Just want to do a poll and see what everyone thinks.
First Generation went from 1970-1974.
The Challenger then discontinued and resurfaced in 1978 until 1983.
It came back in 2008 and is only scheduled to be in production till 2014.
What do you think the faith of the Challenger is?
Do you think Dodge will discontinue it and bring in another coupe?
Truu. Give me the option of ordering an SRT8 that is a base stripped down model 6.4L without all the "SRT" stuff in it so its 200 pounds lighter and 4k cheaper. I would love to have a bare bones 6.4L car. You could do that back in the day but not anymore. Costs them to much money for stuff like that.
I am really surprised by the amount of people that think this car will die. The whole "I have mine, if they kill it then it will make mine more valuable" mindset makes no sense. It would be decades before these cars would see any appreciation in value. I want The Challenger to have a long life. Who knows what the future holds for this vehicle. Will it be slightly smaller, more powerful, and weigh less? I would hope so, but if this car fails to receive a new generation, what make everyone so sure that a Cuda would be offered?
At age 58, I bought my R/TC for my "early retirement" present, even though I'll probably never retire.
That being said, I budgetted for this car, and have no plans on "trading up" or into a "new model" Challenger. That's why for me, Chrysler can do whatever they plan on doing, and I'm fine with it.
I think that the livelyhood of the Challenger or rumoured Cuda will depend on the Charger/300 line. Right now it's with them in production. Whatever happens to these two cars, the Challenger will either follow, or ir it's redesigned "smaller", will have the production shifted to another plant with the same floorplan.
Between the economy and the "Greenies", it's hard to say how much longer the retro muscle era will last for a production car.
A lot of things "killed off" the original muscle cars, and a lot of things are happening now too.
I'm sure that Chrysler will do what they feel is right for the long haul, which is sales numbers and profit.
dodge has done nothing to get the young folks into the mopar mindset as chevy and ford have done , all of us who were there already have bought our cars. there isn't enough market out there cuz of chrysler to keep this model going (no us buying new models won't be enough). no i don't think so. i only voted no cuz i wanted to see the results. like i said bad karma but i can accept it.
^^^^^Greg has it right here. The built-in sales based on the "copy" of the 70 is done. To really grow, they need to appeal to the young folks. This means lighter and more economical to own AND operate. That doesn't mean it has to be gutless. A 'cuda would bring some more built-in sales, but nothing like the original surge and would do nothing to bring in the youth unless they could base it on the 200 platform which could be done with a turbo version of the Pentastar. You are not going to see much lighter car based on the LX/LC.
IF this picture of Dodge's Plan (released on 09) is accurate, the production of the Challenger should go until end of 2014. (Meaning 2014 is the final dodge Challenger of the 3rd generation)
I see no reason why Chrysler wouldn't continue to have a two door performance muscle car for as long as they continue to have the LX platform for the Charger and Chrysler 300. Maybe they call it a Cuda or make it a two door Charger, but I would think they would want to stay in the two door market since the bulk of the design work has been done with the Challenger.
It all depends on the bottom line. Basically, Fiat must see a big profit in a redesigned Challenger. Unless they seriously market the car, make the price more competitive, and get around the upcoming CAFE restrictions, I don't see a bright future.
Some years back I posted here that the 1st gen Challenger was scheduled for a 6-year run (2008-2013). Unless those plans have recently changed, the current gen would end with the 2013 model year.
I think it will disappear after 2014. This would be a shame, but I don't see the will on Chrysler's part to continue.
For example: 2012 new colors include "Cashmere Pearl". Wow, I can now get it in beige!
And no commitment to either slimming it down (perhaps impossible, I admit), or to factory supercharging it, or to bringing the price down to compete with Ford and GM. In my book the last point is key. Yes, I COULD pay $45000 to get an SRT, but I WON'T... and probably 95% of other buyers out there won't, either.
