Dodge Challenger Forums - Challenger News http://dodgechallenger.com/forum This section is only for articles pertaining to, or containing information about the new Dodge Challenger. en Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:16:27 GMT vBulletin 60 http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/images/kirsch/misc/rss.jpg Dodge Challenger Forums - Challenger News http://dodgechallenger.com/forum collection update 9/4/2010 http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7741&goto=newpost Sat, 04 Sep 2010 13:29:31 GMT in no particular order:
Car Craft 10/10 "2 pg "Let Freedom Rev" ad
Automobile mag, 9/2010 "Bald Eagle" ad
Rides 9/2010 p 88 club report
Muscle Car Power 10/2010 new magna flo ad, muscle car nats article, modernmuscle.com ad

Muscle Car Review 9/2010 p 14 Mopar 10, ad for book, Mike Mueller, "Muscle Cars" Challenger on cover, p 19-20 "Let Freedom Rev" ad

Drag Racer mag, 11/2010, p 100 Don Garlits and Drag Pak debut
Garage Style mag, fall 2010 index, editorial, p 38 owner, p 64 review of Hurst Challenger

Detroit News 8/26/2010 2011 spy shot
Mancini Racing catalog 8/2010 cover shot
Detroit News/Free Press, Chrysler/Dodge Ad, tent sale, all black cars, inc Challenger
CruizNews 8/2010 pull out section for Ypsilanti, MI car show, pic of Challenger
AutoWeek 8/30/2010 "Bald Eagle Ad, Saleen 570X ad, Woodhouse Motorosports ad

Memeorabilia:
Johnny Lightning 1:64 diecast 2010 RT black w/flames
Matchbox 1:64 diecast silver
Chrysler Woodward Dream Cruise online photo, ID tag has pic of Algair #12 Challenger
video TV show, Bachelor Pad 8/24/2010 Drag Racing Challengers
video Detroit Ch 7 Woodward Dream Cruise coverage Challengers in street shots and end of broadcast
Hotwheels black K & N Challenger in 2 pack
video; Detroit Ch 7 news report on Chevy Volt drivng Detroit Streets and Woodward Dream Cruise. Challengers visible through windows of Volt in background

Mopar 10 artwork poster, autographed by Mark Trostle, gift from Bill Pitt ]]> Challenger News stevelegel http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7741 New Steering Wheel Emblem http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7736&goto=newpost Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:05:52 GMT Here is the new steering wheel emblem. Much beter than the goat's head!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg SteeringWheel.jpg (77.2 KB)
]]> Challenger News Cuda340 http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7736 <![CDATA[Sales Numbers for Challenger,Mustang & Camaro]]> http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7725&goto=newpost Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:00:54 GMT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales of the... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sales of the Challenger, Mustang and Camaro (May 2009 through May 2010)

The Camaro outsells both the Challenger and Mustang.
Not that this is really "news" since it seems as if there is now a Camaro on every block.
But, none the less here are the sales for the new generation “Pony Cars”.

________Challenger_Mustang__Camaro

May-09_____ 2,695_____8,812____5,463
June________1,369_____7,632____9,320
July__________886_____6,686____7,113
August______1,132_____6,289____8,680
September___1,778_____4,917____7,961
October_____2,398_____4,789____8,082
November___2,040_____3,627____6,867
December___2,536_____6,527____7,548
Jan-10_____1,683_____4,747____5,371
February____2,145____ 5,115____6,482
March______3,211_____5,829____8,904
April______ 3,713_____ 5,145____9,150
May_______3,828____10,225____8,931

Totals:__29,414____80,340___99,872

These figures are from the October issue of Musclecar Enthusiast.

Just like the "good old Days", you will not be seeing a Challenger on every street corner, unlike the Camaro..............and that's a good thing! ]]> Challenger News BLK 6050 http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7725 <![CDATA[ooh,ooh ooh...new find, can't wait]]> http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7723&goto=newpost Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:04:16 GMT Well maybe you guys don't get excited about collecting like I do, but a Thunderbird club friend sent me a box of Challenger stuff...couldn't wait to share, haven't even logged them into my collection yet.

