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Dodge released the starting price for the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 earlier this week. For $37,995 you could get your hands on one of the limited edition models. Well now it looks like that price was not entirely correct.
Thanks to the gas guzzler tax the initial price of the Challenger is now $40,095. Potential buyers have to pay a gas guzzler tax of $2,100.
Most people have already said that the $38K price tag was too high, but now how do you feel about having to pay just over $40K for Dodge's new muscle car?
Click here to go to the Challenger's website
Full Story: Autoblog
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Comments (68)
no way!
Posted by bc | December 1, 2007 12:19 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 12:19
Here in snowy Minnesota all that power to the rear wheels will end you up in a ditch or on your roof in a hurry.....you betcha!!!
Posted by hal9001 | December 1, 2007 12:48 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 12:48
$40K.. I'll take a G37, please. Might not pump off 15015410 HP, but it's plenty fast, comfortable, HANDLES like a dream, whipes my ass, and doesn't guzzle gas.
the G37 is definately better looking. I just saw the taillight... WHAT THE HELL. did somebody stick a widebeam lazer back there??!
Posted by Tony | December 1, 2007 1:26 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 13:26
I've always questioned Chrystler's car development choices... How long do you think before they ax this car due to lack of sales? While you see the other two domestics focusing on cars that can make them money, you still see Chrystler trying to market cars for a niche market. I hope they break even on this vehicle.
Posted by Curtis R. | December 1, 2007 1:30 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 13:30
Ford sold the reborn Mustang for a achievable price...success! Ford screwed itself up pricing the little Tbird to high and sold an average vehicle in limited numbers and where is it now? Chrysler desparate for cash thinks it has a winner? hum, viper or Challenger ...? $40,000 buys alot of great cars that are not chryslers..
Posted by David | December 1, 2007 1:31 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 13:31
Ford sold the reborn Mustang for a achievable price...success! Ford screwed itself up pricing the little Tbird to high and sold an average vehicle in limited numbers and where is it now? Chrysler desparate for cash thinks it has a winner? hum, viper or Challenger ...? $40,000 buys alot of great cars that are not chryslers..
Posted by David | December 1, 2007 1:31 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 13:31
Yikes, that means it is in BMW 335i territory. I mean if it outperforms it, it could potentially sell to the people just looking for performance over luxury, like the Corvette.
Still a a lot of money, though. Too much for your average joe.
Posted by Joan of Arc | December 1, 2007 2:00 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 14:00
This car is far better looking than a G35 or G37 but it's not trying to compete with the Jap cars. It's competing with the Mustang and new Camaro. I think price is still a little high for the target market as Mustang GT's sell for an easy 10K less and the new Camaro will likely have better handling and be quicker with just 400HP base V8 for around $35K.
As for the BMW 335 just wait until all those turbo failures start adding up in a couple of years. You don't get much over 100k out of high performance turbos and those units are around 10K to replace.
Face it $40K is what this type car cost. Are there any other 400+HP out there for less? I could never be happy driving a car that everyone else has. The limited production along with niche market will make this car special for the 1st year or so.
Everyday I pass 20 350z, g35, and Mustangs most driven by young guys. Based on my personal observation it's a pretty good idea to keep these powerful rides out of the hands of these "I know how to drive types". If that offends you, you're most likely one of them.
Posted by RX-7 Guy | December 1, 2007 2:28 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 14:28
You've got to be out of you mind to purchase this car. 40K for an ugly muscle car. I take a G37, TL-S over this ugly car any day
Posted by Acura | December 1, 2007 2:40 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 14:40
$40,000 is a lot for that kind of car i think.... i wonder how many Dodge will sale. Im sure the collectors will like this car
Posted by Kevin Do | December 1, 2007 2:47 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 14:47
Keep in mind that $40k is for the 6.1L, 425hp SRT8 model, equivalent to a GT500 Mustang or theoretical SS Camaro. Lower priced V8/V6s will follow later to compete with the GT and Z28.
Posted by RatMotor | December 1, 2007 2:50 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 14:50
75hp short, 200lbs more weight....and folks called the GT500 all kinds of names before it came to market for the same money. Guess it was a bargain afterall....
