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

[JCE]

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

Yea, the problem with buying one is Ford is not condoning dealerships overpricing it like the Ford GT...but they won't exactly punish dealers that do it. So instead of paying an absolute cheap MSRP ~$40k expect to pay over $65k.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

Yea, the problem with buying one is Ford is not condoning dealerships overpricing it like the Ford GT...but they won't exactly punish dealers that do it. So instead of paying an absolute cheap MSRP ~$40k expect to pay over $65k.

Thats why I am just going to build a 67 Mustang Fastback when we finish this 67 Coupe and then I will finally be happy.
I should be able to build one the way we want for around $15k-$20k over 5 years or so. They are so expensive just to buy even if they are rusty.
Sorry off topic. Back to the Challenger. Cant wait to see a few of those on the road.

 

[Onikaze]

So I was sort of right, no V-6 Challenger.

Good on ya DCX.

Mustangs are easy to repair, apparently, which means lower insurance costs, w00t.

I love the new Camaro looks, best Camaro since the last few early 80's G2 cars.

 

[IMADreamer]

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.

Your right, Honestly we Americans just like to complain. These gas prices aren't stopping people from buying SUVs and trucks and I still see a hybrid only once a week or so tops. When I bought my new car I didn't even consider gas prices. If the price of gas is pinching you that bad you aren't new car shopping anyway.

Also I think a new Challenger will have that cylinder shut down thingy and a 6 speed so it will probably get 25mpg even at 400+ ponies.

 

[YSSMAN]

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.

...What Camaro owners are you talking to? Every one around here loves the car and thinks it looks great. The debut of the car has actually caused my Dad to become interested in rebuilding his '68 Camaro once again, and thats a good thing. Granted, it isn't an EXACT copy of the classic design as is the Challenger and the Mustang, but thats how Chevrolet wanted it. They said they wanted to take design qualities from the 1st-gen, but as with previous models, they took their influences from Jet fighters, specifically the F-22 Raptor.

Anyway, Chevrolet will outdo the Challenger, make no mistake about it. The car will be lighter, cheaper, and undoubtedly faster even when down 25 BHP. Added to that, it will probably used DOD/AFM technology that has been proven to work, unlike the MDI system currently in most Mopars.

 

[Onikaze]

See, I'm sure DCX will bump the V-8's up in power.

Maybe they will just offer the 6.1, maybe that will be the base and the 6.4 will be the top. (hmmm, that's almost close enough for a 390 something tag)

They know it will be heavier, but the design will sell alot, it will still have to have something to stand out.

The Mustang (which isn't as slavish an imitation as the Challenger is, rather more of an homage to the originals) is light and cheap, plus it has the Mustang name, and that rattley glass pack sound.

The Camaro has the hungriest fan base I'd bet, and a design that will probably age better than the other two, plus awesome engines and decent weight.

The Challenger is gonna have to bump the base engines up some, or it will just be "oh, and there is a new Challenger, for you Mopar people..everyone else look the other way."

 

[Tornado]

I just thought of something: This is going to fail. Think about it hard and it fits: It will cost more than the far more practical (and in the case of the Magnum, better overall) Magnum, Charger and 300C. And it will probably be marginally faster, as Ford has shown us with the GT500, more power does not a faster car make.
This will probably also suffer from what the GTO suffered from: not having been sold in 30 years. Everyone who originally bought it as a hip youngster is now in their 50's. The brand recognition is down the toilet. That isn't a problem with the Mustang and won't be with the new Camaro.

 

[DuckRacer]

I just thought of something: This is going to fail. Think about it hard and it fits: It will cost more than the far more practical (and in the case of the Magnum, better overall) Magnum, Charger and 300C. And it will probably be marginally faster, as Ford has shown us with the GT500, more power does not a faster car make.
This will probably also suffer from what the GTO suffered from: not having been sold in 30 years. Everyone who originally bought it as a hip youngster is now in their 50's. The brand recognition is down the toilet. That isn't a problem with the Mustang and won't be with the new Camaro.

The GTO never looked like the one made 30+ years ago. It was a rebadged Monaro. People will buy the Challenger because it's fast, and it's damn cool. The Mustang is cool, it isn't practical, but it's a best selling vehicle. It might not sell as much as the 300C or the Magnum, but trust me, it'll sell well.

 

[ozyran]

Well I, for one, still vividly remember the 1970 Dodge Challenger painted in Eggshell White with the 440+6 throbbing under the hood. And I'm only 24. I highly doubt that just the "baby-boomers" will be seriously considering this car. This will be the first real Mopar muscle car built since they died out in the '70s (I don't consider the new Charger a muscle car; it's a beefy family sedan, though!) and many of us young whippersnappers that clamor at the sight of a Mopar musclecar would love to get our hands on one. I imagine that the initial release of the car would have many of them selling for ridiculously inflated prices right off the bat, but they won't stay pegged for too long (I hope I'm right about prices falling for the sake of we enthusiasts).
There's an in-depth article on the Challenger here and DC's official website here.

