The Dodge Callenger
Back on topic, eh?
So some of the things I've read after coming back from work:
- The Style is Wrong: I whole-heartedly disagree. Sure, the "retro" fad may be played out and "wrong" for some people, but it still is a very popular thing in some people's eyes. Considering that only
two cars from America have been released in "retro" style (The GT, Mustang), I can't really fault the overall idea. Throw in the MINI, the 500, New Beetle, F-Type, etc... Its just a minor trend that will only go on for so long. Sure, the Challenger will be joined by the Camaro (which really isn't all that retro when seen in person) and the updated Mustang, but so what?
You've got to also remember the economics of the issue; The "Baby-Boomers" grew up loving and driving these cars and then had to give them away for Dodge Caravans when the kids arrived. Now that they're empy-nesters, have a 401K to spend, and want these good-looking and fun to drive cars again, well, it makes sense to cater to those needs and desires... God forbid the American companies do that for once...
- The Price: While the other SRT-8 cars have indeed been a fair bit of performance for not much money (by comparison to cars like the CTS-V, M5, E63, etc...), that by no means translates into instant sales. You will always seen ten times as many R/Ts and 300Cs than SRT-8 versions of the different models, and I assume it will be much the same case with the Challenger in 2009.
Like Toronado said, $38K buys you a lot of car elsewhere. Thats nearly in 500 BHP Cobra territory (depends on the markup... We've got an extra $20K stuck to ours), and God only knows what GM will do. Considering that this Challenger has "only" 425 BHP, that isn't much at that asking price. Ford still has the "Hurricane" V8 to play with on the updated GT models, and while GM hasn't said officially what the Camaro will back, its safe to assume that there will be a 400 BHP model for right around $30K.
That extra cash just doesn't seem worth it to me. They (Cerberus/Chrysler) are banking on MOPAR fans to come out and get the first cars, which will likely be the case, and afterwards, won't worry too much about the SRT-8 models and instead focus on the regular R/T versions (which is where the attention should have been focused anyway...). The problem is, the LX chassis is too heavy and will likely be out-of-date by the time this car finally shows up. Sure, Zeta isn't light either, and I doubt the Orion chassis (Mustang) is any better either. But, nevertheless, they are new, LX is not.
- Transmissions: I don't think there will really be a
huge problem with the 5-speed slushbox, but the thing is, you're going to want a manual transmission anyway. Its how it should be done, every time. But even then, the Camaro will likely have a 6-speed box, the updated Mustang may even get the same, so again, Chrysler will be behind... And that includes the choice of the T56. The General already has a modified version of it in the Corvette and Commodore/etc, and I assume Ford will be doing the same, so again, why not Chrysler?
- Would I Still Want One?: Hell Yes!
The fact that these incredibly awesome concept cars are going from turntable to driveway in less than three or four years is just awesome, and furthermore, not losing much of the overall look is certainly something worth appreciating. The big problem with Chrysler is that they are behind the times, out of cash, and desperately need something like this to bring interest back to the company.
If I'm getting one, I'm going for the standard R/T with the 360 BHP 5.7L HEMI and the T56. I want it in Plumb-Crazy Purple, no stripes, 19" wheels with summer rubber, and the most basic interior made possible. Keeps prices down, makes it a bit more modest, and overall, not as cocky.
...But who am I kidding? I'd rather have the Camaro anyway. Well, my Dad is getting one, but I get to sit in it right?
Would you rather have a 1994 Corvette or a 2008 Corvette?