You would think if SRT was going to market a muscle car in this price range, it would at least be equivelent to its competition of 2 years ago. Naa, Dodge boys never did 'get it'
Nice looking car though. I'll keep the GT500.
Posted by Rat Killer | December 1, 2007 3:18 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 15:18
I know beauty is subjective, but anyone who thinks this car is ugly is smoking crack - IMO.
As for the price... $40K is a lot of money. This is a pretty nice car, though. It's probably priced about $2.1K too high.
Gas guzzler tax? Give me a break. Tax the gas we put in the car and if this car uses more gas than the next car then the driver will pay proportionally higher taxes for driving it. It's called an indirect tax, it's in the constitution, and it's a fair system. Any additional tax is a scam.
Posted by Nate | December 1, 2007 3:36 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 15:36
RatMotor:
You're right but the GT500 and Camaro SS both have 500HP. The Camaro will get a LS3 400+HP V8 unless something changes as the base V8. Based on the late GTO and current Charge SRT8 should have very similar performance 13s 1/4 vs 13.3s. So unless this is a significantly re-tuned 6.1L Hemi it will have to work hard to match the Mustang GT's performance of 13.5s 1/4. and on a good day be a few tenths behind V8 Camaro. As for collectors it's just not that special beyond the first 10 or so.
Posted by RX-7 Guy | December 1, 2007 3:38 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 15:38
Nice car... overly expensive though, I live in Mexico, and I'm just wondering: Just how much will it cost down here? (Take into account that the 300C SRT8 costs around 50k, and that one isn't a special introductory model. And the Mustang costs around 30k. Man this one's gonna cost an arm and a leg.) I don't think we'll see a lot of them, if they decide to bring it here...
Think I'm better off trying to get a Focus ST220 (European model no less), or a Reanult Megane Sport.
And I agree, it's to become a collectors sweetheart (A garage primadonna=
Posted by Drakken 04 | December 1, 2007 3:41 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 15:41
They will sell everyone they make is this limited production run.
Bob
Posted by Bob | December 1, 2007 4:24 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 16:24
They will sell everyone they make in this limited production run.
Bob
Posted by Bob | December 1, 2007 4:24 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 16:24
It was a loss at $37,000. At $40,000, its even worse. Yeesh.
Posted by Allen | December 1, 2007 4:59 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 16:59
On a side note thats still partially related I guess, the Camaro will debut with the L76 V8 that makes 361 hp, and an LS3 will likely be optional (OR they will discontinue the Z06 Corvette since they will have the ZR-1, and place the LS7 in the Camaro just like Yenko did)(can you say "Yenko Special Edition" in 2009?).
The LS3 will overpower the 6.1L SRT motor with no trouble, and probably get better mileage (just knowing the Hemi engine). And if all goes well the Camaro will debut around the price of the G8, with the LS3 reaching up to the mid-high 30s. That means the LS3 will be cheaper than the 6.1. And the new Camaro doesn't already look old with a mono-constructed taillight.
Posted by Allen | December 1, 2007 5:05 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 17:05
I believe the first Challenger will be auctioned on Barrett-Jackson. There are a lot of Mopar fans that have been waiting for this vehicle. I am one of them. I believe it is going to appeal to the over 40 year old buying market. I am 41 years old and I think it is a great looking car. I had a 71 Cuda in high school and regret the day that I sold it. Trying to buy even a small block 318 seventy's area Challenger or Cuda will demand a premium let alone a big block with a 426 Hemi or a 440. Looks are subjective to the buyer. It will be interesting to see what the dealer mark up will be on this vehicle. I remember looking at a Ford Mustang Cobra and they had the vehicle marked up from 35K to 40k. My personal feeling is that the vehicle should be priced between 35k – 37k.
Posted by Gene | December 1, 2007 5:17 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 17:17
As Allen said, base V8 Camaro will hopefully be the same price as the G8. The top model will likely be mid 30s. That's if GM wants them to sell.
I'd easily take a G8 over the SRT8 Challenger. Now $12,000 cheaper, 6 speed auto instead of a 5, and easily modifiable to get the same or more power.