I agree that Chrysler is doing nothing to get young buyers. I'm 26 and very seriously considered buying a challenger R/T in 2009 for the lifetime warranty. But the size and "relative" performance disadvantage pushed me off. I know, I know, I got the ugly step sister, but it's still shorter than my sister-in-laws Challenger SE (and 20 grand cheaper used). I'll never buy a camaro, and unless it says shelby I'll never own a Ford, but good looks alone didn't sell me on a Challenger. I voted yes because I have faith in Gilles. I know all he talked about was stereos and nav, but the guy also races in the viper series and is a genuine car guy. I think he'll give me a reason to get in a Challenger with the redesign.
I was not thinking of Trading my 09 RT for a 2012
But will be trading in for a 2013,Hope it will be out sept 2012.
Challenger will be DEAD in 2013 or I hope soooooo,,,there are too many on the road as of now.
If FIAT was going to update the Challenger,,,you would be hearing it now and
not hearing it second handed.........................................JQ
Chrysler stated before they ever built one Challenger that the goal was to sell only 30,000 units per year. In Automotive news 2 weeks ago they had a article about the Challenger and current sales. For 2011 sales are up only 15% after a new interior upgrade and new engines. Through May of 2011 they had sold around 16,777 units. Camaro sales were 40,000 units and Mustang was 30,000 units for the same period. They speculated that if sales slide then it would be a coin flip as to weather it would be profitable to do a redesign. Most likely it would mean a smaller car after a redesign.
Chrysler stated before they ever built one Challenger that the goal was to sell only 30,000 units per year. In Automotive news 2 weeks ago they had a article about the Challenger and current sales. For 2011 sales are up only 15% after a new interior upgrade and new engines. Through May of 2011 they had sold around 16,777 units. Camaro sales were 40,000 units and Mustang was 30,000 units for the same period. They speculated that if sales slide then it would be a coin flip as to weather it would be profitable to do a redesign. Most likely it would mean a smaller car after a redesign.
With Europe crashing and oil climbing to $100
You will see LESS challengers being sold.
People are still losing their Jobs,and conpanys are not hiring
and interest rates will start to get higher soon.....
To me as I have been saysing,The Challenger is like the
walking Dead
Fiat will Kill the Car after 2013(I will buy a 2013}No reason
to make these cars with this economy...................................JQ
In Texas, it's still pretty tough getting a stealership off sticker price much if any. They're selling exactly as many challengers as they want to and keeping the profit margins high. It's a different business model than chevy or ford which are definitely volume driven productions. Because it shares the LX platform, they don't HAVE to sell as many to be profitable. I don't see what Fiat could add in a positive way, but if the US branch retains control of the brand and they come out with a charger styled 4th gen, I think it could still be a winner for them. Honestly, there's really no where to go but up from a performance standpoint. They've got the 426 crate ready to go, and no factory supercharged options. They can drag that along for at least 6-7 years. Run the 392 for 2 more years (MY2013) then redesign for 2014 with the 426 for 3 more. Follow that up with either a new design 440, or slap a supercharger on the 426 and they've got another 3 years out of it taking us through the typical 6 year generation. If they shed weight for the 4th gen, then they'll be running neck and neck with ford and chevy easy.
:thumbsup:Buy yours now while you can. Enjoy your Modern Muscle car.
One thing is for sure history tends to repeat itself and gas will continue to go up.
I am just glad I was able to buy one of the coolest looking cars built today!
It has been discussed in another thread that they are considering a second generation Challenger depending how sales go. The 392 will get a supercharger, while the 5.7 will be tweaked for 400+ hp. The redesign will be more of a facelift like the 2011 Charger was with a new interior. The car is last in sales behind the Mustang and Camaro, but Dodge originally intended to sell only about 30K a year. They have hit that mark. They should keep it around and make it more competitive in performance and price.
