Wow, being compared to BMW or Porsche. The Challenger is bad.

Published February 11, 2008


Dodge sets its sights high with goal of selling 30K Challengers

UP TO THE CHALLENGE?

Mark Phelan
Gannett News Service


Chrysler LLC's Dodge division expects to sell 20,000 to 30,000 of its retro-styled Challenger sport coupes a year once the full model line goes on sale.

That was the forecast last week from Chrysler Vice Chairman Jim Press at the Chicago Auto Show.

For the 2008 model year, though, Dodge will only offer the 425-horsepower high-performance $37,995 Challenger SRT8. The production run of 6,400 is sold out and cars will arrive on dealer lots in the spring, Press said.

"There's already a waiting list for 2009 models," he said.

Chrysler, owned by New York's Cerberus Capital Management LP, is to unveil the 2009 Challenger at the New York Auto Show next month.

The Challenger family will probably grow next year to include lower-priced models with less-powerful engines. A convertible is also possible.

Dodge touted several key technical features as advantages versus the Ford Mustang, the Challenger's most obvious competitor.

The Challenger will come with standard antilock brakes, electronic stability control, curtain air bags, six-speed automatic transmission and keyless ignition.

The five-passenger Challenger uses the same basic structure as the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans. Like them, it features a five-link rear suspension, a layout that's widely considered more advanced than the Mustang's solid rear axle.

"We'd rather run like a thoroughbred than ride like a pony," Frank Klegon, Chrysler vice president of product development, said in a thinly veiled jab at the Mustang.

Dodge set its sights high, pointing out the Challenger SRT8's 170-mph top speed is faster than the $82,900 500-horsepower BMW M5 super sedan, and the 6.1-liter Hemi V8 produces more torque than a $126,200 Porsche 911 turbo.

"When you sit inside, it makes you feel younger and richer than you are," Press said.

He insists the Challenger's appeal goes beyond aging baby boomers who remember the original 1970 muscle car.

"Young people are discovering the car on their own," he said. "They're drawn to it because it's great-looking, emotional, fun to drive and roomy."

Auburn Hills-based Chrysler builds the car at its Brampton, Ontario, assembly plant.