Posted by David | December 1, 2007 5:55 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 17:55
I have no idea why this car is being compared to a g37 too totally diffrent types of cars. Yes this thing is expensive but it looks very nice and will probably be pretty quick but its out there to compete with other high model street cars like the gt500 chevrolet camaro cars like that. The g37 is competing with the bmw 335i which is has to be cheaper so people will even consider the nissan.
Posted by unknown | December 1, 2007 5:55 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 17:55
First of all like RatMotor said, this is a limited edition making 425 hp. There will be more afordable versions with smaller V8's coming later, the regulary 5.7L Hemi packs a pretty serious punch as well. It has 340 hp and 390 ftlbs.
Posted by Travis Lindsey | December 1, 2007 6:18 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 18:18
I don't think some of you are understand. Dodge isn't trying to convince people who are in the market for a G37 to get a Challenger. They are totally catering to the middle aged yuppies who drooled over the original Challenger, but don't want to pay $50k to $100k for a fully restored original. These people also surely couldn't tolerate the original beast anyway, with a lumpy cam and shaking HEMI, hard rubber tires, bad brakes, no DVD navigation with MP3 capability, oh where would they be? These are also, conveniently, the exact kind of people who can afford one. They don't care if it gets crappy mileage, couldn't be any worse than the wife's ExcursioBurban parked in the garage already, huh? Besides, it's just going to be used to drive to work and back anyway, maybe the occasional dinner and a movie.
Posted by Todd | December 1, 2007 6:43 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 18:43
I agree with all those that compare this to a Japanese car. Lets be honest, cars like the Infiniti G37 and Acura TLS are considered introductory luxury cars which happened to have good performance and handling. This a muscle car. Its just meant to look tough, have a big pushrod engine and go fast in a straight line. Its not meant to be a luxury vehicle or else Chrystler would've badged it as Chrystler and not a Dodge.
stupid people... get ur market segments rite...
Posted by Curtis R. | December 1, 2007 6:48 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 18:48
It's in the same ballpark of all the other SRT8 cars, so I don't see the problem. Comparing prices is stupid. Sure, its in G37 / 3Series ballpark. Mini is in Full size pickup price. Towncars can get up to BMW 5 series.
So, whats my point? They have done their case studies, and people will buy it. Regardless of anyone's perception of worth.
I'll wait for the R/T. I see it being a premium over the Mustang GT, but I also see alot more eye-candy.
In terms of pure performance, handling etc - yea, there are better cars from a technical standpoint - but there's more to life sometimes.
Posted by Mark D | December 1, 2007 8:05 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 20:05
People, people! Nobody COMPARED it to a G37, a few of us just expressed our taste for the G37 over this particular car. You can't compare this car to anything, honestly, since all we know about it is the price, the body, and the engine size.
For what it's worth, I think the people who mentioned this being a niche car hit the nail on the head. My personal opinions aside, the kind of people willing to pay 40K for a muscle car is rare; as a few stated, a good guess on the market would be wealthy people who want a weekend muscle coupe, wealthy tuners, and wealthy fans of the classics.
The problem is that 40K is out of a lot of people's reach, and those who do have the money are usually looking at a more family-oriented car, or a sports-luxo car, or anything but a muscle car. The 'Vettes and Mustangs etc. etc. have a following, but the 40k+ range is definately not dominated by muscle cars.
Again, no flame wars here, just agreeing that this car could very well be doomed from the get-go, especially with the new rage of smaller, fuel efficient hatchbacks and hybrids. Who knows, tho.
Posted by Tony | December 1, 2007 11:23 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 23:23
The car looks great.. Thats about it. Sure it has a powerfull engine, but it needs it for it's high curb weight. Dodge needs to shed some pounds! How American is that?? I LOVE it! But this is way too close to corvette territory. How could anyone choose this over a vette?? The invoice on a bare LS3 corvette is 40,530.. I DO like the Challenger, but it's too fat and too close to the all mighty Corvette in price.
Posted by Andy | December 1, 2007 11:56 PM
Posted on December 1, 2007 23:56
Andy: Thats just what I was thinking: except for collectors, an LS3 Vette is a better deal all around anyway...