A little off the subject but about the new Camaro concept: I love it! Every time I see it my heart beats a little faster and I feel a little faint. That, to me, is one of the hottest concepts I've laid eyes on. It's sharp, not bloated or soft in any way. It looks like something that you'd be afraid of lurking under the bed, and in a good way. Honestly, in spite of my Mopar-loving past, I would line up for the Camaro before I got a Challenger. The new Challenger is nice, but it looks...bloated, compared to the original. The sharpness of the lines has become, unfortunately, soft when sitting next to the original. I don't like it when a muscular icon becomes soft and pudgy, and this is no exception. Just my $.02.

 

[YSSMAN]

Saying that the Challenger will fail I think is a little harsh, as it won't be a full-production model like the Magnum/Charger or 300. Sales numbers will be far less than 100,000 that Chevrolet keeps calling for on the Camaro, and Chrysler realises that completely. That is why all the rumors have pointed to the car comming with ONLY the 6.1L HEMI V8 and the 6-speed Tremec T-56 from the Viper. That way they will be easy to produce, meet the demands of the Mopar fanbase, and really the only choises will be colors.

...Best idea for business? Well, thats what Pontiac did with the GTO, and it worked out allright. Of course, an automatic was offered, and I think that is one spot where Chrysler is going to miss the boat. A good number of folks who will be looking to buy the Challenger won't deal with a manual if at all possible, so an automatic would be a good idea.

Added to that, I think the lack of a smaller V8 option is a good example of shooting one's self in the foot as well. You can't push a $40K+ musclecar with performance that may be marginally better than a $30K Camaro with just a few less BHP.

...Chrysler should look into a 5.7L HEMI model with as close to 350 BHP as possible to compete against the outrageously obvious Camaro Z/28 with the L79 350 BHP 6.0L V8. That way, they can have a volume model to make some money, and they can fish in the high $20K/ low $30K range where the sweet-spots are.

 

[Jim Prower]

Like I said, it's a modern-day AMX. A limited-production version of a fairly hot car (In this case, a larger car with more doors,) made even hotter. Chrysler will sell their production quota.

 

[YSSMAN]

Yay!

The exterior of the production 2008/2009 Dodge Challenger will be identical to the concept version, according to Chrysler VP and lead designer Tom Tremont. "You're not going to be able to tell the difference," he told the Detroit News. While Tremont's comments likely relate to the exterior of the car, the interior will also get a lot of attention. "We knew if we screwed this up, we would lose a lot of fans," said Alan Barrington, who designed the concept's interior.

That is good news indeed. No compromises does well for the market, and it should make things interesting against the Mustang and the Camaro.

...Incase we all forgot...

I'll take mine in Orange. But, although it may be on the wrong car, I want to paint an "01" on the sides and have the Confederate Flag on the roof. General Lee 2.0!!!!

 

[Tornado]

I do hope if they do change anything they tone it down a little.

 

[YSSMAN]

In other Challenger news...

DaimlerChrysler is working on a 6.6-liter Hemi V8 for the forthcoming 2008/2009 Dodge Challenger, according to Hemmings Motor News. A Chrysler insider reportedly told the publication that company officials want to "come out of the gate" with a "real performance car." Recent reports have indicated the Challenger will be offered with V8 engines only — with perhaps a standard Hemi and SRT variant. Chrysler could be planning a more powerful Hemi to enable it to compete with a top-of-the-line performance version of the Chevrolet Camaro. Back in January, GM's Bob Lutz said Chrysler's 425 horsepower 6.1-liter Hemi was not a concern. "I would just reply that we have a certified 1OO more on tap from the ZO6 engine, should the need arise," he said. Earlier this month, Chrysler announced the Challenger would go into production in 2008.

It looks like they are pretty serious about the thing after all...

 

[Dave A]

I do hope if they do change anything they tone it down a little.

I thinnk they should leave it just as it is, it looks fantastic.

 

[Poverty]

Its stunning, a real american car.


From Focaljet.com forums

Exclusive! One-Off Dodge Challenger Rolls To Cruise Night!


Could it be that this is the only existing working prototype of the new Dodge Challenger?

I popped in to a local cruise night to hang with some friends, did a double take, then quickly walked back to the Focus to grab my lil' point and shoot. The men handling this carbon fiber-bodied one-off concept were swamped; the car had a gazillion people drooling.

All I know is that the motor's a Hemi, the trans is a Viper six speed and the rear suspension is independent. Apparently, this Challenger concept is making the rounds nation-wide to some well-known local cruise nights.

