Dodge Challenger News: New Contest, Pricing Announced (kinda)

[YSSMAN]

Chrysler Group is preparing to announce that it has decided to go ahead with production of the Dodge Challenger Concept, according to today's Detroit Free Press. The announcement will be made at the Pepsi 400 NASCAR race in Daytona Beach on Saturday, the report said. The car could come to market as soon as next year, as a 2008 model, Freep said. The newspaper didn't provide further details, other than saying insiders confirmed the decision had been made, and an announcement was imminent. Interestingly, Chrysler has scheduled a media briefing for 12:30 p.m. tomorrow afternoon. Could it be related? We'll keep you posted. [See also: our full report on the Dodge Challenger Concept]. Update: The Wall Street Journal is also reporting that the Challenger has been approved for production. The announcement was moved forward several months to create some buzz for Chrysler, the report says.

...Well, it looks like the Musclecar race is back in full swing now that the Challenger is officaly in the race. I wonder why GM has not said anything offical on the Camaro yet? Oh well, this is just one more thing to pushing them both closer to production.

But, I still want to know what kind of lineup we are looking at in the Challenger. If they are going to follow the current lineup in most of the Dodge/Chrysler models, there technically should only be three to choose from.

Challenger SXT: 3.5L V6 w/ 250-ish BHP
Challenger R/T: 5.7L HEMI V8 w/ 345 BHP
Challenger SRT-8: 6.1L HEMI V8 w/ 425 BHP

 

[Onikaze]

Challenger SXT, 3.5 V-6, 250-270 Hp, $19~23,000
Challenger R/T, 6.1 V-8, 425 Hp, $26~30,000
Challenger SRT-8, 6.4 V-8, 500+ Hp, $35~$45,000

My guesses.

 

[JCE]

Challenger SXT, 3.5 V-6, 250-270 Hp, $19~23,000, will sell a bunch
Challenger R/T, 6.1 V-8, 425 Hp, $26~30,000, won't sell hardly at all
Challenger SRT-8, 6.4 V-8, 500+ Hp, $35~$45,000, won't even make it off the lot with that price

My guesses.

👍

 

[TS]

Pontiac definetly picked a bad time to pull the plug on the GTO, maybe if it went retro in its styling (Like the mustang, camaro and now the Challenger) I think we would be seeing a 21st century mucsle car battle.

 

[Onikaze]

The Challenger, I have a feeling, will come out more expensive and heavier than the Maro or Stang.

So it will come down to fans and or overwhelming horsepower advantage.

 

[YSSMAN]

Pontiac definetly picked a bad time to pull the plug on the GTO, maybe if it went retro in its styling (Like the mustang, camaro and now the Challenger) I think we would be seeing a 21st century mucsle car battle.

GM didn't pull the GTO/Monaro at a bad time, as it needed to be axed to let the VE/Zeta cars come on through. The next-gen GTO/Monaro will be ready in time for the next version of the Mustang and the new Challenger, both apparently 2009 models.

...As for the Challenger, it will be targeting Mopar fans, and nothing else. I don't think it will be small enough to knock-gloves directly with the Camaro and Mustang, and generally speaking given Chrysler's pricing portfolio, it will again be a better compeditor to the GTO/Monte Carlo/Monaro.

 

[Dave A]

Challenger SXT, 3.5 V-6, 250-270 Hp, $19~23,000, will sell a bunch
Challenger R/T, 6.1 V-8, 425 Hp, $26~30,000, won't sell hardly at all
Challenger SRT-8, 6.4 V-8, 500+ Hp, $35~$45,000, won't even make it off the lot with that price

My guesses.

👍

500bhp for $35k and you complain???, we can just about get a Golf GTi for that.

 

[TS]

500bhp for $35k and you complain???, we can just about get a Golf GTi for that.

With the price of gas that it is now, I can imagine why he thinks not many of the SRT-8 Challengers will sell.

 

[Onikaze]

Mind you, this is just a good guess.

They may just put the same 6.1 into the SRT-8, but after hearing about the 6.4, I'd say it's not likely that it wouldn't make it into an SRT-8 model.

As for pricing, well, if they can keep it cheap and make big numbers, it will fare ok, but I see it being third in a lot of comparo's.

