Capt. Obvious
02-22-2009, 02:58 PM
#1
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Capt. Obvious
A Canadian news editor drove the Challenger SRT and was very critical of it. Why?
1. It gets terrible traction on ice and snow with F1s.
2. It has a blind spot because of the wide C pillar.
This guy is a real genius!
Here is the complete article:
2009 Challenger SRT8 Doesn't Make the GradeBy Clare Dear, Canwest News Service February 20, 2009
SECOND LOOK
The embers of my love affair with the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 started to glow during a media preview last August when I had the opportunity to fling the Brampton, Ont.-built retro rod around a race track in New Jersey.
With its 6.1-litre Hemi V8, a newly available Tremec six-speed manual transmission borrowed from the Viper, a race-bred suspension and über-effective Brembo brakes, this car truly stirred my emotions.
The relationship warmed up further when I was assigned to evaluate its category during last fall's AJAC TestFest. Again, being able to experience the menacing growl of that big Hemi, feel the rush of power when it was unleashed, even driving it tamely on public roads all combined to reinforce my passion.
So, naturally, there was much anticipation when I recently picked up an intimidating black SRT8 for a week-long road test. As we sometimes discover in relationships based on passion, however, things can quickly grow cold.
The attributes I enjoyed so much during our previous encounters turned into trouble this time. Actually, our re started off innocently enough, picking up the gorgeous SRT8 all buffed and polished at Chrysler's Mississauga office. However, making the two-hour run home later that day turned into a nightmare. The road surface, which had initially been dry, changed to wet and then snow-covered. While its sticky, fat, 20-inch performance tires shine on dry roads and can cope adequately with a soggy surface, the SRT8 can't handle the white stuff.
I had to rein in the car's 425 horsepower in order to stay on the road. True, this car comes with the latest electronic gadgetry, including stability control, but it's all useless if the tires can't grip the road.
After driving like I had eggs under the accelerator and trying to respond with the softest of touches to twitches in the car's direction, I did manage to nurse the beast home well, almost home.
There's a very slight grade in the approach to my street. In fact, it has only really grabbed my attention previously when trying to plod those final few metres after a brisk walk.
This night, however, the SRT8, with all its power, couldn't make the snow-dusted grade.
I initially made my approach with all support systems engaged as I didn't expect there would be a problem. However, as I slowed for the intersection, then tried to make the turn on to my street, the traction nanny kicked in and all but killed the engine in its attempt to avoid wheelspin.
I backed down the street, switched to manual mode and tried again, with a lot of wheelspin and a howl from the Hemi, but there was little progress.
Finally, I reversed all the way back to a main road, which was wet but snow-free, and used an alternative route (without a grade) to get home.
During the intervening days, there were times when the roads were bare. Then the true character of the SRT8 was revealed awesome acceleration, stunning handling and impressive braking, all accompanied by the wonderful sounds the Hemi V8 dispenses at the slightest urging.
Despite my initial passion for this car, time spent with it revealed a few blemishes. While I had noticed previously the visibility issues resulting from its low roofline and greenhouse, the severity of one's inability to peer past the blind spots became much more apparent.
The A-pillars are so thick one can lose sight of an approaching vehicle or person while the C-pillar sweeping down to the car's haunches over the rear wheel is so wide one really has to take a second look (or more) before making a lane change or attempting to back out from a parking spot. The small side mirrors aggravate the problem.
So, do I still long for a Challenger? Probably, despite the way this one treated me during our week-long fling. However, it would have to be limited to a three-season affair.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen
1. It gets terrible traction on ice and snow with F1s.
2. It has a blind spot because of the wide C pillar.
This guy is a real genius!
Here is the complete article:
2009 Challenger SRT8 Doesn't Make the GradeBy Clare Dear, Canwest News Service February 20, 2009
SECOND LOOK
The embers of my love affair with the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 started to glow during a media preview last August when I had the opportunity to fling the Brampton, Ont.-built retro rod around a race track in New Jersey.