There are several paths ahead. I'd like to see a Cadillac CTS-V competitor based on a complete redesign. Use a SC engine and all of the interior upgrades from the other cars (Charger ; etc). Make it a top end luxury/performance car. Unfortunately (even though I love it) you can only sell a particular exterior for so many years. And V-8s are on their way out.
CTS-V is ugly, but a great performer. Imagine what Dodge could do here. Let the Fiat brand carry the entry level coupe.
IF this picture of Dodge's Plan (released on 09) is accurate, the production of the Challenger should go until end of 2014. (Meaning 2014 is the final dodge Challenger of the 3rd generation)
IF this picture of Dodge's Plan (released on 09) is accurate, the production of the Challenger should go until end of 2014. (Meaning 2014 is the final dodge Challenger of the 3rd generation)
Or MY2013 could last 18 months while they retool or use up existing stock. Gotta believe RS on this one. 2014 was a long way in the future when they made that chart. MY2013 may not be a sure thing.
Problem is FIAT owns the company Now ,,,and will make changes from the folks that used to own the company,.
Fiat is not even talking about a future challenger,and I really think 2013 will be
the last year.....Funny most folks think I am driving a Mustang,,,,Few people
know what a challenger is.But Most know what a Camaro.No Sense in making a car that Most never heard of.......................................JQ
Funny most folks think I am driving a Mustang,,,,Few people
know what a challenger is.But Most know what a Camaro.No Sense in making a car that Most never heard of.......................................JQ
The car is underbadged. One guy drove up next to me real excited and said "What kind of car is THAT? I was looking for a name but didn't see one anywhere." It only says "Challenger" in the deeply recessed grille, and even the "Dodge"on the rear is hard to see-chrome letters over a clear lens backed by chrome. Anyone looking over my car is more likely to go away thinking "Alcoa Forged" than "Dodge Challenger" since it says that in 4 places. Ridiculous-a car like this could be it's own best advertisement.
Fiat must understand there is a niche market for this car. It is not a huge market, but then why make another Viper? I understand having a Halo car to carry the brand, but how many Vipers actually sell per year? If sales numbers don't justify the Challenger's existence, then why build another Viper, Dodge? Keep the Challenger or at least a 2 door coupe with a V-8 regardless of what it is called. Refresh exterior, make new interior, get more power/efficiency, drop the price. Add a convertible while you're at it. You WILL steal sales away from the Camaro and Mustang then.
Fiat must understand there is a niche market for this car. It is not a huge market, but then why make another Viper? I understand having a Halo car to carry the brand, but how many Vipers actually sell per year? If sales numbers don't justify the Challenger's existence, then why build another Viper, Dodge? Keep the Challenger or at least a 2 door coupe with a V-8 regardless of what it is called. Refresh exterior, make new interior, get more power/efficiency, drop the price. Add a convertible while you're at it. You WILL steal sales away from the Camaro and Mustang then.
I hate to think of my challenger as just a 2 door coupe with a V8. The Challenger is more than a name; it's an iconic brand that Dodge should not thoughtlessly redesign. History tells us they will lose more customers by simply making the car smaller or by simply trying to keep it around just for the name. I say retire the name for good after 2013 or whatever and work on a brand new hybrid engine that will power muscle cars of the 21st century.
"It has been discussed in another thread that they are considering a second generation Challenger depending how sales go. The 392 will get a supercharger, while the 5.7 will be tweaked for 400+ hp. The redesign will be more of a facelift like the 2011 Charger was with a new interior. The car is last in sales behind the Mustang and Camaro, but Dodge originally intended to sell only about 30K a year. They have hit that mark. They should keep it around and make it more competitive in performance and price."
I was reading this thread last week before I went out of town and now I can't find it. Do you remember the name of the thread?
When they are done they are done. It will not sell in any other variation than this body style.
When the tree huggers and bean counters take over we'll all have Barrett Jackson cars! YIPPEE!
