Say it with us now: create demand. Challengers won't roll off the line en masse next year. Instead, as we reported last month, Dodge is going to make just 5,000 of them for the '08 model year, all SRT models with 5.7- or 6.1-liter Hemis. In 2009, Dodge will widen the sluice some, with output expected to be 30,000 to 35,000 cars. That is also when six-speed manual and dual-clutch options could be added. The Challenger will take the stand next year at the New York Auto Show. And for those of you planning to buy a 2008 model, especially one with the 6.1-liter Hemi, say it with us now: residual value.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
compy386 @ Nov 1st 2007 8:39AM
This won't create any residual value at all. Dealers will price gouge customers. Customers will pay for these vehicles. Eventually they will arrive en mass. Residual value plummets. It's exactly what happened with the T-Bird, albeit from the specs it looks like a strong contender (unlike the T-Bird).
W57thNY @ Nov 1st 2007 8:45AM
Looks like there could be some promise for this car after all. It will have exclusivity, possibly a good resale value (not holding my breath here, it is coming from the same people who made the K-car, and Neon). Hopefully it won't have the same Chrysler build quality consistent with everything else they have. America needs to catch up with the rest of the world.
dakota @ Nov 1st 2007 11:16AM
Chevette
Cavalier...
Yea the same people who make the Z06.....
Guenther @ Nov 1st 2007 12:19PM
Take that back- the Neon was a fine automobile, and in RT trim, second fastest only to the Viper, within Chrysler.
cheezwiz @ Nov 1st 2007 9:03AM
And for those of you planning to buy a 2008 model, especially one with the 6.1-liter Hemi, say it with us now: Dealer Markup.
Menice @ Nov 1st 2007 9:08AM
so the car that could help save Dodges butt, and add $ to the kitty, is going to be limited production? nice move guys. the only ones that win in that situation are the dealers who will gouge the heck out of this.
surprised they are not 'mustanging' it and flooding the market with the car.
& I cant wait to see one of these in person.
Pete @ Nov 1st 2007 9:09AM
SRT8 = 6.1L
Not 5.7L
Chad @ Nov 1st 2007 9:14AM
5000 ain't many. Perfect opportunity for the new Camaro to swoop in and steal sales that would have been towards the Challenger.
J. D. Billiford @ Nov 1st 2007 10:55AM
>>> Perhaps you are right, Chad, but I doubt it. The Camaro could steal sales from potential Challenger buyers if it were being released next year (2008).
From what I understand the Camaro isn't scheduled to arrive until 2009, or late 2008 at the earliest. Based on the information currently presented the Challenger will have entered it's mass-production cycle.
As a result, it's just a matter of "either, or" for the customer. And with each vehicle arriving en masse, it should make for some interesting competition, both on the road and in the showroom.
Chad @ Nov 1st 2007 11:26AM
I have been a Mopar fan but when I finally was ready to buy a performance car Dodge had little to offer other than the Neon SRT-4. So I went with the Mustang GT which I really enjoy so Dodge kinda lost me.
If the Camaro is coming out later then I guess we'll see.
DJ @ Nov 1st 2007 9:19AM
This is just a big fat car, an enthusiast will not be attracted to this car and it's old tech (sure its a modified and slightly renewed LX platform, but that is also based somewhat on a previous gen E-class, then you have that Hemi which is just throwing displacement at us -- too old school). This may appeal to pre-retirement crowd aching for the days of their youth and the only draw will be to be first on the block with one. 3 years later, it will be the same old tired cash on the hood sales tactic, especially once the new Camaro and next Mustang are available. The limited numbers in year 1 are only there as a marketing tactic until the decent transmissions are ready, and any residual potential brought by the limited numbers will go away if the tranny’s are truly any good. On the positive, it’s limited numbers overall and likely performance, may make it a half decent halo car for Chrysler while the redo their product plans, but it still represents the ‘old Chrysler’.
Chad @ Nov 1st 2007 9:32AM
Pretty broad stroke you paint there. All enthusiasts? I highly doubt that's even remotely true.
I think it's a big misconception that an auto enthusiast is a person only interested in the latest or most exotic. Actually it's quite the opposite. Enthusiasts and collectors are in fact more interested in vintage and rarity. Look at Jay Leno for instance. He owns cars from all eras including the latest.
I'm very tired of the idea that to be an auto enthusiast you can only be interested in European exotics. Open that little mind of yours. American and Japanese cars also have redeeming qualities to admire.
DJ @ Nov 1st 2007 10:13AM
Easy there … I agree with you. What I was trying to imply and should have been clearer on was I should have said “a group of enthusiast who would be interested enough in this car to have a positive effect on residual value. We’re all enthusiasts here. I have no interest in muscle cars, exotics, trucks/SUVs/CUVs/etc. I’m ‘enthusiastic’ about small, efficient, vehicles, production and non-production, especially if they push the technology envelope.
Chad @ Nov 1st 2007 10:24AM
Agreed, hostility level lowered.
Ted Kennedy Is My Chauffer @ Nov 1st 2007 10:39AM
Keep in mind, this car is not meant for someone who's partial to small, efficient cars. This car is for people who had or wanted to have a Challenger 35+ years ago. It's for people who want mounds of torque from idle from their 'old school' pushrod V8s. Challenger buyers don't really give a rats behind about the extra $500 a year in gasoline this car will cost to drive instead of a Camry, etc. Given how well the other SRT-8's handle, it's guaranteed to handle infintely better than the original did. That said, to a Mopar afficianado, this will be everything the original was- and then some. Bottom line- this is an emotional purchase.
dakota @ Nov 1st 2007 11:15AM
First year Challengers will be limited output, not 2nd and 3rd, once the Camaro and Mustang will be ready the Dual Clutch transmissions and most likely phoenix V-6's will be available for lower end models competing on all levels.
_spike @ Nov 1st 2007 9:43AM
looks pretty nice, actually.
fast on a straight line is great and stuff...but what about going fast around corners and stuff?
Jared @ Nov 1st 2007 9:56AM
And today oil is at $94+ per barrel.
The logic for bringing this car to market is what exactly?
nissanfreak87 @ Nov 1st 2007 11:31AM
gas is around $3 a gallon, coffee is $5 for a 16oz. People pay for what they like, and people will buy this car regardless of gas prices.
Heck, if I cared about gas prices I'd drive a 4 cyl. civic instead of my Maxima, but I like my car, and I'm willing to pay for the gas to keep it. Not everyone cares about saving money at the pump.
Jared @ Nov 1st 2007 5:23PM
With oil nearing $100/barrel, gas is not going to stay at $3/gallon for long.