I've been following the development of the Challenger since some time in 2006. I went to the Woodward Dream Cruise last year. I was aware of the 12/3/07 order date for the 2008 SRT. I was at the Chicago Auto Show this year. I missed the live broadcast at the New York Auto Show regarding the 2009's. I've had minimal contact with dealers in all this time (just a couple of phone calls). I have never bought a car as it is being rolled out for the first time and I have not even bought a new car in 8 years. I am considering a 2009 R/T or SRT. I have some questions:

1) Will we be able to place deposits on 2009 R/Ts or SRTs at dealerships in April or May? What is a common deposit amount? $1000?
2) Do people think the demand will be so great for the 2009 R/T's that I need to consider placing a deposit in April or May?
3) Do people think the demand will be so great for the 2009 SRT's that I need to consider placing a deposit in April or May?
4) Won't the first 3,000 or so 2009 SRTs go to the people that bought the 2008 SRTs last, but didn't make the production cut-off?
5) When would be the earliest I can go to a dealership and actually see the various R/T colors in person for comparison prior to deposit / down payment? Since I was at the Chicago Auto Show I did see Hemi Orange, Silver, and Black in person, but I'd probably need to see these in person for comparison and so that I can see them in real sunlight (except Hemi Orange concept which I saw at Woodward).
6) No dealer asks that you make a down payment prior to the car being on the lot, right? Only a deposit?
7) I've read the 2009's will be on lots in August / September. Does that sound right? So will I have to wait until then to actually compare colors?

Don't feel like you need to reply to all questions, but whatever ones you can, please do. Just use the question number to reply. Thanks!