1. Johnny Lightniong black with flames 2010 RT
2. Matchbox in silver, 2010.

BTW sunny day here, drove the 1970 to the office and errands today ]]> Challenger News stevelegel http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7723 2011 price Increase http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7722&goto=newpost Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:43:10 GMT Besides the new 6.4 and Pentastar engines for 2011, the big news is a rather significant price... Besides the new 6.4 and Pentastar engines for 2011, the big news is a rather significant price increase:

"While Chrysler hasn’t released any official info, car buying site NADA Guides has a listing for the 2011 Challenger with what appears to be the new 2011 info and pricing – including the new engine options and increased sticker prices. According to the numbers shown on the site, a base Challenger with the new V6 will cost $2,310 more in 2011, rising from $23,695 to $26,055. The R/T climbs $1,910 from $31,610 to $33,520. As for the big-dog SRT8, it’s priced at $1,921 more than the 2010 model for a rather significant $45,601."

Does Chrysler really want to compete against the cheaper Camaro SS and Mustang GT? ]]> Challenger News Cuda340 http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7722 Sneak Peek: 2011 Challenger SRT8 http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7715&goto=newpost Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:25:34 GMT August 26, 2010http://detnews.com/article/20100826/AUTO03/8260369 Sneak Peek: 2011 Challenger... August 26, 2010http://detnews.com/article/20100826/AUTO03/8260369

Sneak Peek: 2011 Challenger SRT8
Almost all of Chrysler's lineup is going under the knife in the next several months, including the Dodge Challenger. We've just caught the 2011 Challenger SRT8 without an ounce of camouflage.
On the outside, the biggest change is a redesigned lower fascia. There is also a new, more pronounced chin spoiler and new door handles. Inside, there is a new steering wheel, slightly revised climate controls and new graphics on the instrument cluster. A peek at the floorboard reveals new, aluminum pedals.
Under the hood, Chrysler's new 6.4-L Hemi V-8 is lurking, with a rumored output of 480 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Eventually, the 6.4-L will be mated to Chrysler's new 8-speed transmission.

]]> Challenger News Jeremiah 29:11 http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7715 New 8-Speed Automatic http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7712&goto=newpost Wed, 25 Aug 2010 23:39:01 GMT found this interesting Motor Trend article about the new 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. ... found this interesting Motor Trend article about the new 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Chrysler has been paying Mercedes a $250 royalty per transmission!


http://wot.motortrend.com/6656095/in...-zf/index.html ]]> Challenger News Cuda340 http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7712 Woodward Dream Cruise wrap up http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7708&goto=newpost Tue, 24 Aug 2010 01:59:43 GMT WOODWARD DREAM CRUISE WRAP UP The really great weather came a day too late. But the hot, humid... WOODWARD DREAM CRUISE WRAP UP

The really great weather came a day too late. But the hot, humid week before, and the rainy day for the Woodward Dream Cruise did not dampen the spirits of the 20 or so Forum members who came out for Detroit’s Woodward Dream Cruise. Considered the world’s largest one day automotive event, spanning an 18 mile stretch of America’s first paved roadway, Woodward Dream Cruise celebrates America’s love affair with the automobile. An estimated 1.5 million attendees, come out to see over 40,000 automobiles. On the internet forums, local Detroit area residents, Bill Pitt and Steve Legel coordinated a wonderful venue for veteran and newbie Dream Cruisers. Nearly 30 new Challenger owners signed up to meet near the epicenter of 13 Mile Road and Woodward, the midpoint of the cruise route.

On Friday night, the night before the official Cruise, attendees were treated to a visit from Scott Vandekerckhove and David Cottrell. Scott is a marketing vendor for Chrysler and works with enthusiast groups. David is the Chief Engineer for project Challenger. In an informal setting David shared stories from his history of working at Chrysler and insights on Challenger project development off the L platform shared with Magnum, Charger and 300. He explained how government regulation and EPA standards interplay with product, and shared how different engineering and design teams must collaborate and exchange to bring product to market. He showed the interplay of drive train and braking and wheels, the interplay of interior and safety, the fit of body and quality control. Members gained perspective on the Daimler involvement and the new opportunities afforded by the marriage with Fiat.

