[firstmethod]

There is one compelling reason to include a six speed in the challenger: its already in the concept. They didn't put a 5 speed or 4 speed or automatic in the concept they put in the very same 6 speed that we're asking for. Their specs have to include the 6 speed because the car was built with it! I'm pretty sure they will base the production vehicle off the concept specs, and these already have accomodation for the 6 speed.

Furthermore, that 6 speed has been proven to take the worst kind of abuse from its use in the viper (just like the 4 speed in the old 1970 hemi challenger was proven nearly indestructible). Has the 5 speed been in anything of real consequence? Is it the same transmission only in 5 speed form or is it a completely different transmission? I'm actually asking the question cause I'd really like to know, if anyone can post a link to the specs for the thing that would be helpful. I will say the 6th gear would be *really nice* but not essential (for me) IF (and only if) the transmission is as tuff as what DCX puts in the high end vipers.

The point is I'm interested in ruggedness (which the 6 speed is renowned for) more than the 6th gear itself, although I agree in this day and age not having a 6 speed in a high end muscle car is kind of inexcusable.

As to the weight I can't comment because its all pure speculation at this point. I really hope they manage to shave a few hundred pounds off the thing - 3800 to 3900 sounds like a good target (considering the extra stuff modern cars have to carry around).