I am really surprised by the amount of people that think this car will die. The whole "I have mine, if they kill it then it will make mine more valuable" mindset makes no sense. It would be decades before these cars would see any appreciation in value. I want The Challenger to have a long life. Who knows what the future holds for this vehicle. Will it be slightly smaller, more powerful, and weigh less? I would hope so, but if this car fails to receive a new generation, what make everyone so sure that a Cuda would be offered?
What he said. I'd be willing to bet that 95% of those saying they hope it dies are the same ones that think that a Challenger is a solid investment in their retirement fund. It's just plain selfish honestly and even if they killed it off now there are already FAR more 3rd Gen. Challengers than there were originals made.
With Europe crashing and oil climbing to $100
You will see LESS challengers being sold.
People are still losing their Jobs,and conpanys are not hiring
and interest rates will start to get higher soon.....
To me as I have been saysing,The Challenger is like the
walking Dead
Fiat will Kill the Car after 2013(I will buy a 2013}No reason
to make these cars with this economy...................................JQ
Some of you watch (and buy in to) the news media gloom and doom stories far too much. There's no real reason to make a muscle car in any economy but there are ALWAYS some buyers.
There are several paths ahead. I'd like to see a Cadillac CTS-V competitor based on a complete redesign. Use a SC engine and all of the interior upgrades from the other cars (Charger ; etc). Make it a top end luxury/performance car. Unfortunately (even though I love it) you can only sell a particular exterior for so many years. And V-8s are on their way out.
CTS-V is ugly, but a great performer. Imagine what Dodge could do here. Let the Fiat brand carry the entry level coupe.
The 300 SRT-8 is Chrysler's version of a CTS-V fighter. That is a luxury sedan, a Challenger is a completely different market. It might not be competitive enough in your eyes but it is in Chryslers. I've seen more 300 SRT8's on the road than CTS-V's.
I dont want it to die...I havent even gotten a challenger yet and wont be for like a year or two. D: I love the car...and i have an issue if "used" so i dont want it dead.
But i am interested by a 'Cuda. Never actually seen an original but a lot of people here like it so i want to find a good picture of one.
Great thread, y'all. I'm not sure if there's anything more that I can add here except that I think several of you are a little too fixated on the year 2014. Don't be worrying about 2014, we need to be concerned with 2016. That's the year all the Govt imposed CAFE requirements will kick in. Those are the all encompassing corporate average fuel economy requirements. Which means for every mopar muscle car (Challenger, Charger, etc) sold Chrysler (Dodge) will have to sell lots more fuel economy econonobox cars in order to make up the difference. So where 's the performance future you ask well, as long as the mopar muscle cars have 400+ HP engines and can get on average 35 mpg we're good to go.
As for a restyle I envision the Challenger getting fully functional side extractors like the 72-74 Challengers did. Morphing into a Cuda is also a distinct possibility as well. As long as the car maintains its original, "classic" Challenger/Cuda shape I think the car has a bright future. In fact the only redesign I can even remotely imagine would be a modern interpretation of the 1979 Chrysler 300 that was based on the late 80's Chrysler Cordoba. I hear a 8 speed auto transmission, paddle shifters, & upgraded stereo DVD/NAV system are also in the works as well. You guys who want a strip down version of the Challenger just need to wake up, it just ain't happening. Why, because hardly anyone sells stripped down cars & even less of the public buy them. Face it, like it or not & for better or worse, "fully loaded" optioned cars are here to stay. Some of y'all say you want Dodge to offer production superchargers & the like while others say the SRT8 is over priced as equipped so which is it? For example, look at the Hurst Challengers, are you willing to pay another $25K on top for a new SRT8, didn't think so. Yes the car is heavier, that's the point exactly, its a muscle car not a pony car.
For those who say a turbo V6 would be a cop out I submit to you the 1984-1987 Buick Grand National & GNX. They helped rewrite the book on performance way back when.