 

[Dave A]

With the price of gas that it is now, I can imagine why he thinks not many of the SRT-8 Challengers will sell.

Yeah, your gas is so high it's less than half of the cost of ours. Even for US prices I see that as cheap for a 500bhp muscle car, just struck me as odd thats all.

 

[McLaren]

500HP in a Challenger for under $50K?

Can you say, dead Viper sells? Chrysler's smarter than that.

 

[Onikaze]

I'm pretty sure the Viper will kiss 600 Hp before the Challenger breaks cover.

So, I don't think that is an issue.

 

[McLaren]

A 600Hp Viper won't happen til' '09 given there won't be an '08 model, and the '07s are about to be sold. This all with the Charger possibly selling next year.

 

[JCE]

500bhp for $35k and you complain???, we can just about get a Golf GTi for that.

You have to think of what's in that price range. Not many people with ~$40k are going to spend it on a Dodge...and I'm not being biased about that statement. Dodge isn't considered a luxury brand and $40k is generally considered luxury in the US when referring to domestic vehicles.

For perspective here's ~$40k cars that are in the same saloon class.

2006 BMW 525i $43k
2006 BMW 530i $47k
2006 Merc C350 $39k
2006 Merc E350 $50k (more yes but it is a Merc after all)
2006 Audi A4 3.2L $35k
2006 Audi A6 3.2L $40k
2006 Audi S4 4.2L $46k (a freaking steal with 340bhp/302lb.ft.)
2006 Jaguar S-Type 3.0L $46k
2006 Lexus IS350 RWD $36k
2006 GS300 3.0L AWD $46k
2006 ES350 3.5L $34k
2006 Infiniti G35 saloon $32k--Are you kidding me? That's cheap.
2006 Infiniti M35 Sport $44k
2006 Infiniti M45 Sport $50k
2006 Acura TL 3.2L $34k
2006 Acura RL 3.2L SH-AWD $50k
2006 Cadillac CTS-V $50k

Some may be slower than the Charger, but just look at that list, I'd get every single one of those before I'd spend ~$40k on a Dodge/Chrysler product. Some of those cars with less bhp will outrun and seriosuly out handle the Charger.

 

[Dave A]

I'm getting you, the power is good but if your not specifically interested in the Charger then the power may not be the selling point.

 

[JCE]

I'm getting you, the power is good but if your not specifically interested in the Charger then the power may not be the selling point.

Indeed. I'm not complaining that 500bhp doesn't tickle my funny bone...but if they make the price north of $40k it will be a waste. For $33k I'd take the base G35 saloon or a TL for $34k and have a car that will last much longer and have more luxury oriented features and comfort...and save an assload of cash! Imagine taking the extra $7k-10k and putting modifications on either of those two I mentioned...it would eat alive alot of cars twice their price. 👍

*edit*
THAT'S RIGHT EVERYONE I WOULD OWN A HONDA PRODUCT! The TL is a fantastic bargain, and after driving one I like everything about it except the FWD--which I could live with...with no issues.

 

[YSSMAN]

I really cannot see a 500 BHP Challenger happening, as it just doesn't fit into the Dodge lineup at the moment. The 425 BHP model should be enough to satisfy most of the die-hard Mopar fans, but it's only compeditor would be the Camaro SS (400 BHP) and Mustang BOSS 290, presuming of course they build it.

But the sweet-spot will be the Challenger R/T with the 345 BHP HEMI. It should be able to sell in the middle 20's, lower 30's (I assume the Challenger will be more expensive than it's GM and Ford competition) and show up well against the Mustang GT and Camaro Z/28.

 

[Onikaze]

Know what would be a neat twist?

Use the extra manufacturing of the 300/Charger/Magnum to further drive costs down.

Stick the 5.7 in a "base" Challenger.

I still say that a 500 hp Challenger, or damn close, seems fitting to me.

 

[harrytuttle]

How is the Charger doing in sales? Isn't the fact that it's a automatic-only four-door sedan holding it up, especially in comparison to the Mustang?

And will the Challenger still use the old E-class platform? How much can Dodge hope to cut out to try and get back some of the 500 lb disadvantage the Charger has, in comparison to the Mustang?