Posted by Allen | December 2, 2007 12:13 AM
Posted on December 2, 2007 00:13
Muscle cars shouldn't be priced at BMW 335i levels. Back in 1993 the Camaro Z28 msrp was $16,779 and the BMW 325 was $29,950. If the Camaro was priced at $29,000, I'm sure it wouldn't have been successful. The stereo typical muscle car folk can't afford $40,000. Most want BMW M3 acceleration for the price of an Ford Crown Vic, which the Z28 provided in 1993.
Posted by Goose | December 2, 2007 12:22 AM
Posted on December 2, 2007 00:22
Damn, 40k is too insane. I was hopping for a dirt cheap version for well under 30k so i can upgrade my 69 Swinger to. I don't need 400HP, in fact, i'll even take 100HP as long as it looks as good as that. I don't need to get 150MPH, get a ticket, or die like all the ricers out there.
Posted by Tim | December 2, 2007 4:29 AM
Posted on December 2, 2007 04:29
Yep, this car won't sell very many. I don't even know why Dodge would produce a car like this starting out at 40k. This car should be starting out to compete with the mustang around 18k-20k range. How is this car going to compete with the mustang and new Camero when it cost twice as much starting out?????????
And you wonder why Dodge has been sold twice within the past 10 years.......
Posted by SteelCity1981 | December 2, 2007 5:49 AM
Posted on December 2, 2007 05:49
I love the comments calling other people stupid that are riddled with spelling errors.
As for the Challenger SRT8 targeting a $20,000 Mustang, well that's just retarded. The $20,000 Mustang has a wimpy 230 HP V6 that sounds like someone dropped a bag of gravel in the motor for a finishing touch. You you are comparing the price of horsepower, then $40,000 would be about right compared to a $20,000 Mustang.
And Chrysler has said many times that production of the Challenger SRT will be very limited. I'm sure that it's basically replacing the Magnum on the same production line, and the SRT8 Magnum wasn't cheap either, but it also wasn't an old-school nostalgia factory.
What I want to know is what's going to happen to the Charger, Challenger and Viper when Cerberus finishes reorganizing with all the cars under Chrysler, the trucks under Dodge, and the SUVs under Jeep. I could care less what happens to the Avenger or Caliber. I'm actually hoping neither the Avenger or Caliber survive the reshuffle. Has there been an uglier car than the Caliber since the Pacer? The Aztec doesn't count, it was an SUV.
Posted by Payton Byrd | December 2, 2007 6:11 AM
Posted on December 2, 2007 06:11
The reading of a non-sentence by someone who makes fun of others abilities or lack there of...priceless!
I love the car...I want the car...I can't afford the car.
c'est la vie!
Posted by B Russell | December 2, 2007 7:42 AM
Posted on December 2, 2007 07:42
I really don't think this car is ugly.
People keep saying that this car competes with the Mustang. It doesn't. It it too expensive. The fact that no one can get within $5k of the Mustang is pretty weak. Maybe Hyundai with change that with its genesis-based coupe.
Posted by Mark | December 2, 2007 7:56 AM
Posted on December 2, 2007 07:56
I will not buy that "Very Ugly" retro cars because it seems to me on 60's or 70's design. even the cars equipped with high tech stuff!! I would buy Toyota Yaris Sedan equipped with Garrett Turbo GT2560R that will have power between 200-330Hp.
Posted by Ingkang Kanjeng Sinuwun Ganteng | December 2, 2007 9:06 AM
Posted on December 2, 2007 09:06
I will not buy that "Very Ugly" retro cars because it seems to me on 60's or 70's design. even the cars equipped with high tech stuff!! I would buy Toyota Yaris Sedan equipped with Garrett Turbo GT2560R that will have power between 200-330Hp.
Posted by Ingkang Kanjeng Sinuwun Ganteng | December 2, 2007 9:07 AM
Posted on December 2, 2007 09:07
This car is in no way ugly, it is a beautiful modernized version of the original. It conveys power, performance and style!!
With that said I do feel it is priced just a little too high to be successful in todays market. Sure they may sell the limited production run, but at this price the car may disappear soon after that.
As for comparing it to a G35/G37, yes they are 2 totally different types of car and yes the comparison is valid. Its about getting the most bang for your buck. I think you would get more bang out of a G37 than the challenger at this price point. If I had to make a choice spending $40 it would be the G37, if the challenger was priced lower, I would choose it.