As for me I absolutely love my 10 SRT8 however if Dodge indeed does add all the above to the last year production car> I'll very seriously consider trading up for the final Challenger incarnation. After all I did that same thing when it came to my Buick Grand National!
Nobody is saying that MOST people want a stripped down car but there is still a definite market for them ala Boss 302. The same can be said that not everyone wants a totally optioned out car, myself included. The key factor here is that most younger drivers are the ones that want the stripped version. Those younger drivers are the ones that need to be targeted is the model is to survive. Take a look at the Mustang for a minute. It seems the Mustang is always looked at as the benchmark for the pony car/muscle car market at least in terms of business models BECAUSE IT IS. The Mustang offers something for everyone, from a 6-spd V6, to a stripped Boss 302, to a loaded any model, to the GT500. Every facet of the pony car market is targeted; men/women, young/old, racers/street cruisers, etc. The Challenger as is has made a game of targeting mostly 40+ year old males that remember the original and are trying to relive their glory days. Nothing wrong with that plan it’s just not a sustainable plan once all of the baby boomers get their Challenger that they have lusted after for the last 40 years.
Turning a Challenger into a Corboda?!? Really?:huh:
FWIW, I don't see a major body redesign in the Challenger's future because it may not around all that much longer. Some speculate that 2014 is the last year but I'm a bit more optimistic in that I think the Challenger might be around till 2015. I personally think the Challenger will be gone by 2016 unless Chrysler can somehow convince the many multitudes of masses to buy lots of Fiat 500's & other small almond shaped commuter cars in droves. 2016 is when the national C.A.F.E., corporate average fuel economy requirements will kick in. That means for every performance loving R/T or SRT they sell to enthusiasts, they have to sell "X" number of small, fuel efficient cars to off set the #ers gas guzzler they have sold. Now Chrysler could come up with a Hybrid version of the Challenger but I'm not sure how all the Challenger faithful will take to that? Still anything that keeps a good thing going is a okay in my book!
Hence the reason they only want to sell around 30-40k a year now. They already have to fight the CAFÉ standards but FIATs will go along way towards helping their cause.
Guys if you insist on keeping up this futile discussion, take it to sending pm's. You guys are making me sick with all this ****. Seriously, this thread is about the survival of the challenger, many people have stated that they don't care about your opinions politically. Stow it and stop ****ting in the thread.
Now, I don't know what will happen to the challenger. I like the idea of the cuda. I also think that when dodge does redesign or "freshen" the challenger, they should remove the orange indicators from the grill and put all white light up there. Perhaps relocate the indicators to the fogs.
If dodge does go cuda though, I would suggest going 70 or 72-74. I am afraid I don't like the 71
Like it or not politics plays a HUGE role in a cars survival. There is so much that is mandated into a car these days and that plays into the cost of the vehicle. Plus look at the CAFÉ standards that are regulated onto the auto industry. Please show me one new car that is by no means effected by politics, just one.
71 was my favorite year `Cuda although the 70 was sweet too.
I rather they discontinue the Challenger in 2014 then completely redesign it!! I much rather Chrysler get the fans of the new Challenger plus new fans/customers really EXCITED about a new MOPAR car like a Cuda! Something lighter obviously with the same retro + modern feel/appeal. Heck the current LX platform for the Challenger will be retired in 2013-2014 anyway so something big will happen.... Guess we'll wait and see.
A new `Cuda will not, and should not happen. The Challenger as stated had many “built-in” sales just simply by being a retro looking Challenger with the “Challenger” nameplate. A `Cuda would target the exact same buyers, many of whom already have a Challenger and can not afford another new car (some can but a model can’t survive and remain competitively on those few). I would be fine with a total redesign although I know many current Challenger owners would not. Why? The Challenger needs to GROW to SURVIVE. There is very little growth in a car that would refuse to change as many are asking for. The Mustang has many more followers and many of them cry foul every time there is a redesign but Ford does what it has to do to ensure that the Mustang remains THE top pony car.