The thing is, back in the early 70's, the Hemi's were king, the equal cars from GM were LS6 Chevelles & Corvettes. Hence the reason why THESE cars fetch the most at auctions or private sales.
GM has their new motor ready to go in the new ZR-1 Corvettea and a slightly detuned version going in the new Cadillac CTS-V. The LS motors that GM is producing is made in so many different HP/TQ cofigurations tha even the lowest rated unit (285 HP) in a lighter vehicle, will equal or surpass the R/T. I agree, lets wait & see what acually hits the road in '09 & '10 but GM has the advantage, engine wise. Chrysler "may" just want to fasttrack getting a 4.7 ready as well as the 6.4 - and maybe the V-10.
And does the average idiot need 500-600HP, no - not with the way most of these people drive today but they make great veiwing on U-Tube crash sites and in the wrecking yards.