Going car to car among member cars, David showed us where engineering upgrades have occurred among the various year Challengers we had on hand. For example, the problems with the cracks in rocker panels were resolved by including an extra reinforcing strut in a newly produced piece, and that the parts supply was purged of the old pieces susceptible to cracks. Any new repairs will be made with the improved design. He showed us the newly formed taillight plastic extensions that lay under the trunk lid at the bottom of the drip gutter. The original design, like on my 08, tended to trap debris and the water run off was carried under the taillight and not out the drip rail as intended. Newly designed and placed on 2010 units have a different contour and an integral, rubber seal. David accepted the teasing about nit picking show judges 20 years from now. Some even suggested stocking up on original cracked rocker panels and early design taillights! David answered questions from us, including troubles with snow and freezing on the auto up side windows. He showed us on our cars, the redesigned cat whisker seal that holds less water and deflects it better. Arguably, winter freeze is a problem for cars left out in winter weather. Never the less, the auto drop window provides a secure and wind noise resistant seal compare to glass against rubber.

David handled questions on aftermarket horsepower increase vendors and supply. He noted that if Chrysler provides “performance enhancement” parts, that impacts federal regulation and insurance underwriting. But if you do it in your backyard, or use aftermarket service, the rules are different. He pointed to the exclusivity of Challenger, and its factory volume production capacity limitation, ( 46,000 unit capacity) that leaves the aftermarket to look closely at supply and demand to reflect development costs and pricing. When asked, “can you“…David replied, no problem to make more horsepower, no problem to get it to the wheels, the challenges are not in technology but market cost and regulation. Grilled about the Viper 10 Challenger he explained that it’s not all about more horsepower, but that engineering the whole package is a bigger puzzle, as each component has impact on the others, like transmissions, axles, brakes, wheels, and tires.

Lastly, David was not permitted to elaborate on any future product plans, development or manufacturing. We left with a better understanding of the inner workings, and grins from ear to ear. In his role, David also drives the competitor’s Mustang and Camaro, and feels the Challenger is superior in all regards, despite the bias in magazine reports. His wife, Mary, was along and she echoed that observation.

David and Scott were most patient and cordial in an over 2 hour, hands on visit.

BUT WAIT!! THERE’S MORE!!

The location that Bill Pitt secured was only a short walk to the Dodge exhibit. Nearly 50 vintage Dodge muscle cars (and an assortment of new Fiat 500’s) were on display. Challenger fans could participate in a vote for your favorite color Challenger and enter to win a Justin Allgair #12 Challenger (not a NASCAR car, but graphics package car). Among Challengers on display were the green Targa, the NASCAR pace car, the Allgair car, and Furious Fuchsia, Detonator Yellow , Plum Crazy Challengers. Not to forget a Mopar 10 Challenger with blue side stripe.

We enjoyed our visits with members from as far away as Canada and Wyoming and Nebraska. Bill, and his wife Trish, pulled extra duty for set up. I think Bill covered the lion’s share of our sponsorship to take the Church’s parking area, and we were all appreciative of their work. I handled the internet communication. Many hands make light work! Bill and I will certainly work for a redo next year, and you should consider coming to Detroit for Woodward Dream Cruise 2011 ]]> Challenger News stevelegel http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7708 Collection Update 8/19/2010 http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7702&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:09:13 GMT A good variety of memorabilia and literature finds. The list is shorter than my last overdue... A good variety of memorabilia and literature finds. The list is shorter than my last overdue update, so I can provide some description.

Hot Rod Magazine Oct 2010 Hemi shoot out coverage
Mopar Collectors Guide 10/10 Muscle Car Nats coverage, ads
HH Heavy Hitter fall 2010 Las Vegas Mark Scott modified 2009 SRT
Newsday Long Island NY Plum Crazy and ad for yellow convertible Challenger 7/25/2010

Muscle Car Enthusiast 9/2010 Fast lane "Stealth" mods; B5 blue RT vs Charger SRT

Memorabilia...big month on video

SPEED Carfax 250 at M.I.S. 8/14/2010
Barrret Jackson Mopar replay w/Richard Petty Garage
Dodge Tent Event TV commercial
TV Show Leverage 8/1/2010 season 3 ep 8 "The Boost Job"

Die cast 1:64 Greenlight "Sheriff"

Callender (promo from my office) by Comda 2011 "Road Warriors" and 2011 Classy Chassis by Hotline

Back to School pocket folders, notebooks, pencils book covers blue RT and Red SRT ]]> Challenger News stevelegel http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7702 Woodward Dream Cruise update http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7699&goto=newpost Wed, 18 Aug 2010 23:54:14 GMT I was able to secure a special treat. David Cottrell, Chief engineer for Project Challenger will... I was able to secure a special treat. David Cottrell, Chief engineer for Project Challenger will visit us on Friday afternoon at the Church meeting area.

