Disappointing times for the R/T 6-speed. It seems that the problem is in the skip shift. The 6-speed has to be in 3rd to hit 60. I think 2nd gear hits the limiter at 55-57mph.

0-60 6.2 sec.
14.5 sec. @ 99mph.

Here is the article:

"Typically, when an automaker launches a new car, it follows up in a year or so with a hotted-up version to sustain interest in its new machine. But that's not how Dodge does things.

The first new Challenger we tested was the hottest of them all, the almighty SRT8 whose 6.1-liter 425-bhp Hemi V-8 blasted the big coupe to 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds (July 2008). And now, six months later, we've finally laid hands on a Challenger R/T, whose iron-block 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 sends 376 bhp to the rear wheels via the Viper's 6-speed manual gearbox, which is a part of a Trak Pak option package that includes a limited-slip differential with a 3.92:1 final drive.

Slideshow >>
The results? Not what we expected. Although the R/T's engine makes good power and the gearbox and clutch work with a well-oiled smoothness, the R/T hits 60 in an unimpressive 6.2 sec. What gives? Chalk it up to different gearing; the R/T hits 60 in 3rd gear, meaning there are two time-consuming shifts on the way to 60. The SRT8 needs only one, able to hit 78 mph in 2nd gear.

And in our dynamic tests, the R/T's stability system couldn't be shut off entirely, compromising the skidpad and slalom results. The Chrysler folks tell us that future Challengers with Trak Pak will have a full-off mode.

Sooner rather than later, we say. Until then, the Chall enger SRT8 — which at $41,695 is only slightly more expensive than the R/T tested here — remains the driver's choice."


See:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....9&print_page=y

 

Guess they needed 10secDodge run the tests?

 

some journalist need to learn how to drive....[:'(]

 

wow that is a horrible time...
Definatly need a different driver... they should be ashamed of themselves for even reporting that time...[:@]

 

I wish they would post the rear gear ratio. It looks like a chip will need to be installed to get to the right RPM for a one shift 60 mph. Sure seems like slow times and I'm wondering if it is the norm or the exception.

 

Dodge did not put enough ads in their magazine...

 

I've noticed with my R/T that I have to shift to third right at about 60mph. I would have liked to see it go higher but... I am quite sure that 6.2 seconds is too slow. My car feels much faster than that. I couldn't tell you any times because I don't go to drag ways or have anything to base my times off, but 6.2... my Crossfire did about 6.2 and my R/T would leave that in the dust any day.

 

This is one reason why I have always been against this talk about using very short gearing and questioned the practicality of close gearing. They should have tested this first and adjusted the gearing accordingly. I'm sorry but there is no way on earth a car like this that has a manual transmission, VCT, more power, etc. is going to underperform the Charger R/T's times. It amazes me that MT is able to get 0-60 in 5.1 and they are only able to get it in 6.2, over a second longer. That should tell you something.

 

I will wait and see if any other magazines have similar times or better. I think it will show bad driving on R&T part. If we only made the Challenger in Europe... it would cut 1.5 sec off the time. Because anybody know that reads R&T that only the truely awsome cars are from Europe. Or so that is what I take from reading R&T

 

It seems to me that to a degree no matter in what branch, the press tends to take turns on who is going to be the most bias and out of touch then after being called out on it, they pull back and become more objective.