This was at Bob's Big Boy in Toluca Lake, California; home to a Friday night cruise every week since 1962.

Enjoy the pics; I shot from the hip with my Pana FZ-5 and a dying battery.

 

[Tornado]

There are two things on this car that are overdone:

 

[Dave A]

I like the big back light, it's different and imo suits the car.

Thanks for thoes new pics though 👍.

 

[Jim Prower]

Yeah, that big taillight is homage to the original Challenger...and original Charger, too. the front light is probably a concept-only thing.

 

[Tornado]

It was not a big single tailight on the original. It would have looked a lot less overdone had they put the license plate in between two wide angle tail-lights as on the original.

 

[Dave A]

Well I like it, but I like outlandish or different design, it give character. That's why I'm a big fan of TVR designs, they look like nothing else except maybe another TVR.

 

[YSSMAN]

The design is awesome on the car, but I still prefer the Camaro to the Challenger. I can't help I'm a GM guy, but when you line up all three pony-cars from the Big Three, the Challenger is second only to the Camaro.

 

[ozyran]

The design is awesome on the car, but I still prefer the Camaro to the Challenger. I can't help I'm a GM guy, but when you line up all three pony-cars from the Big Three, the Challenger is second only to the Camaro.

I have to agree with you there. Believe it or not, the new Camaro concept turned me back to GM. I use to love MoPar and their ground-pounding performance, but they're not what they were in the '60s or '70s. When this car rolls into production, it won't be Camaro vs. Mustang any longer. The only muscle cars based on a Ford product that will keep up with it will be the Roush/Saleen tuner Mustangs (and, of course, the G.T. 500 from Shelby). The new competition will be Camaro vs. Challenger. I'm looking forward to the new muscle car wars, especially with gas prices going the way they are. Should be very interesting.

IMO, though I still feel it looks a bit bloated, the Challenger is probably the closest to its heritage than any other repro classic out there, bar non. I hope that DC listens to the enthusiast crowd on this one when it rolls out of the factory.

 

[YSSMAN]

The need a stripper V8 version though, and I don't think they are going to do it...

 

[ozyran]

The need a stripper V8 version though, and I don't think they are going to do it...

Isn't that one of the great things about the original MoPar muscle cars? They never needed....frills.

 

[YSSMAN]

Yes, but when Chrysler is poised to announce a $600 Million dollar loss for the last quarter, a value-priced Challenger would be able to sell as the volume model, and would be a bit more acceptable for most people's budgets. Keep in mind that the SRT-8 versions of the 300 and Charger start north of $30K, and given the "success" of the former Camaro at the same price against the far-cheaper Mustang, someone at DCX needs to get their ducks in a row.

 

[Tornado]

Remember, the GTO failed mostly because the car went from 0 to awesome with no pause in between for anything else. Most cars were sold fully loaded and pushing $35,000. There were very few sold with few options, and there was no alternate engine.

 

[YSSMAN]

I would think a Challenger with the 5.7L HEMI would sell better than a Challenger with the 6.1L or 6.6L HEMIs, given the cost of gas, and the possible price of the car...

 

[YSSMAN]

A few things with Challenger news for today:

Chrysler is offering fans of the 2008/2009 Dodge Challenger a chance to win one. Interested parties are asked to visit their local Dodge dealer any time between today and September 4th to obtain an "entry code." Entrants must then enter their code online for a chance to win a Dodge Challenger, 2007 Chrysler Sebring Coupe, or 2007 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited. Three of each vehicle are up for grabs.

...I think you would have to be an idiot not to go for the Challenger...

In the official rules list for its Dr. Z sweepstakes, DaimlerChrysler lists the 'Approximate Retail Value' of the 2008 Dodge Challenger R/T at $30,000. The R/T model has long been described as having a 425 horsepower 6.1 liter Hemi. Rumors have suggested the Challenger will be offered with a choice of two V8 engines and a manual transmission only. Planned production is believed to be in the ballpark of 30,000 units annually. Recent rumors have also indicated a 6.6-liter Hemi was in the works for a range-topping SRT Challenger. Chrysler has said the production Challenger will be identical to the concept.

$30K for a well-rounded model seems reasonable, but we also have to keep in mind thats what killed the Camaro a few years ago. But with production numbers set at 30K a year (overall), they shouldn't have a problem selling every one on the lot.

 

[inferno]

the mustang GT500 still looks better, but this is alot better looking than the camaro, except for the large single tail light. break it into two lights with just a small gap between and it'll look ten times better. otherwise i love this thing. as for the engine, dodge is screwed if it dosnt make 500 hp OR MORE. i wonder how big the hemi can be bored. it's already a 6.6 liter. can you imagine how many MORE of these things they would sell if they bumped it up annother .4 liters and brought back the classic 426 hemi?