I am asking you to consider making a point to be at our meeting site by 5:00, he should be there between 5:00 and 6:00.

Scott Vanderchokove, my contact set this up at my request.

Steve Legel ]]> Challenger News stevelegel http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7699 Latest woodward update http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7693&goto=newpost Sun, 15 Aug 2010 19:38:05 GMT Woodward Dream Cruise Itinerary 2010 WED 8/18 Car Show at Walter P Chrysler Museum (approx 4:30... Woodward Dream Cruise Itinerary 2010

WED 8/18 Car Show at Walter P Chrysler Museum (approx 4:30 to 8:00) at Chrysler Tech Center Auburn Hills, MI just off I 75. We have no formal plans to attend.

THURSDAY 8/19

1. Bill Pitt is still willing to host group to the Walter P Chrysler Museum. He suggests 11:00 AM but there have been no takers. Reply to him at

spoiledbrat2@comcast.net

2. One of us, Bill Pitt, or myself will be at the meeting site from 3:00 to 6:00 if anybody wants to meet up and visit.

Meeting site is Emmanuel Bethel Church, 4000 Normandy, Royal Oak, MI. It is just off southbound Woodward between 14 Mile Road and 13 Mile Road

3. Plan to be around the meeting site around 6:00 and we will make a plan to take a Woodward Drive and think of idea for place to eat

4. Break out on our own, can go back to the meeting site

　

FRIDAY 8/20

1. Bill will be at our meeting site from 12:00 noon until 2:00PM. I will be at meeting site from 2:00 until 4:00. This way someone will be holding our spaces and you can come meet the group, and know where we are. You do not have to stay, the meeting place is available all evening, easy come and go.

SATURDAY 8/21

1. Bill Pitt, I and a few others will be the EARLY RISERS and reserve our spot and prevent interlopers from using the space. Not everybody needs to be that early…those of you that emailed me to meet us later…THAT’S OK.

2. Bill has generously covered our donation to use the space. The Church community is using revenues from Dream Cruise for the roofing fund. Please consider an out of pocket donation to the cause. Typical parking like this is well over $50.00 per car anywhere up and down Woodward.

3. We will have a support car, and canopy. Please bring your cooler, chairs, sun block, detailers etc. Concessions for food and beverage are everywhere, if you choose.

My Cell 313 492 6525

Steve Legel ]]> Challenger News stevelegel http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7693 6.4 hp http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7688&goto=newpost Mon, 09 Aug 2010 23:19:25 GMT This interesting post was at challengertalk.com. Dealer claims the 6.4 is rated at 475 hp.

"My fiance and I took a walk around a sale event here in Southern Oregon and I had a chat with one of the sales/marketing guys from Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Medford.

He told me that they had started receiving info on the 2011's, and specifically I asked about the 6.4L HP rating. He told me that initial tests on test cars and power plants have indicated that the 6.4L is going to be rated at 475 HP and 470TQ. However, he also said something interesting in that he said this is based on the engine running at 65% capacity of power, that it has been tuned down to get maximum engine life (and warranty claims) down.

According to him and a Chrysler rep that was there from Auburn Hills, the first 6.4L SRT8's tested in April weren't detuned (and running at 90% capacity), and were putting out 505 HP. Chrysler's warranty and legal stepped in and determined that they could reduce potential claims by 30% if they tuned it down to 450. A compromise was met at 475.

He did say the SRT10 was briefly reconsidered two months ago, but it was not in true testing. He did not say anything confirmed about the 5.7L being underrated, but he just kind of smiled when I mentioned I put down 332 RWHP on the dyno on a stock motor and that something wasn't right. He did mention that "The 5.7L is a very surprising motor isn't it? We have that poor motor so tamed down".

Interior materials and color scheme is changing, specifically in gauge design, but the overall interior isn't changing. He did mention at least as it stands now most of the 2011 parts are interchangeable with 2009/10's." ]]> Challenger News Cuda340 http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7688 Dodge Daytona Conversion http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7683&goto=newpost Sun, 08 Aug 2010 23:25:31 GMT Check out this $40,000 Dodge Daytona conversion. ... Check out this $40,000 Dodge Daytona conversion.

http://www.auto123.com/en/news/car-n...0&artid=121449 ]]> Challenger News Cuda340 http://dodgechallenger.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7683