Challenger SRT8: How Fast Will It Be?

[MustangSally]

I see the pics and hear the tales and longings of what it'll look like, how fast it'll be, how big/small it will be, etc. etc. etc.

Let us NOT forget that these "concept" cars RARELY, if EVER look like the car that's produced. Let alone they usually don't have the performance either.

What can be learned from history is this:

The Challenger will somewhat resemble the concept shown here, but will be much blockier (like the 300/Charger). It will have the 425hp 6.1L. It will be a heavy SOB. It will be comprable to the GT500 in SRT8 form, but not quite as fast... you'll STILL have to be cautious when eyeing-up an EVO or STI, as they'll be able to compete with you, drivers being equal. The interior will resemble the pics, but the dash and transmission areas will be radically different. The engine will look identical to that of other SRT8s. They MAY use "Ricer" appearance cues (such as the carbon fiber-looking hood section) to reel in the hip hop type crowd. The tail lights won't look anything like the concept's.

If history serves us correctly, this will be the outcome... a shame of what the car COULD and SHOULD be. They got lucky with the Charger and made a nice car. With the hype surrounding the Challenger, they need to produce a car nearly identical to the concept shown with a 6.4 in SRT form; the interior done more retro (gauges and shifter areas).

While I hope I'm wrong about the above, I can't see them producing such a "perfect" car. There's always some major screw-ups. ALWAYS.

[ChriSRT-4]

Originally Posted by MustangSally

Let us NOT forget that these "concept" cars RARELY, if EVER look like the car that's produced. Let alone they usually don't have the performance either.

Not entirely true. Look at this Durango concept and look at my sig

[jdustu]

Originally Posted by MustangSally

I see the pics and hear the tales and longings of what it'll look like, how fast it'll be, how big/small it will be, etc. etc. etc.

Let us NOT forget that these "concept" cars RARELY, if EVER look like the car that's produced. Let alone they usually don't have the performance either.

What can be learned from history is this:

The Challenger will somewhat resemble the concept shown here, but will be much blockier (like the 300/Charger). It will have the 425hp 6.1L. It will be a heavy SOB. It will be comprable to the GT500 in SRT8 form, but not quite as fast... you'll STILL have to be cautious when eyeing-up an EVO or STI, as they'll be able to compete with you, drivers being equal. The interior will resemble the pics, but the dash and transmission areas will be radically different. The engine will look identical to that of other SRT8s. They MAY use "Ricer" appearance cues (such as the carbon fiber-looking hood section) to reel in the hip hop type crowd. The tail lights won't look anything like the concept's.

If history serves us correctly, this will be the outcome... a shame of what the car COULD and SHOULD be. They got lucky with the Charger and made a nice car. With the hype surrounding the Challenger, they need to produce a car nearly identical to the concept shown with a 6.4 in SRT form; the interior done more retro (gauges and shifter areas).

While I hope I'm wrong about the above, I can't see them producing such a "perfect" car. There's always some major screw-ups. ALWAYS.

dcx's concepts have been pretty close to the real deal the last few years......consider that, along with the fact that this concept is built mostly with existing parts on an existing(or soon to exist) platform, and what you see is very close to what you'll get......shoot, even the production srt-8's that are out right now are getting 20" rims and 13" brakes.......the shape already is comparably boxy to the existing lx cars, but the body lines hide it well

[allhemi]

I think the car we get will be at least 95% of what we see in this concept.

[WildKarrde]

The only issues I see w/ the current concept is possibly the lack of a front bumper... but maybe they can pull that off by reinforcing the front end somehow. And I don't 100% like the rear end... a little too plain. But, I'd rather they leave it than ruin it.

[jdustu]

Originally Posted by WildKarrde

The only issues I see w/ the current concept is possibly the lack of a front bumper... but maybe they can pull that off by reinforcing the front end somehow. And I don't 100% like the rear end... a little too plain. But, I'd rather they leave it than ruin it.

the front "shape" isn't too much different from the 300:


i don't see the bumper being an issue......

[Mr.DJ]

IMHO, if DCX actually produces the 'Challenger' like the pre-production concept we've all seen, but eliminates that immense 'Challenger' tag along each rear quarter panel, adds an exposed fuel filler cap to the right rear quarter panel (similar to that of the 70's models), as well as also possibly redesigns the rear-end closer to that which is pictured in Doug Schramm's 'Cuda' concept drawing, then I'd be truly 'stoked'. I most certainly won't 'hold my breath' with regard to an exposed front bumper, as the recent trend is cladding such within the front fascia for a much cleaner/sleeker appearance. Also, what jdustu said is pretty much true, as I have several photos of the pre-production Chrysler '300C' concept which looks almost exactly as it's 'end result'. These photos can be viewed in the Mr.DJ 'Photo Gallery' over at 300Cforums.com if you're interested.

[MustangSally]

Originally Posted by allhemi

I think the car we get will be at least 95% of what we see in this concept.

I hope this is true.

I know my last, lengthy post seemed pessimistic, but, come on... we've all waited YEARS/DECADES for cars like this to become reality, and now, its "going to happen"?!?! While highly possible, its still hard to believe.

That's one reason I opted to get my Mustang (plus Chargers out here are going for $10K over sticker (RT), $30K for the SRT8). Don't get me wrong, my 06 Mustang GT is a great, fun car, but obviously, not what a Challenger SRT8 would be.

BTW: Just "installed" some customized decals on her... "SALLY" in chrome capitalized letters on the far right side of the dash (brushed aluminum surface). Gives her an identity.

[Mr.DJ]

That sounds pretty 'slick', where did get the lettering?

[allhemi]

Originally Posted by MustangSally

I hope this is true.

I know my last, lengthy post seemed pessimistic, but, come on... we've all waited YEARS/DECADES for cars like this to become reality, and now, its "going to happen"?!?! While highly possible, its still hard to believe.

That's one reason I opted to get my Mustang (plus Chargers out here are going for $10K over sticker (RT), $30K for the SRT8). Don't get me wrong, my 06 Mustang GT is a great, fun car, but obviously, not what a Challenger SRT8 would be.

BTW: Just "installed" some customized decals on her... "SALLY" in chrome capitalized letters on the far right side of the dash (brushed aluminum surface). Gives her an identity.

I know what your talking about...Ford, DC,GM, and everbody else has a way of screwing up a car after you get your heart set on it. But I think DC will build this car like we see it.