V-6 Turbo?

[Scooter71]

I was just wondering if a 3.5L or 4.0L V-6 Turbo would not be a good option for the Challenger? Let's face it "FUEL" prices are high and will likely go "HIGHER"! We must all remember that the very muscle car the new Challenger was modeled on was cancelled along with many other V-8 muscle cars of the era. Because of high fuel prices and high insurance rates! Really, a V-6 Turbo would be a perfect fit between the base model and the top of the line RT/SRT-8! Especially, considering the base SE will go for low 20's and the RT for the low 30's. So, my proposed Turbo could go for something inbetween! Say around $25,000 for just the engine or possibly $27,000 if part of a Sport Pkg. (i.e. combined with Wheels/Tires) Let's not forget the new Challenger is suppose to put a modern spin on a old classic. Personally, I would love to see young people tricking out V-6 Turbo Challengers and older people with maybe a more classic V-8 Hemi!



Note: I am in my mid 40's...........I would love to hear the opinion of the younger members. Especially, the ones under 30!

[Kelsey73]

Well I'll chime in then since I'm 20. I think that's what will happen with these new muscle cars, but I'm not a big fan of it. I know Ford is going to go that route with the mustang. I had an 04 SRT-4 and honestly just wanted to get away from the tuner type cars. I went out last September and bought an 07 Shelby GT on my hunt for a GT500 (ADMs were trough the roof still!). Now I'm waiting for my 08 Challenger.

To me a muscle car should be a big angry V8, but thats just me. There's no replacement for displacement!

[Kelsey73]

I forgot to say, I would like to see a supercharged V-6 over a turbo. I dunno why, just seems more muscle car to me.

[Scooter71]

Originally Posted by Kelsey73

I forgot to say, I would like to see a supercharged V-6 over a turbo. I dunno why, just seems more muscle car to me.

Well, I said a turbo over a supercharger because the former is much easier on fuel! Also, not every one can afford a fully loaded SRT-8 nor even need that level of performance. Let's take just a couple examples. One could be a young guy looking for a new car. While, he would love a $32,000 R/T Challenger. He just can't afford the price. Let alone the gas and high insurance! Another example could be a guy in his middle 30's with a wife an a couple of kids. While he loves the looks of the Challenger. Its has to be inexpensive and a daily driver. That said, while he doesn't need a big Hemi V-8 (wife won't let him have it anyways)? He would still like something with alittle more power and something to keep up with the Jones without breaking the bank............



Remember, selling cars is a business! Ford sells way more V-6 Mustangs than V-8's! I believe something like 2/3 are V-6 and 1/3 are GT's? As a matter of fact without the V-6's Car the Mustang would not be viable!

[Palerider]

Several car companies, including Ford, General Motors and BMW are adjusting combustion engines so they burn on hydrogen.
We'll see these same engines (Hemis) running on hydrogen. Gasoline's day's are numbered. I see monster motors churning out incredible power while burning virtually free hydrogen gas derived from sea water with no hydrocarbons to harm the environment. No smog controls will be needed so all that technology will be ashcanned with a return to engineering simplicity and a true permanent rebirth of the muscle car.
The technological hurdle with using hydrogen in internal combustion engines is the storage technique. Current vehicles have a super-insulated tank that stores liquid hydrogen at minus-480 degrees F, and a special fuel-injection system that can switch between gasoline and hydrogen. Internal combustion engines produce huge horsepower while burning hydrogen--something that an electric car powered by a hydrogen fuel cell cannot do.
We are at the end of the hydrocarbon-dark-ages and standing on the precipice of a new era.

[Kelsey73]

I hear ya scooter, and I don't disagree, but I think Dodge should look at modernizing the current V-8s before they jump to the V6 as a performance option. I think the current 6.1 could be doing WAY better on fuel consumption than it is. I'm not very up to date on the 5.7, but I know the 6.1 is a very simple engine and could benefit from a DOHC, VVT, and multiple valves, just to name a few. It'd be pretty easy to make a forced injection V6 "faster" than a stock R/T just from the lack of weight, and add 80-100 HP more to the V6 and you've got a pretty potent car there.

I think it'd sell great though. Maybe not with the 30+ crowd, but with the 30 and under guys. Look at the old twin turbo stealths, there still a really desired car. All the time I have kids my age tell me that a V8 is a waste of money because their turbo 4s and V6s will keep up. There's just not a good rep on big V8s around here.

