Biting off more than you can chew on a loan is the American Way. Is it not? Be a slave to your car; dream about it when you sleep at night; let it become your new religion; let it be the envy of every one of your buddies, family members and most of all...the other drivers in their eco-friendly cost-effective hybrids or whatever. What I have come to realize is that there is something really, really special taking place these days. Many of us, including yours truly, weren't even alive in the muscle/pony car hey-day, but we have our chance now to experience it all over again. By summer 2009 when there's Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers and maybe even GTOs ruling the streets again, it's gonna be pretty damn special. Personally, my plan is to buy one and hang on to it forever. Maybe it will become a family heirloom to my kid's kids and so on and so forth. As long as you don't plan on trading it in a few years later, it will be well worth the 4-7 years of being a slave to your car payment. And if the little woman isn't down with the plan, I recommend showing her the door! A man needs to have priorities; an escape; a toy!

I think the Challenger will make you happier than you could ever imagine. It will also serve as a constant reminder what your reward is for all that dedication and hard work spent working 50-60 hours a week or even more, like most of us already do. Furthermore, can you really put a price on lining up next to some jag-off in a European import costing a boatload more than your beautiful Challenger and absolutely blowing his doors off? Perhaps some people can, but I can't....the look on said jagoff's face when he finally catches up to you while you're stopped at the next red light will be PRICELESS! I've experienced that feeling many a time in my Mustang and man it feels GREAT!

In all seriousness though, to answer your original question, I would think you need to earn a minimum of $55K annually in order for an R/T or an SRT-8 to be do-able. Admittedly, that is based on absolutely zero scientific research or fact. It's strictly a hunch, however I bet it's pretty damn close.

Happy Motoring my friend!