CNNMoney says Challenger a "Must-Win"

[XJameson]

Interesting gallery-type article on what Chrysler needs to do to succeed, and the Challenger is one of the key areas. The below link will take you directly to the Challenger-specific panel:
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/...hrysler/7.html

Interesting that CNNMoney sees this "niche" segment making so much difference for Chrysler, as they admit themselves. Hopefully DCX (or just CX?) will take heed and not screw this thing up!

Oh, and that is one awesome picture they used.

~XJameson

[RRHemi]

Must have CAR!!

[Rallye72]

My biggest fear is that they will try to maximize profit and make this a relatively limited availability car along the lines of the Viper. If it's out of reach of the "average enthusiast" (i.e. isn't as prolific as the Mustang) then it won't help them much.

While I'm a die hard Mopar guy I simply have a limit for this kind of toy and will either move on to another resto or get a different car, sad to say.

[XJameson]

Originally Posted by Rallye72

My biggest fear is that they will try to maximize profit and make this a relatively limited availability car along the lines of the Viper.

Would that really maximize profit? I would think the way to make the most money on this car would be the "Mustang way" - lots of varients (engines, trim levels, etc.) off the same platform. That's how that car has been so successful for so long, along with the Camaro of the late 80's & 90's.

~XJameson

[Rallye72]

Originally Posted by XJameson

Would that really maximize profit? I would think the way to make the most money on this car would be the "Mustang way" - lots of varients (engines, trim levels, etc.) off the same platform. That's how that car has been so successful for so long, along with the Camaro of the late 80's & 90's.

~XJameson

I'd venture to say that anytime you have a limited supply of something that's in high demand the profit margin per unit is pretty high. I'm not arguing that this is what I want to see, I'm simply concerned that it may be the business model they choose to pusue. If so, that potentially leaves a lot of people out of the market. Again, look at the Viper. The decision not to provide a 6 banger version of the Challenger leads me to belive they are leaning toward the high end segemnt of the market not the "Mustang model".

[Cuda340]

Originally Posted by Rallye72

I'd venture to say that anytime you have a limited supply of something that's in high demand the profit margin per unit is pretty high. I'm not arguing that this is what I want to see, I'm simply concerned that it may be the business model they choose to pusue. If so, that potentially leaves a lot of people out of the market. Again, look at the Viper. The decision not to provide a 6 banger version of the Challenger leads me to belive they are leaning toward the high end segemnt of the market not the "Mustang model".

I feel that the 2008 Challenger will be built in limited quantities to test the demand for the car, as well as the practicality of producing it on the same "flex" production line as other models. If the car sells well, I think we will see greater diversity and more production numbers in 2009, as DCX tries to improve its sales (and profits).

[Rallye72]

Originally Posted by Cuda340

I feel that the 2008 Challenger will be built in limited quantities to test the demand for the car, as well as the practicality of producing it on the same "flex" production line as other models. If the car sells well, I think we will see greater diversity and more production numbers in 2009, as DCX tries to improve its sales (and profits).

Absolutely hope you are correct. Time will tell.

[RRHemi]

I think a lot of people will walk into showrooms and love the car but not want the big motor. Let's face it this car is beautiful!

[Ragamuffin]

Unless I'm behind on things, this CNN writer,Peter Valdes-Dapena, is way off the 'centerline' and/or has not a clue ! For example :"Chrysler's need for speed
One thing Chrysler needs badly, some critics say, is more speed. Not in its cars, but in its development process." I thought DCX was the best/quickest at bringing Concept's to market: even Diamler people are 'd & jealous ! !! I suppose the writer even got to drive the Challenger..Hey, I think a lot of us Challengertalkers deserve a little test drive action ..aka Kowalski-Style ? ? P.S. Oh yahh, and what about the All New Dodge Avenger ; DCX already has this one out !! I thought that was after the Challenger concept was shown: maybe I'm a little ?

[RRHemi]

You would think that Chrysler(refusing to use the DCX term) would have put a lot of effort into the Avenger. It should be there Accord killer. I looked at one, it's not bad but then again it's not all that.