Motors Who wants a new dodge challenger?

I do! me!! I want one!!!

I've had a softspot of muscle cars for years, ever since seeing Gone in 60 Seconds when it came out in 2000 and I was but 15. I'd never really seen a car that I wanted when I "grew up" until I saw Elenor.

For years since then I wanted a 67 Fastback, or at least something that looked like it. Then the 2005 Mustang came out, and I was over joyed. Check that thing out, it really does look like a retro 67'. Obviously that was the idea, but I thought "yes, that will do me", I didn't want the GT500, just the GT, I liked that more.

And then came the Challenger. WOW. What an awesome looking machine. The thing I like about it the most is that it looks like a mix of the old challenger and the old charger (I was massively disappointed with the new charger).

When you look at the new Challenger, you get that "I want" feeling. Again, I don't want the top level one, I'm fancying the (much cheaper, but not much slower) RT with the trackpack, giving it a 6 speed manual (with a pistol grip shifter, big love) and an LSD. AWESOME. Hemi Orange with hood stripes please!

In a couple of years these will be pretty reasonable, they're $29'000 at the moment, which isn't much. As a second/fine weather car, is there anything modern thats cooler and gives bang for buck like this? In about 3 years time we reckon you could have one imported directly from the states for about £15k, going by the new mustang and the current economic climate.

Who else would be tempted???

p.s. sorry for the long and rambling post, joys of the internet and free speech eh?

 

this is an ugly ugly plasticky looking car.

 

There is one for sale in the area I live and I'm not that impressed. Even the new Shelby GT500 isn't that great. I test drove the new Charger and it's not the same either. The old school muscle IMO is still better and for the price of these news cars you can get a mint classic. Mint 1967 Chevy Camaro SS runs around $25k. Mint 1967 Dodge Chargers are a little cheaper.

If you really want a Eleanor there is a company that builds them. http://www.classic-recreations.com/

 

Ah yes, but the problem is I'm in the UK and there aren't *that* many American classics over here, or at least ones that are in good condition and don't cost the earth.

The new challenger is only a few inches thinner and shorter than the RR Phantom (thats Rolls Royce, not Range Rover) AND I believe the SRT8 is going to be reviews on the new series of Top Gear.

 

I've driven one of the RT's before and I didn't really like it that much, it was very plain. But I would definitely take an SRT8 Challenger.

 

What did you like about the SRT8 over the RT more may I ask?

 

I really love the look of the new challenger. Too bad it's about 700 lbs overweight.

 

The inside of the RT was just too plain for me. I'm far from a person who wants everything in their car but it was very basic to me (I only got to drive the very low end spec version). Plus the SRT has a bigger engine and 20" rims.

Also, along with what UrbanMarine said, I would much rather have a 69 Camaro than a new Challenger.

 

I want one, that with a manual, oooooooh yes. I saw one at the dealership, wow it looked badass. I love the retro muscle car look, not like the mustang, it didn't have that muscle car look. it just looks menacing

 

Or you could go for a 2 door Mk3 Cortina:



It looks pretty similar, is cheaper, is probably more economical, is probably more powerful, and the technology underneath it is the same age as that of the Challenger.

 

or how bout some funky cold medina?

 

Tbh I really like it. I dunno if I'd buy one, but it's certainly a good-looking thing, and I've no doubt it has an awesome soundtrack and an amusingly lively back end.

Does it have real suspension though? What about the interior? Will we ever get an RHD version?

 

Here is supposedly what the interior of the SRT8 looks like, but I think it may be slightly off; because on the SRT there are highlights on the seat the same color as whatever paint job you choose. But as you can see its not a true photograph.

Angle Interior Shot
Driver's Seat Interior Shot

 

Looks alright really - not too complicated to switch over the other way hopefully.

Is the SRT8 available with a proper gearbox?

 

I'm guessing that means a manual? If so then yes it has the option of a 6 speed manual or a 5 speed automatic.

 

I prefer Nescafe.

Nnnnnnnnnnngh! No, I can't resist. While I'd love to leave it implied, it put such a smile on my face that I have to spread the joy.



And now: back on topic.

 

Yes, a proper gearbox needs an extra pedal and a stick. I assumed the "trackpack" that mothergoose mentioned would be available, but you never know with these things.

 

It's independent suspension all the way around, the RT can have a manual, if I'm reading Road & Track correctly, with a Track Pak I believe. The SRT8 also has a manual option

 

Well sure, I might go for one of those if it wasn't for one certain problem; gasoline is 13NOK per liter (that's roughly $10 per gallon for you americans out there), and as such gas-guzzlers are not really a viable option over here. Now, my current car is not the most wallet-friendly car in existense either, but I do believe it drinks less than your average american V8 (it's got a 3.5liter straight-six - BMW 735). They certainly do look the part those muscle cars though, but the most beautiful car in existence has to be the Aston Martin DB9.

 

Hell yeah.
I've had a soft spot for muscle cars since i played Street rod on one of my oooold PC's.
Bright orange or lime green with black racing stripes, please... The engine would probably get replaced with a Nelson Engine, though (fortunately for me, 100% of the service stations here have what the americans call "racing grade fuel" - i.e. 95/96 octane). Nothing like 600-1600bhp on tap with that lovely V8 soundtrack.