Posted by Kurtis | December 2, 2007 11:23 AM
Posted on December 2, 2007 11:23
If you want hookers, you dont need to buy the car as well.
Posted by Steadler and Waldorff | December 2, 2007 11:23 AM
Posted on December 2, 2007 11:23
@Nate
About the gas guzzler tax, it's actually a tax placed on the manufacturer for producing a low mpg vehicle. This is to discourage the production of wasteful vehicles. The manufacturer is kind enough to pass that tax on to the consumer....
Posted by Rich | December 2, 2007 11:23 AM
Posted on December 2, 2007 11:23
It's a rediculous vehicle. Way to heavy. Your buying a huge motor in a retro package.
Makes for a nice static display, best left parked with the hood up.
If everyone drove cars like this we would have to find some more countries to invade.
Posted by Bill | December 2, 2007 12:25 PM
Posted on December 2, 2007 12:25
At over 40K, its cheaper than the sticker for the GT500. And the GT500 sold for well over sticker. I've seen dealers asking 65K for GT500.
The cost is high, but thats about what the market is for a high-end modern muscle car.
Ford did a good job of pricing the Mustang GT. They did a bad job in letting dealers gouge customers for the GT500. Maybe Chrysler LLC will do better with SRT Challenger.
I think that if Chrysler was going to do a limitied production run on the SRT Challengers, they should have done more to it than just pain/body scheme and a bigger displacement HEMI.
Maybe a Viper V10 block with specially designed HEMI heads. Its a limited run car anyway, so they can take he gamble of one-off production heads. Maybe partner with a shop to get the heads done, someplace like maybe Indy Cylinder Heads or another shop that specializes in Mopar's.
That would make the cost seem more justifiable. The GT500 cost a lot (dealer markup not included). But buyers know they were gettings something a lot different than just a higher displacement modular V8. Built bottom end, DOHC, twin injectors/cylinder, Ford GT intake and heads, Supercharger, the list goes on and on. That Mill was vastly different than the one in the Mustang GT. And it gives the GT500 credibiliity for its 45K+ MSRP sticker.
Drop a V10 in a Challenger, and its a whole new ballgame!
Posted by morgande | December 2, 2007 12:44 PM
Posted on December 2, 2007 12:44
This car isnt for people who are looking at BMWs or Acuras or foreign car or even some domestic cars (CTS). Its for guys like my dad who wishes he would of bought the original when he had the chance or guys who wanna relive part of their past. Trying to say nobody wants this car because there are better cars out there is stupid. Look at people who buy apple computers, they cost a heck of a lot more then the same hardware in a PC but they appeal to them for whatever reason.
~Bob #2
Posted by Bob #2 | December 2, 2007 1:33 PM
Posted on December 2, 2007 13:33
Ok first of all AGAIN you can not just buy a Vette for 40K, The base MSRP is $45,280 I have looked at them a few times and I have never seen one siting anywhere with an asking price of less than 50K and most were on the lot at around 55K
Secondly this is a limited edition version of the car with the high output 425 hp 6.1L SRT engine. Looking at the other SRT-8 based cars real quick tells me that the price will likely drop by around 5K for the 340 hp 390 ftlb 5.7l Hemi which has fuel saving features like MDS that may allow it to sneak by without the gas guzzler tax, which would make it 7K less. The base car may well be the big V6 and looking at the other cars Charger and 300 I would expect it to cost 9~11K less. and would still have 255 hp and 250 ft lbs, It would likely avoid that nasty gas guzzler tax. So will the big V6 Version catch your eye at 27K? it's up to you.
This car is for the people that would love to own an original but can not afford it, A quick look around found a good condition 70 Challenger 440 for 80K, with the hemi models I found going for $160K+, and a black 70 Cuda Hemi going for $500K. There are so many reasons that driving those cars today would be impratical the reliability, and wear and tear on that huge of an investment are just as big of factors as the ride quality and handling.
Lastly Chrysler went this route because of the Mustang, Ford has cut a lot of corners with that car to keep the price so low, the Solid rear axle setup saves several thousand compared to IRS alone. GM also said that they were not going to be able to match prices with the Mustang and that they expected to be 5~6K more for the comparable model IE V6 vs V6, V8 vs V8, Ect. and the new Camaro is Hideously ugly, the front in makes me slightly sick to my stomach every time I see it, and your talking to someone that still stops to look at and adores the original pony cars.
