Billionaire

Is there any chance that there won't be a 6.1L engine available for 2009 Dodge Challengers? I read that the new CAFE law kicks in in 2011. So if that's right, we hopefully have 2008, 2009, and 2010 where they are totally free to use the 6.1L engine without any negative repercussions. It would kill me if I were too late to get a 6.1L hemi. Other people have had their fun with big Hemi engines and it would be so freaking unfair if I couldn't have my fun too. Yeah I could always buy a used car but I want a new, pristine one that no one but me drove and has a 6.1L engine.

RLSH700

Not from what I have read, especially with talks of offering a manual with it. I'm not an expert in this category, but from what I understand the 35 mpg standards will be in effect by 2020. I think they have gradual increases but nothing that extreme yet. Here is some info. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAFE_standards

Cuda340

We're okay for 2009. The SRT will have the 6.1 and the R/T the 5.7.

2009, however, may be the last year for the 6.1 in the SRT, bigger and better engines are currently being tested- a 6.4 and a rumored 6.5 Hemi.

DK challenger

I hope they will still offer the 6.1 if they make a 6.4, because the price will go up.

koopa

Hey Cuda340, is there any indication of when a 6.4 may appear in the challenger? Also do your sources have any idea of bhp output?
Ive got another 6 or 8 months earning to go before i have enough to buy one of these gorgeous machines so it will be interesting to see what changes have been made by then

Cuda340

The 6.4 will have about 500 hp. The more powerful engine is necessary to stay ahead of the Mustang and Camaro. However, Dodge supposedly is having a tough time getting it to work with the MDS system for 2010. I heard a rumor that a 6.5? is now being tested.

koopa

Thanks for the info Cuda340, btw is that your car in the avatar? Looks awesome with the black billboards!
With the Viper coming to an end soon and the challenger due to recieve a 500hp plus powerplant do you think that theres scope for the car to go head to head with Chevrolet's corvette or do you think Dodge will try to keep the challenger pitched against other modern musclecars like the mustang and the new camaro?

RLSH700

At this time these are just mostly rumors we have heard, nothing official from Chrysler as of yet. I'd think that the 6.1L would either be due for an update or be replaced before long since the 5.7L will have VCT. You can more affectively get people to pay $10K more for a 75-85hp & 30ft-lbs of tq increase over a 45hp & 15 ft-lbs of tq increase.

koopa

i have to admit, that new revamped 5.7 in the R/T model is going to give the SRT8 some competition if its priced right! Previously i was all about the big 6.1 but seeing the figures the 5.7 is capable of putting down it seems like it is a good buy for guys like me who may not be able to stretch to the SRT8. [8D]

Cuda340

I think Dodge will be content competing against the Mustang and the Camaro, if it can sell 30,000+ Challengers per year.

The Challenger has a short life cycle due to impending 2020 overall Corporate Average Fleet Economy (CAFE) requirements of 35 mpg, that start phasing-in in 2012 (per the Energy Bill of 2007).

Motor Trend summed it up, in their April 2008 issue:

"We are witnessing the end of an era. Even as the new Challenger and Camaro prepare for launch they'll take flight as the last of the dodos. These large heavy, big-cube, high-horsepower musclecars as we know and lust after them are unlikely to be replaced by similar vehicles."

That is why I am buying a 2009 SRT while I can. (Also, to replace my 1971 'Cuda that I had to sell).