ORIGINAL: blueshawk
If the Charger with a V8 was a coupe and had 6 speed transmission, then I would buy it. The Challenger is filling a void that needed to be filled.
What I worry about is DCX thinking that a limited production only Challenger is going to help their bottom line. Ford has limited production Mustangs that most can't get or afford and thus most settle and buy the Mustang GT. This helps Ford's bottom line because the limited prodcution cars are getting buyers excited and they still get a sale. 10,000 Shelbys being built and sold in 2007 will not mean much to Ford other than it got buyers for the regular Mustang. If I can't get the Challenger when it comes out then I'm going to wait and see if I can get a Camaro. If I can't get the Camaro because of limited production marketing, then I'll but the Mustang GT.
I'm ready to buy now, but I'm going to wait to see if I can get a Challenger or a Camaro. If not, then DCX and GM has lost a sale to Ford.
I hope these highly paid auto executives are thinking clearly about what is driving the success of Ford's Mustang.
Becareful of thinking that way, the Mustang is the only car that is currently making money for Ford and that is due to its legacy. The Challenger is not going to be able to match the sales of the Mustang or be anywhere close to it if the production was unlimited. The Challenger isn't recognized. Chrysler was burned once with overproduction and it almost killed them.
The Camaro was not near as popular as the Mustang when it was discountinued. The sales of the Camaro and Firebird combined was less than half of the sales of the Mustang. Now having said that, it would be a good idea not to have too limited production of the Challenger as long as they produce the correct amount, which is hard to predict.
The 300 doesn't sell as many units as the Mustang does, and it was a super success story. The Mustang has a high recognition and strong fan base. The Challenger has almost start from scratch other than a group of past Challenger owners. The Challenger has missed out on generations X and Y while the Mustang and Camaro have had both. You have to remember this as well.
If the Charger was a coupe I would give it the same consideration I am currently giving it. I like the looks of the Challenger better. If the Charger looked like a classic Charger or like the '99 concept. I'd take it over the Challenger. Don't get me wrong, I like the Charger, but I liek the Challenger better.