Anyways if you want my view it's this The Mustang is out now looks great sells in huge numbers, and is popular. Both the Camaro and the Challenger are going to be better cars in a lot of ways, including IRS (last I checked both should have it) they will also cost more and sell in far lesser numbers. Why? because the Mustang is a lot more affordable and there is something about it that attracts everyone from school teachers and librarians to hard core gear heads.
Posted by Travis | December 2, 2007 3:31 PM
Posted on December 2, 2007 15:31
Does anyone think they won't sell every single one of these that they produce? This 6.1L Hemi is not going to be made in the 100's of thousands.
The market these cars are targeting are folks that have plenty of money. They remember this kind of car in their youth and now they have a chance to get one of their own now that they have money to pay for it.
The styling is great, the performance will be wonderful, and this will be a successful car in the short term. Long term? Who knows. My guess is that this car will have a 5 year lifespan. I'm not sure how much money it will make, but if it brings people into the dodge dealer...is that a really losing proposition?
#1: The car will be plastered all over the car magazines.
#2: You won't be able to avoid hearing "dodge challenger" mentioned over and over in many different circles.
#3: You will see this car and say "Wow. That's sweet."
Good publicity for the dodge nameplate won't hurt at all.
I just wish we had something out there that was made by them that got around 70 MPG. I don't want the government to mandate this, however.
Posted by Bill Jenkins | December 2, 2007 4:52 PM
Posted on December 2, 2007 16:52
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/info.shtml#guzzler
http://www.speedsportlife.com/2007/04/17/slight-of-hand-epa-fails-to-adjust-gas-guzzler-tax-benchmarks-to-match-new-mpg-numbers/
$2,100 Gas Guzzler Tax = between 18.5 & 19.4 combined MPG, and does NOT use the new EPA standards, but rather the OLD standards.
(1/(.495/City MPG + .351/Highway MPG)) + .15
Meaning possible outcomes:
City 13MPG/ Hwy 22-25MPG
City 14MPG/ Hwy 19-21MPG
City 15MPG/ Hwy 17-18MPG
13 city to 22-25 highway seems very far-fetched, and 15 city to 17-18 hwy seems too low for highway mileage (i hope).
Based off the tax, formula, and a bit of common sense, it seems reasonable that this car will get 14mpg city and between 19-21mpg highway, based on the old EPA standards. When this is converted to the new standards, expect drops similar to other big V8s (about 2mpg drop on city and highway), meaning this car will probably get 12mpg city and 17-19mpg highway.
Top-of-the-line 7L Corvette gets 16 city 26 hwy old testing, and 14/24 new testing.
Even if you ignore the new epa ratings, 14/20 ratings are laughable. There is no autobahn in America; no car's final drive needs to be performance oriented - 4th/5th gear (depending on 5/6sp) should be able to handle accelerating the car just fine without needing the final gear to blow past cars. 5/6th gear should be purely cruising. Has Dodge heard of overdrive gears?
Posted by Tony | December 2, 2007 5:00 PM
Posted on December 2, 2007 17:00
@ Travis
Ford didn't cut a lot of corners with the Mustang. That's how the Mustang has always been in terms of targeting diff class ranges, Thus is why you have the regular version, the GT version, and the Cobra version.... Besides that you sell a lot more cars starting at 18 grand vs starting out at 40 grand. It's called marketing to to diff groups of people based on their earned income.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | December 2, 2007 8:47 PM
Posted on December 2, 2007 20:47
@ SteelCity1981
you are forgetting that this SRT-8 is the equivalent of the cobra version... Dodge is releasing the special edition high performance ones around 6 months or so before the other lower bidget models.
the V-6 version of the challenger will probably start at around $25 000 and sell by the hundreds.
Posted by Dane | December 2, 2007 9:49 PM
Posted on December 2, 2007 21:49
I wouldn't go so far as to say that the Mustang cut corners.
All things being made equal, its very hard to do IRS correctly on a vehicle with a lot of horsepower.