I'm not sold. The car will look great, sound great, but it's based on the wrong platform. If the Challenger can't shed that weight, and won't have at least an optional manual gearbox, I won't consider it much of anything but a lame rehash of good history just like the Ford Thunderbird was.

 

[YSSMAN]

The Challenger, as well as the rest of the LX-platform models will be moving to a new, modified version of the LX dubbed the "LY" of which is a retuned vision of the old E-Class design once again.

The "new" chassis should come in a variety of sizies, the Challenger being the smallest, and if the rumors are true, the Imperial being the largest. Mechanical bits and pieces are for the most part going to carry over, but there will be improvements made here and there that are necessary.

As for weight issues, it will be the Challenger's biggest enemy being that it would be the largest of the three in comparison to the Camaro and the Mustang. I would put the weight of the car presumably above 3800, but less than 4000 as that spot is likely reserved for the full-size sedans.

...Much of the car is still a secret unfortunately, and Dodge may even be dumb enough to strap a slushbox to the HEMI given that it has yet to be paired with a true manual transmission as of yet. It is a wait and see game, and we should have more news by tomorow to see what is really going to happen.

 

[YSSMAN]

Allright folks, its offical!

Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda today announced that Dodge Challenger will return to production after a nearly 35-year hiatus. The all-new Dodge Challenger will debut as a 2008 model in calendar-year 2008. The announcement was made shortly before the Pepsi 400 NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Driving out with the Dodge Challenger was Chrysler Group Chief Operating Officer Eric Ridenour.

"We haven't seen this kind of spontaneous, passionate response to a car since we unveiled the Dodge Viper concept in 1989," said LaSorda. "But it's easy to see what people like about the Dodge Challenger. It's bold, powerful and capable. It's a modern take on one of the most iconic muscle cars, and sets a new standard for pure ‘pony car' performance."



The Dodge Challenger will feature the long hood, short deck, wide stance and two-door coupe body style that distinguished the iconic Challengers of the 1970s.



"We drew on the rich heritage of the Dodge Challenger, but with contemporary forms and technologies," said Ridenour. "It's not just a re-creation; it's a reinterpretation."



Dodge's "Pony Car" in the 1970s



The Dodge Challenger made its debut in the fall of 1969 as a 1970 model. While it shared the "E-body" platform with the Plymouth Barracuda, Dodge Challenger's wheelbase was two inches longer, creating more interior space.



The Dodge Challenger was originally offered as either a two-door hardtop or convertible. And, befitting the brand's performance heritage, the Dodge Challenger also went racing in its first year, competing most notably in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans-Am series and National Hot Rod Association's Pro Stock class.



Although it was produced only from 1970 to 1974, the Dodge Challenger earned a reputation as one of the most desirable of the original "pony cars," with meticulously restored and rare examples today selling for six-figure prices.



In its first year, Dodge Challenger was offered in a limited-edition T/A model to meet homologation requirements for SCCA Trans-Am racing. In 1971, a Dodge Challenger paced the Indianapolis 500 race. New front-end styling in 1972 featured a larger, "egg-crate" grille. In April 1974, Challenger production ceased. Over a five-year span, approximately 188,600 Dodge Challengers were sold.



The Dodge Challenger is another chapter in Chrysler Group's long history of bringing concepts quickly to production, including the Dodge Viper, Plymouth Prowler, Chrysler PT Cruiser and Jeep® Compass.



"Our product development system allows us to quickly turn concepts into high-quality production vehicles," said Ridenour. "We're justifiably proud of our speed to market, and Dodge Challenger is the latest example of our focus on getting gotta-have-it vehicles to our customers."

So now that it is offically announced and for certain in 2008, it makes you wonder how long unill not only the Camaro is officaly announced, but how soon it will be available for purchase.

 

[Onikaze]

Cool, I knew it was a matter of time.

The Camaro, well, come on, who's kidding themselves here that GM isn't just trying to space things out and build an-tici...






-pation.

Me, I'm not a Mopar fan, and it will almost certainly be too heavy for my taste, but it's one of those cars that just makes me happy knowing it's there.

 

[YSSMAN]

Something for ya all...

