Yes, more power is good.

But is slapping the 6.1 liter Hemi in the new Challenger the wise choice?

Personally, I'd be very happy with the 5.7 Hemi in the new Challenger. It's still a Hemi. It'll still shake the earth as I drive by (a requirement of American Muscle). But with the Multi-Displacement System, I get all the Hemi goodness, while still being able to get decent gas milage. Just look at the Magnum:
5.7 Hemi with MDS = 18 City, 25 Highway
6.1 Hemi (no MDS) = 14 City, 20 Highway

Hell, I get BARELY better fuel economy in my PT Cruiser than the Magnum with 5.7 Hemi! (Don't think for a minute that doesn't burn me)

I'd read someone's comment on another blog/forum that stated that he'd prefer the V6 over either Hemi. While I think that's overstating things, I do believe that the 5.7 liter Hemi is much better choice for the first year of the Challenger. If Chrysler is concerned that a 2-door might not sell well (hence the reason the Charger got the shaft), why couple that concern with crippling gas mileage? Wouldn't they be MORE worried about low sales?

Yes, I'm going to get one no matter what, but I'd be happy as pig in slop if DCX gave me a 5.7 liter Hemi coupled to that 6-speed manual transmission. Maybe offer the 6.1 as an option...?

Thoughts?