The Mustang GT doesn't have it, but a base level GT doesn't need it. The IRS adds a bit of weight over the linked suspension, and that doesn't fare well for a vehicle with an already heavy curb weight. Not to mention, it adds cost.
In the case of the GT500, its already porky and nose heavy. An IRS good enough to handle 500 HP and a lot of torque adds expense and weight.
Im not saying a IRS is undesireable, because it is. But its not the only suspension system, and it isn't the best. it has pros and cons just like anything else.
Posted by morgande | December 2, 2007 10:40 PM
Posted on December 2, 2007 22:40
@ Dane
But that's just it, there is no other models to make it affordable and competitive with the Mustang or new Camero in the under 25k market.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | December 3, 2007 12:16 AM
Posted on December 3, 2007 00:16
I really love it when people try act mature by saying "I know how to drive types". Trust me it doesn't offend me one bit I love giving you the freedom to open your mouth thats why i am passing you lol.
Posted by EdeNRoW | December 3, 2007 1:08 AM
Posted on December 3, 2007 01:08
This has to be the ugliest 2 door car on the road. Or, should I say future road. Either way, Dodge has really put their eggs in the wrong basket. Chevy will sell the holy begesus out of the Camaro because it looks fantastic. This thing looks horrible... well it looks a lot like the original... which looked horrible!! I am not a chevy fan, I have not owned one since 1991, which was a '66 Chevelle Malibu. I know that people will by this atrocity, and I will openly point and laugh at them as they drive by in thier $40K toilet bowl.
Posted by Turkle | December 3, 2007 1:50 AM
Posted on December 3, 2007 01:50
well, it really appeals to me i am a muscle car guy but i rather have the upcoming Z28 with the LS2 under the hood for $7k less,
anyways many have said it, its the top of the line, the SRT they come apart from usuall dodge/chryslers
as you might know, the MSRP for a 300c/charger-magnun SRT
runs about $40-42k, sure they are doing it the wrong way, and at the end it will backfire just as the T-bird did
they should have the low profile one, first V6 and small V8 and
at the end of the year, R/T, RUMBLE-BEES, and then SRT's
hopefully, GM will do it the right way
Posted by ARX_IROC-Z | December 3, 2007 4:53 AM
Posted on December 3, 2007 04:53
Everyone knows Chrysler engines get poor fuel economy.
A statistically insignificant number of people cross-shop Chrysler muscle cars and import sports sedans.
Chrysler has always been the provide of cheap products with risky (usually good) styling. This is too expensive, and despite the logic that "they'll sell however many they can make", you can bet, that they make however many they can sell. Probably not very many, but enough for the exposure.
Still no listing of HP ratings, which is just ridiculous for this type of car. It should be plastered everywhere.
Posted by Todd | December 3, 2007 9:00 AM
Posted on December 3, 2007 09:00
Chrysler releasing muscle-cars with a retro new look like the charger is one thing, but there's nothing retro (or very little) about this car. It's a new, old muscle car.
As with all if it's "it's got a hemi" line of cars, Dodge will have a hard time selling this one. I don't know too many post-muscle car era folks who will be wanting to buy this one.
...Yet another niche market car that will attract a handful of die-hards, but will otherwise represent an insignificant amount of sales for the company.
Posted by Scotty | December 3, 2007 9:46 AM
Posted on December 3, 2007 09:46
IRS doesn't add more cost and weight: those were the excuses Ford used for the GT500, yet even with a solid rear it's heavier and more expensive than the previous Cobra.
All these new cars make me appreciate the 03/04 Cobra more and more every day. 12.xx 1/4 stock with 0-60 in 4.5 for $24,000 with the potential for 9's with $5k in mods, IRS and 1g cornering and still porky but not obese 3,600 lbs.
And nothing about these new cars' styling says "I'm going to each your lunch and rape your family while you watch" like the low slung negative camber wide aggressive stance of a '03 SVT Cobra Terminator with a screaming Kenne Bell twin screw blower crawling up your rear view before it blows past you.
Posted by Chris | December 3, 2007 11:51 AM
Posted on December 3, 2007 11:51
This car looks like a piece of Crap!!!
I bet its crappy on gas too!!!
