Despite Rumors, NO "official approval" - yet!

[HEMEEE]

IL Insider: Dodge Challenges Reports of Challenger Production

Date posted: 05-15-2006

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Despite Web site reports that an auto supplier is working on components for the production version of the Dodge Challenger, the automaker is still studying whether the retro car makes good business sense, Inside Line has learned.

The muscle-car Web site claimed that the Challenger was on track as a 2008.5 model. "They don't know what they are talking about," Chrysler spokesman Jason Vines told IL. "There has been no official approval, and I should know — I'm on the product strategy team that gives the green light. We are doing the business case on that [the Challenger] and the Imperial.

"What we have done is reached out to suppliers and asked them for costs. It doesn't mean the car has the green light."

However, Vines said the decision on the Challenger will be "fast" and should be handed down by the end of the year.

The four-passenger Challenger concept was one of the show stoppers in Detroit this past January. The rear-wheel-drive concept version of the muscle car is powered by a 425-horsepower 6.1-liter Hemi engine linked to a six-speed manual transmission. The concept is patterned after the initial 1970 model, the one that is most sought after by collectors.

What this means to you: Don't jump the gun on the production Challenger. The powers that be at the Chrysler Group are still mulling this one over.

[vvv90]

I would be very surprised if they did NOT make this car.

It's been one of the most popular concept cars in years. People of all brand loyalty all say they would "cross over" and buy it! Ford guys, Chevy guys, and even Import guys say it!

[HEMEEE]

Sometimes the declaration that something is a rumor... IS the rumor

[vvv90]

Originally Posted by HEMEEE

Sometimes the declaration that something is a rumor... IS the rumor

I was thinking that EXACTLY when reading the press rebuttal.

If I had a dime for every time a manufacturer denounced things as rumors and then came out EXACTLY what the rumor was, I'd have about... $1.60.

The Z06 comes to mind....

EVEYTHING That was rumored about the Z06 Vette came true.....aluminum frame, 6 piston brakes, carbon fiber, 427 cubic inches w/ 500+ HP, and especially the price under $100k.

[DanRealtor]

So someone at DCX os claiming that the decision whether or not to buld the Challenger has not been made yet.

Let's look at DCX's choices.

Option A: Build the Challenger, and get them on th streets ASAP. As long as people will buy the car, which, judging by the response the car has gotten everywhere it has appeared in public, is a no brainer.

Option B: Don't build it. Let Chevy bring out the Camaro to fight the Pony Wars with the Ford Mustang while DCX sits on the sidelines.

Option C: Delay building it, until after the Camaro & Mustang have filled the lion's share of new car orders for the pony wars.

Option D: Scrap the Challenger. Start over with some other car to fight the pony wars. Which would mean more of sitting on the sidelines.

Which option makes the most business sense?

Well, let's see. DCX has been the leader in the American Car & Truck scene in recent years. DCX has brought us the Viper, 300, Magnum, Charger and all of the SRT-8's including the Jeep GC SRT-8. Why would they possibly give up their position as the leader and sit on the side lines? They won't. DCX simply can't afford to sit idly by and watch Ford & GM gain market share. They flat out, will build the Challenger. They really have no choice.

Most likely, feeling pressure from within, because Ford has retro "Stangs ON THE ROAD NOW, DCX is saying that they haven't decided yet, while in the background they are working their butts of trying to get the Challenger into production ASAP. They really can't afford to let GM get the Camaro out first. While DCX is too late to be first to the party, they REALLY don't want to be last to the party.

Look for the first Challengers to hit the streets in late '07 or early '08 as an '08 model. And just like Ford is now coming out with several special or limited edition Mustangs (Shelby, Parnelli Jones, Hertz...), expect DCX to follow suit
with some Limited Edition Challengers as well. Hint: 6.1 won't be the biggest displacement available in a Challenger.

[Northern Rider]

Good analysis, Dan. And - denial at this point is also an excellent marketing stratagy. Keeps the speculation "buzz" going in the media.

Nothing like a good buzz to raise up demand . . .

[vvv90]

Originally Posted by DanRealtor

So someone at DCX os claiming that the decision whether or not to buld the Challenger has not been made yet.

Let's look at DCX's choices.

Option A: Build the Challenger, and get them on th streets ASAP. As long as people will buy the car, which, judging by the response the car has gotten everywhere it has appeared in public, is a no brainer.

Option B: Don't build it. Let Chevy bring out the Camaro to fight the Pony Wars with the Ford Mustang while DCX sits on the sidelines.

Option C: Delay building it, until after the Camaro & Mustang have filled the lion's share of new car orders for the pony wars.

Option D: Scrap the Challenger. Start over with some other car to fight the pony wars. Which would mean more of sitting on the sidelines.

Which option makes the most business sense?

Well, let's see. DCX has been the leader in the American Car & Truck scene in recent years. DCX has brought us the Viper, 300, Magnum, Charger and all of the SRT-8's including the Jeep GC SRT-8. Why would they possibly give up their position as the leader and sit on the side lines? They won't. DCX simply can't afford to sit idly by and watch Ford & GM gain market share. They flat out, will build the Challenger. They really have no choice.

Most likely, feeling pressure from within, because Ford has retro "Stangs ON THE ROAD NOW, DCX is saying that they haven't decided yet, while in the background they are working their butts of trying to get the Challenger into production ASAP. They really can't afford to let GM get the Camaro out first. While DCX is too late to be first to the party, they REALLY don't want to be last to the party.

Look for the first Challengers to hit the streets in late '07 or early '08 as an '08 model. And just like Ford is now coming out with several special or limited edition Mustangs (Shelby, Parnelli Jones, Hertz...), expect DCX to follow suit
with some Limited Edition Challengers as well. Hint: 6.1 won't be the biggest displacement available in a Challenger.

Very well put Dan....After reading that, and based on what I already believed, without a doubt this car will be made. I'm not worried in the least. Even with gas prices the way they are there is still a 6000 unit a year market share (if not more) that will buy this car.

[1bad4dr]

Dan is, as always, the MAN.... great narration.

I will be waiting for the larger displacement, i.e., SRT8 Challenger.... 500+ hp

[vvv90]

Originally Posted by 1bad4dr

Dan is, as always, the MAN.... great narration.

I will be waiting for the larger displacement, i.e., SRT8 Challenger.... 500+ hp

Whattayoucare!!! Yer gonna have ~600HP soon....







....ya bastard

[1bad4dr]

Originally Posted by vvv90

Whattayoucare!!! Yer gonna have ~600HP soon....







....ya bastard

lol I need a new daily driver... The R/T just doesn't cut it anymore. lol