation of a convertible.

 

in my opinion, its a sick looking car, but the b pillar totally ruined the look for me. it takes away from the entire car.

my buddy says he's gonna buy one and blow my doors off, but theres no way he's got the money! plus by then i will have my shakercharger hopefully

hehehe

 

Is the 6.1 only available in the SRT cars?

 

As of this time yes, only the SRT's get the big hemi.

 

I heard a rumor that seond year into the Challenger model, dodge will introduce a 6.4 HEMI that is supposedly going to put out between 505-535 NA.. I can only imagine how much that one will be... 60-65 would not surprise me.. They did have a mocked up Challenger ina recent Mopar magazine with the 6.4 and it was set up like one of the early 70's Ramcharger Challenger and it was cracking 10.80's on the motor , but that was with very steep gears< ie like 4.88's> I do remember reading that they got the curb weight down to 3500..

 

I like the way Dodge is approaching the upcoming Challenger. I have read numerous articles that Dodge will sell Challenger racecars, similar to the Mustang and that they will have a dedicated high performance divison. I just hope Ford doesnt take too long developing the Hurricane/Boss engines. The F-150 feels ememic compaired to every other full size truck on the market and the same could happen to the Mustang with both the Challenger and Camaro promising at least 400HP at launch.

 

More bad news for the Mustang, the top line SRT8 Challenger will have a base price of about $38,000. This car should run neck and neck with the GT500 (even at sticker price is something like 43k). I think the 320HP Shelby GT costs more than the top dog Challenger!!! Hopefully we will see a 400HP SE for about 35k and maybe even bump up the output of the GT by 50HP or so...

 

Naw, the GT500 will still out run it if the drivers are comparable. Simple math puts the GT500 ahead by a second (500hp @ 3900 lbs vs 425hp @ 4160 lbs.) and in a 1/4 mile sprint thats a pretty hefty advantage.

I've been told GT500's aren't running what they should and if the GT500 isn't out pacing the Challenger by .75 to .50 of a second, somebody better take a closer look at the GT500 (ala' 99 Cobra debacle).

In terms of power, drivetrain effciency, and weight, the GT500 has the advantage.

 

the dodge website says MSRP on the SRT8 will be 40095

 

1st - Don't forget that the SRT8 Challenger will be marked up. They will be limited quantity and Dodge salesmen are drooling at the possible markups, which are driven by demand and we know this car will be in very high demand.

2nd - The Challenger will not run neck and neck with the GT500. It has less power and is heavier but the main reason is because the 2008 version will be all automatics!!!

I do agree the SGT is priced to high but other than that your facts are all wrong!

 

Here you go...Dodge dealers are starting the gouge early!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2008-...QQcmdZViewItem

 

I am strictly talking about MSRP, the GT500 is a bargain if it can be had for MSRP (can't be done where I live). The only FACTS I stated was that the MSRP was lower and Dodge will have a dedicated race program. I now feel that the 09' base V8 will be much closer to price with the GT than I first thought. I "feel" this car will run closer to the GT500 than people think. Who knows if it will be much heavier? I don't even think that specs are even availible yet.... I don't see it weighing much more than the 500. The Hemi is lighter than a supercharged 5.4 and nobody knows if the car will have weight saving materials. I agree that the autostick may rob power but at the same time I've been in an SRT Charger and I was impressed with how well the shiftpoints are when pushing the car to its limits. Though I agree the GT500 will likley be faster I doubt it will be by a wide margin. Also performance is more than just 1/4 times. I have a feeling that with an IRS and less weight up front will make this a very good handling car. Either way I'm kinda glad to see competiton for the Mustang, now Ford has to try to out-do GM and Chysler which makes everyone a winner!

 

hey this is wierd..... on the first dodge challenger page its says "MSRP starting at 40098 and then when you click the news section it says 38000. Hmmm

 

Rumor is they forgot to add the $2,100 gas guzzler tax to the original price of 38,995, Website now says $40,095, or whatever.

Good points 97GTO, this is great for the consumer. A new muscle car war is a great thing; as much as I love my GT, I'm not sure what car I will be driving in 2-3 years but I have great options that include the Challanger, Camaro, GTO, or just whipplecharging my stang. Should be alot of fun!

 

I agree with you, I love the 05 Mustang but I also like the Challenger and Camaro. Though I have only owned Mustangs in the past my next purchase will be based on the best car for the money. I have a bad feeling that if Ford doesnt give the GT a serious bump in HP the new Camaros and Challengers will walk all over them for maybe 2-3k more. base V8 Camaro rumored to have 400HP base V8 Challenger gonna have 350HP.......