With its 6.1-litre Hemi V8, a newly available Tremec six-speed manual transmission borrowed from the Viper, a race-bred suspension and über-effective Brembo brakes, this car truly stirred my emotions.
The relationship warmed up further when I was assigned to evaluate its category during last fall's AJAC TestFest. Again, being able to experience the menacing growl of that big Hemi, feel the rush of power when it was unleashed, even driving it tamely on public roads all combined to reinforce my passion.
So, naturally, there was much anticipation when I recently picked up an intimidating black SRT8 for a week-long road test. As we sometimes discover in relationships based on passion, however, things can quickly grow cold.
The attributes I enjoyed so much during our previous encounters turned into trouble this time. Actually, our re started off innocently enough, picking up the gorgeous SRT8 all buffed and polished at Chrysler's Mississauga office. However, making the two-hour run home later that day turned into a nightmare. The road surface, which had initially been dry, changed to wet and then snow-covered. While its sticky, fat, 20-inch performance tires shine on dry roads and can cope adequately with a soggy surface, the SRT8 can't handle the white stuff.
I had to rein in the car's 425 horsepower in order to stay on the road. True, this car comes with the latest electronic gadgetry, including stability control, but it's all useless if the tires can't grip the road.
After driving like I had eggs under the accelerator and trying to respond with the softest of touches to twitches in the car's direction, I did manage to nurse the beast home well, almost home.
There's a very slight grade in the approach to my street. In fact, it has only really grabbed my attention previously when trying to plod those final few metres after a brisk walk.
This night, however, the SRT8, with all its power, couldn't make the snow-dusted grade.
I initially made my approach with all support systems engaged as I didn't expect there would be a problem. However, as I slowed for the intersection, then tried to make the turn on to my street, the traction nanny kicked in and all but killed the engine in its attempt to avoid wheelspin.
I backed down the street, switched to manual mode and tried again, with a lot of wheelspin and a howl from the Hemi, but there was little progress.
Finally, I reversed all the way back to a main road, which was wet but snow-free, and used an alternative route (without a grade) to get home.
During the intervening days, there were times when the roads were bare. Then the true character of the SRT8 was revealed awesome acceleration, stunning handling and impressive braking, all accompanied by the wonderful sounds the Hemi V8 dispenses at the slightest urging.
Despite my initial passion for this car, time spent with it revealed a few blemishes. While I had noticed previously the visibility issues resulting from its low roofline and greenhouse, the severity of one's inability to peer past the blind spots became much more apparent.
The A-pillars are so thick one can lose sight of an approaching vehicle or person while the C-pillar sweeping down to the car's haunches over the rear wheel is so wide one really has to take a second look (or more) before making a lane change or attempting to back out from a parking spot. The small side mirrors aggravate the problem.
So, do I still long for a Challenger? Probably, despite the way this one treated me during our week-long fling. However, it would have to be limited to a three-season affair.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen
02-27-2009, 09:03 PM
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RE: Capt. Obvious
Excuse me, Runner???? What do YOU do for a living? Funny how I can post regularly on this forum without insulting people's occupations.I think that if any of you bothered to read all the way through the article, you'd see that the guy actually still wants a Challenger but considers it a "three season" car, just as many of you do who don't take your cars out in the snow.
02-27-2009, 11:07 PM
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RE: Capt. Obvious
Just pointing out the obvious, and he was published, so that says something.
After 24 years in Alaska, I dont need anyone to point out that a rear wheel, high horse powered car with super tires is better kept in the garage.
I would even go as far as saying that anyone who bought a Challenger for its great traction, never read the fine print :-)
I have zero problems with Journalists, or writers.... But you darn SE owners are 2 plugs short of a full block!
:-Þ
After 24 years in Alaska, I dont need anyone to point out that a rear wheel, high horse powered car with super tires is better kept in the garage.
I would even go as far as saying that anyone who bought a Challenger for its great traction, never read the fine print :-)
I have zero problems with Journalists, or writers.... But you darn SE owners are 2 plugs short of a full block!
:-Þ
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