 

[YSSMAN]

More production details have been announced:

Chrysler will use its Brampton, Ontario plant to build 30,000 Dodge Challengers per year, according to a report by Canada's Globe and Mail. The report confirms previous rumors that the Challenger would be a relatively low-volume model, with a limited number of configurations. The Brampton plant currently builds all Dodge Magnum, Charger and Chrysler 300C units. With sales of those vehicles slowing slightly, there will be room for production of the Challenger. In April, a published report indicated that the car would be offered as a V8 manual-only configuration. Chrysler's strategy contrasts with GM's plan to sell 100,000 Camaros annually, in both V8 and V6 configurations. Yearly production of the Ford Mustang is even higher — 192,000 units in 2005.

So now that we know it will be 80,000 V8-powered, manual cars only... They must be doing the 6.1L w/ the Tremec T-56, so I would think the 4.5 second 0-60 and top speed north of 170 MPH seems reasonable.

...Now if only GM can get the word out the Camaro is offical, then we can have an all-out war on our hands.

 

[m.piedgros]

We WILL be seeing a 21st century muscle car battle, and I think these cars will sell well, as with this "Ask Dr. Z" campaign people are learning more about the Mercedes-Chrysler relationship. People are learning now that the Charger is essentially an E-Class with different styling, different badges, and a hemi. People are buying the Charger... I don't see why the Challenger won't sell. From what I hear it will be a two door, that is what apparently a lot of people wanted from the Charger, so they'll be getting what they asked for and buying it. The only draw back, gas prices. Will people want the gas monsters or is the market ready to go diesel?

m.piedgros

 

[DuckRacer]

The only draw back, gas prices. Will people want the gas monsters or is the market ready to go diesel?

m.piedgros

Everyone complains, but they'll still pay. Gas isn't a deal breaker for the type of people who would buy the Challenger. Until gas gets to $5 a gallon (and it'll take a while for that to happen), people won't mind buying gas hogs.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

...Well, it looks like the Musclecar race is back in full swing now that the Challenger is officaly in the race. I wonder why GM has not said anything offical on the Camaro yet? Oh well, this is just one more thing to pushing them both closer to production.

I have a feeling GM has not decided on the New Camaro yet because a lot of Camaro owners are not happy with that new design. Actually a lot of people I know are not happy with the new Camaro design. Especially most 69 Camaro owners like myself. Its supposed to resemble the 69 but the side body is not even close. Its more like a 67-68 which is completely different. The front is cool looking but I dont like the rest of the Camaro at all.
I would pick that new Challenger over the new camaro any day. That Challenger is sick!!!
I like how the hood induction flaps open at the end of the video when you acclerate. That reminds me of the 70 Chevelle cowl induction hood.
The new gen 5 Camaro design is all messed up. Oh well.

 

[Jim Prower]

yeah...them hood induction flaps...those are the throttle butterfles. supposedly.

Sounds like Chrysler's taking an AMX-ish approach, making the Challenger a limited-production car. worked until the end of Muscle for AMC, we'll see what this new guy can do.

I'd hope the the car would be a bit lighter...but hat may not be the case...the Mustang might be the lightest, since the Zeta and LY should be in the same size class, and therefore the Camaro and Challenger weigh the same. Making FoMoCo's offering the lightest, but the oldest, too. And probably the flimsiest structure.

we'll see how things pan out...we'll see...

 

[JCE]

I have a feeling GM has not decided on the New Camaro yet because a lot of Camaro owners are not happy with that new design. Actually a lot of people I know are not happy with the new Camaro design. Especially most 69 Camaro owners like myself. Its supposed to resemble the 69 but the side body is not even close. Its more like a 67-68 which is completely different. The front is cool looking but I dont like the rest of the Camaro at all.
I would pick that new Challenger over the new camaro any day. That Challenger is sick!!!
I like how the hood induction flaps open at the end of the video when you acclerate. That reminds me of the 70 Chevelle cowl induction hood.
The new gen 5 Camaro design is all messed up. Oh well.

Solution: buy the Shelby GT500 and be merry. 👍

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

Solution: buy the Shelby GT500 and be merry. 👍

I sure wish I could afford it! I would buy one of those in a heartbeat.