Definitely agree with Axel. The platform is the culprit. This is the old E-class Mercedes platform. So it is a bit...Mercedes-like. A big heavy tank that rides well and feels very composed. It would be cool if they had a lighter RWD platform that would be suitable, but with Chrysler's financial situation, they would have a hard time making one from the ground up. And if they did, we'd be waiting til at least Camaro time, maybe longer. And likely paying more.

The LS engines are great. Very good aftermarket support, and excellent power. But what made the 02 Camaro faster with less power was the weight. They were only ~3400lbs. The Challenger is only slightly lighter (3260 lbs) in the stripped out, non-street-legal drag package. The new LS3 will be around 400hp in the Camaro. I doubt that a Challenger with an Camaro LS3 would be faster than with a 6.1 Hemi. The LS is not magic, it is just in a lighter car.

The Toyota-sourced 2ZZ-GE engine runs 0-60 in 4.7 and 12.8 in the 1/4 mile with only 190hp and laughable torque. How? It is in a Lotus Exige that weights about 2000lbs.

Edit: pardon my syntax.