C'mon, Dodge, throw us a bone

[JonW]

All this secrecy surrounding the Challenger is getting frustrating. C'mon, Dodge, throw us a bone once in a while. It wouldn't hurt to announce how many units are planned for the first year's production, some colors, or SOMETHING. Chevy continues to tease us with the Camaro and Camaro convertible, Ford has several Mustang variants in the works, and the GTO is coming back. I would think that DCX could give us some little tidbit of information here and there.

Yeah, I know they repainted the show car black. Big deal. We can't buy the show car. Give us some info we can use. I guarantee that DCX is going to lose customers to Mustang and a lesser extent Camaro (or GTO) because DCX is not going a good enough job of keeping them on the hook.

[Ragamuffin]

Well, maybe DCX thinks we're smarter than animals and thus do not need to be constantly tethered.Also, feeling pressure to keep up with the Jone's aka GM,Ford ;as well as giving away production info that will hurt them , as well as give the competition another heads up. I mean we've been through all this before. We are not kids or animals: we are D-O-D-G-E !

[Cuda340]

In April the prototypes ("mules") should start being tested. Maybe someone on the allpar site can get some spy photos for us.

But I agree. DCX needs to feed us some tidbits to keep the fever going!

[ajakeski]

This is typical Chrysler. Dropping the ball and then wondering why they can't sell cars.

[DanRealtor]

We were fortunate enough to converse with some of the top guys from DCX this past Saturday am in Irvine. I tried to get ANY additional info on the Challenger, but understandably, they were VERY tight lipped.

Here is what we do KNOW.

The Challenger is being displayed around the country with a countdown clock showing how long until the official unveiling next February at the Chicago Auto Show.

You WILL NOT see the Challenger released before that PERIOD.

When I pressed the DCX guys for any speculation about when MY Challenger will be delivered they confirmed that it will be AFTER the Chicago Auto Show. I asked them point blank about simultaneous unveiling in Chicago and th cars showing up at the dealers. NO, NOT simultaneous.

When I pressed them for how long AFTER the show, they wouldn't commit. They did say that it is coming out IN '08 as an '08 and therefore WILL be in the earlier part of the year, otherwise it would be an '09.

When I suggested March or April, they said I was probably fairly close.

As for the SRT-8 version. Last year Ralph Gilles said that it WOULD be released as an SRT-8 first. This year the most they would say is that they ALL want it to come out as an SRT-8 FIRST.

When I pressed them about the 6.1 or 6.4 they wouldn't comment other than to say that decision has NOT been finalized yet.

They did not dispute the 6 speed manual info.

These comments are from 6 days ago, directly between me and DCX guys. NONE of this is rumor or heresay.

Start saving up your pennies for next spring!!!!
__________________

[Ragamuffin]

Again, nothing new : as all this and other info is past history ..either here within Challengertalk and/or other media outlets !!! I mean I myself have not read every bit of info here at Challengertalk which is vast ! !..Again , patience is a must !! Like a fine wine, it must be allowed to mature into a true masterpiece !! Oh good grief !

[sniper226]

Originally Posted by DanRealtor

They did not dispute the 6 speed manual info.

Does this mean it is an optional manual or does it mean that they will be released as manual only? I still am leaning toward an automatic as I plan on driving it into work alot in rush hour traffic. (But not on rainy days)

[Cuda340]

Originally Posted by sniper226

Does this mean it is an optional manual or does it mean that they will be released as manual only? I still am leaning toward an automatic as I plan on driving it into work alot in rush hour traffic. (But not on rainy days)

From everything that we have read, the 2008 Challenger will be a 6-speed manual (Viper trans.) only.

It is speculated, however, that an autostick (same as the SRT Charger) will be offered in 2009, along with other options, as DCX tries to expand its sales base.

[Milw_Player]

Has anyone else heard the rumor of a Challenger convertible being offered in 2009? You are correct, there sure isn't much information. I visited a Dodge dealer in Milwaukee, and the manager said every dealer is only going to get one Challenger for display. If you want to pre-order a Challenger, they are taking orders now. It requires $5,000 down and there will most likely be a dealer mark up. Also, there is no list of options available yet. Bummer!!!

[bored out]

Your right on the money bro, DCX is going to lose customers and I am one of them. When I saw the Challenger i fell in love with it but just like getting your heart broken in high school I have moved on because of a lack on information or communication from DCX.

I am currently in the process of buying a 2007 Mustang GT/CS. Black with two tone interior. The more I research mustangs the more excited I get, I suggest some of you guys do the same. You can always trade the stang in in three or four years when you could actually afford and Chally anyway.

Well, best of luck to all of you guys. I check back here once and I while and i am continually amazed that DCX has not released anything. The excitement is dying down while new and powerful Mustangs are released every year.