I rather Buy Japanese
Frank
Posted by Frank | December 3, 2007 1:41 PM
Posted on December 3, 2007 13:41
Maybe it is a violation of car enthusiats code, but I never found the original Challenger/Mustangs/Camaros really appealing. I know they are muscle cars and go fast in a straight line, but I much rather have a competent sports car/coupe any day of the week. The new Mustang succeeds because although it has a retro exterior, the chassis is all new and priced reasonably. The new Camaro probably will follow suit. The Challenger will probably sell to those types who remember the originals ( and conveniently forgot that they handled horribly, unreliable, had poor quality control back then). But $40K for a piece of nostalgia is alot to ask.
Posted by longdxcommuter | December 3, 2007 4:28 PM
Posted on December 3, 2007 16:28
What about transmission? For this much money, one should expect at least an optional dual clutch, no?
Posted by Tony | December 3, 2007 5:55 PM
Posted on December 3, 2007 17:55
#1 problem. The American automakers are trying to relive the past when they had good times, thus all the retro cars. I really do like this car, but only because I like 60's and 70's muscle cars but no way I am paying 40K for it. People are right, 25K for the stang, you bet! Lets hope the camaro doesn't fall into the same category as this. Yes, I know its the SRT top model first but when Ford released the mustang GT it was 15K cheaper. Considering MSRP for a Shelby GT500 is $40,930 this challenger better stepup if it indeed wants to BE a challenger.
Posted by Carnut57 | December 4, 2007 11:31 AM
Posted on December 4, 2007 11:31
Something just hit me looking a the pictures. Where's the gas tank cover? Anyone else see it?
I love the look of this car. Of course, I'm a huge fan of muscle cars from the 60s and 70s. However, if the gas tank cover is behind the license plate, it just totally turned me away.
Posted by SmileyFace | December 5, 2007 1:23 PM
Posted on December 5, 2007 13:23
aww come on, theres nothing like filling up a car's butthole with gas. seems like the proper place to put that sort of chemical on this ugly beast...
Posted by Tony | December 6, 2007 1:30 AM
Posted on December 6, 2007 01:30
To those of you that have never seen a true muscle car you may want to look again at the Challenger. It was modeled after the 70,71, and 72 challengers and I think they did a great job. As far as how many will they sell, all of them 08 only has 6400 cars it's a limited edition. For those of you looking to spend a little less money stay tuned to 2009. They're coming out with the 5.7 Hemi and a 3.5 V6. Then in 2010 the convertible model..
Posted by Lilmiss454 | September 8, 2008 11:22 AM
Posted on September 8, 2008 11:22
To those of you that have never seen a true muscle car you may want to look again at the Challenger. It was modeled after the 70,71, and 72 challengers and I think they did a great job. As far as how many will they sell, all of them 08 only has 6400 cars it's a limited edition. For those of you looking to spend a little less money stay tuned to 2009. They're coming out with the 5.7 Hemi and a 3.5 V6. Then in 2010 the convertible model..
Posted by Lilmiss454 | September 8, 2008 11:22 AM
Posted on September 8, 2008 11:22
I cant belive some people think they are going to ax this car due to sales. their was a mark up because so many people wanted the car not only because of the gas taxes. Their are some SRT's that have a serial number on the dash, those are worth money.
Posted by JHOLX | September 9, 2008 8:17 AM
Posted on September 9, 2008 08:17
I cant belive some people think they are going to ax this car due to sales. their was a mark up because so many people wanted the car not only because of the gas taxes. Their are some SRT's that have a serial number on the dash, those are worth money.
Posted by JHOLX | September 9, 2008 8:17 AM
Posted on September 9, 2008 08:17
I cant belive some people think they are going to ax this car due to sales. their was a mark up because so many people wanted the car not only because of the gas taxes. Their are some SRT's that have a serial number on the dash, those are worth money.
Posted by JHOLX | September 9, 2008 8:17 AM
Posted on September 9, 2008 08:17
I cant belive some people think they are going to ax this car due to sales. their was a mark up because so many people wanted the car not only because of the gas taxes. Their are some SRT's that have a serial number on the dash, those are worth money.
Posted by JHOLX | September 9, 2008 8:18 AM
Posted on September 9, 2008 08:18