Chrysler Shows Challenger Line; Don’t Call It Budget Blue
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Chrysler’s Jim Press unveils the Challenger model line. (Associated Press)

In a press conference with its share of small gaffes, which Vice Chairman Jim Press used to highlight the company’s cost-cutting effort, Chrysler unveiled the full line of Dodge Challenger coupes.

In an effort to compete with the Ford Mustang, Dodge will offer a V6 model that Mr. Press said will get around 25 miles per gallon on the highway. The Challenger SE will start in the “very low 20s” and even though its a coupe, Mr. Press said it will seat five people. The image displayed on the screen for this bargain model looked like a recolored version of the press photos that have been on the Internet for months.
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The base Challenger in blue.

Still, Mr. Press said the volume model will be the Challenger R/T, with a Hemi V8 engine. The top-of-the-line SRT-8 model comes with a huge, 400-plus horsepower Hemi V8 and an available “pistol grip” shifter that recaptures the spirit of the ’60s muscle cars.

Mr. Press also announced a plan to offer 12 value-packaged models as part of a “It’s a New Day” at Chrysler celebration to help jump-start sales.

Despite several weeks of negative news from Chrysler, including a plan to shut down the company for two weeks, Mr. Press said, “All is well in Auburn Hills.” – David Patton