Like I said before, I don't disagree with ya, just not my cup of tea!

[Scooter71]

Originally Posted by Kelsey73

I hear ya scooter, and I don't disagree, but I think Dodge should look at modernizing the current V-8s before they jump to the V6 as a performance option. I think the current 6.1 could be doing WAY better on fuel consumption than it is. I'm not very up to date on the 5.7, but I know the 6.1 is a very simple engine and could benefit from a DOHC, VVT, and multiple valves, just to name a few. It'd be pretty easy to make a forced injection V6 "faster" than a stock R/T just from the lack of weight, and add 80-100 HP more to the V6 and you've got a pretty potent car there.

I think it'd sell great though. Maybe not with the 30+ crowd, but with the 30 and under guys. Look at the old twin turbo stealths, there still a really desired car. All the time I have kids my age tell me that a V8 is a waste of money because their turbo 4s and V6s will keep up. There's just not a good rep on big V8s around here.

Like I said before, I don't disagree with ya, just not my cup of tea!

Well, I for one would like to take such a Challenger for a ride! As I've drove many standard 3.5L and 5.7L LX Cars. Yet, I think something in the middle is missing? Really, the 4.0L has a little more torque than the 3.5L and over a broader band. Which, would likely give the Challenger a more V-8 like feel? Add a 6-Speed Manual and it could be a interesting.........

[RoostKing]

Several car companies, including Ford, General Motors and BMW are adjusting combustion engines so they burn on hydrogen.
We'll see these same engines (Hemis) running on hydrogen. Gasoline's day's are numbered. I see monster motors churning out incredible power while burning virtually free hydrogen gas derived from sea water with no hydrocarbons to harm the environment. No smog controls will be needed so all that technology will be ashcanned with a return to engineering simplicity and a true permanent rebirth of the muscle car.
The technological hurdle with using hydrogen in internal combustion engines is the storage technique. Current vehicles have a super-insulated tank that stores liquid hydrogen at minus-480 degrees F, and a special fuel-injection system that can switch between gasoline and hydrogen. Internal combustion engines produce huge horsepower while burning hydrogen--something that an electric car powered by a hydrogen fuel cell cannot do.
We are at the end of the hydrocarbon-dark-ages and standing on the precipice of a new era.

This is very intriguing Palerider. As I plan to keep my Challenger for many years, or forever, I am worried about the ability to get gas in the future. From what you wrote, it sounds like gas engines can be converted to Hydrogen fairly easy? I dont think there is much concern for the next 15 to 20 years, but after that??

[Cuda340]

[quote=Scooter71;21480]I was just wondering if a 3.5L or 4.0L V-6 Turbo would not be a good option for the Challenger? Let's face it "FUEL" prices are high and will likely go "HIGHER"! We must all remember that the very muscle car the new Challenger was modeled on was cancelled along with many other V-8 muscle cars of the era. Because of high fuel prices and high insurance rates! Really, a V-6 Turbo would be a perfect fit between the base model and the top of the line RT/SRT-8!


Due to the phase-in of the CAFE standards, the Hemis time is numbered. Car companies, however, will never get out of the performance car business (too profitable) but we will see 4 cylinders (think SRT Neons) and V6 turbos in the future as replacements. They may become as fast as the current Hemis (due to superior hp to weight) but they won't feel as much fun as a big rumbling V8.

[Scooter71]

[quote=Cuda340;21518]

Originally Posted by Scooter71

I was just wondering if a 3.5L or 4.0L V-6 Turbo would not be a good option for the Challenger? Let's face it "FUEL" prices are high and will likely go "HIGHER"! We must all remember that the very muscle car the new Challenger was modeled on was cancelled along with many other V-8 muscle cars of the era. Because of high fuel prices and high insurance rates! Really, a V-6 Turbo would be a perfect fit between the base model and the top of the line RT/SRT-8!


Due to the phase-in of the CAFE standards, the Hemis time is numbered. Car companies, however, will never get out of the performance car business (too profitable) but we will see 4 cylinders (think SRT Neons) and V6 turbos in the future as replacements. They may become as fast as the current Hemis (due to superior hp to weight) but they won't feel as much fun as a big rumbling V8.

Really, the best option for the Challenger is likely the forthcoming 4.0L Phoenix V-6. Which, is suppose to be more fuel efficient and make more power than the current 3.5L and 4.0L 24V V-6's of today. My only hope is they include a manual transmission...............