Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

FYI.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

I work at a Dodge dealership in Winder, GA.

Dodge has told us they are producing 5000 for 2008 and they will be numbered. They have over 6000 presales, which means some people won't be getting them until 2009. CNN has posted an article with similar information here:

http://money.cnn.com/2007/12/06/auto..._over_sticker/

We have 3 coming in, and one is fully paid for. We aren't charging double MSRP like the article says, but all 3 are fully loaded, so they MSRP at $41,890, then we're charging $20k over sticker plus taxes.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

so your charging 61 grand for the challenger? what do you guys charge for a viper ?

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

20K over sticker. I'm sorry, but that is a total ripoff. However, I guess if there is someone out there stupid enough to pay it, then I can't fault you for taking their money.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

That's what they're averaging for across the US. We're asking $20k for the two remaining we're getting. The one we sold has been paid for in cash and was $25k over.

Keep in mind though, this is just for the limited production run of the SRT-8's that are going to be numbered. In 2009 when more models come out, prices will significantly drop.

Right now, across the US, there have been over 6000 pre-sales taken, but they are only making a run of 5000. Do the math. There aren't enough Challengers for all the buyers in 2008. My dealership just hasn't started doing pre-sales until this past week. We wanted to wait until official pricing was released and we found out how many for sure we're getting. We're getting two orange and one black, all 3 fully loaded, so its like a $41,980 MSRP.

A lot of dealerships have sold more than their alotted number of Challengers. That will cause for some upset customers when they find out they aren't getting their limited edition SRT-8 they were hoping for.

The first run is being aimed more as a collectors car.

It all depends on the demand for the car. We sell Fords too, and the Shelby GT500's go for 10-15k over sticker, Bullitt Mustangs are going for just full MSRP, and the GT500KR we're getting in has already had a deposit put down on it for 100k over sticker. It was something rediculous like $195k otd.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

there making bullitt mustangs again? and what is the difference beteween the GT500 and the GT500KR?

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

It's hard to "do the math" when BOTH of your numbers are way off...

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

Yes they're making the Bullitt agian. They do not have any Ford or Mustang logos anywhere ont the car. The dash has a lot of brushed aluminum, there is no spoier, and there has been a suspension upgrade, cold air intake, and sport exhaust added.

The GT500kr is a special edition of the GT500 limited to 1000 units and will feature some exterior modifications as well as some beefing up of the engine. The new features are:

-5.4-liter supercharged V-8 producing an estimated 540-horsepower and 510 ft.-lbs. of torque
-Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack featuring revised calibration and cold air intake system
-6-speed manual transmission with 3.73:1 rear axle ratio
-Ford Racing performance exhaust system
-Unique performance suspension tuning: springs, dampers, and stabilizer bars
-Shelby-designed “GT500KR” 20-inch wheels (18-inch version for production)
-Ford Racing short-throw shifter and front strut tower brace
-Unique carbon composite hood featuring classic Shelby “KR” design
-Front brake cooling ducts
-‘Shelby’ lettering across the front edge of hood and rear decklid
-40th Anniversary badges on the front quarter panels
-Carroll Shelby signature embroidered headrests and floor mats
-Official Shelby CSM 40th Anniversary GT500KR dash plate

The GT500KR will be the 2nd fastest production model behind the Saleen S281 Extreme, which boasted 550hp.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

Really? Go tell CNN, who backs my numbers.

"It had been reported that Chrysler would build only 5,000 Challenger's for the 2008 model year, but more than 6,000 have already been ordered. The company may increase production to meet additional demand, Chrysler spokeswoman Kathy Graham said."

Source: http://money.cnn.com/2007/12/06/auto..._over_sticker/

EDIT: I just went and asked our owner and he said he's been told there are actually only going to be about 4700-4800 actually for sale.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

[sm=trust_me.gif]
Anyone need any fertilizer? This guy's selling it in 4000lb loads at $61K per.
It'd be humorous if he even had his facts straight. But like those that have come here before him, he THINKS he can dance around them.

Facts are;
Dodge hasn't publicly committed to a specific production number of 2008 Challenger SRT8s other than to say "less than 10,000".

Dodge employees have stated "Each dealership will get ONE 2008 Challenger SRT8"....but he's getting 3 (at MSRP + $20K" each).

He's asking $20K over MSRP for the 2nd and 3rd Challengers he's getting - (first one was paid in full already at MSRP +$25K) meaning he doesn't have anyone knocking his door down to be taken advantage of, so he's soliciting sales here. ANY TAKERS?

6000 orders were recorded within the first week Dodge was accepting orders on the limited edition / numbered dash plaque 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8's, ......and his dealership didn't order any until last week - because they wanted to wait for "official pricing to be released" - which also happened on December 3rd, 2007 - BUT they're getting three, even though they obviously have at least 6000 orders being filled before theirs.

This guy joined the forum today, and has four posts already - aimed at selling Challengers (at MSRP+$20K)
[sm=bustedsign.gif]

Go stand in the corner next to dodgesales and hang your head in shame - if you have any. Then check Edmunds.com for the real numbers.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

Anthony, I happen to apprecite you sharing some "inside" info. here, so thanks for that! I do have one other question however - Any idea what the `09 Challenger R/T is going to MSRP for? I understand it's purely speculative, but I was curious to know if you and/or the Owner there have any sense for that. I've heard anywhere between $31-$35K for the 5.7 liter HEMI. Please tell me it's gonna be more like hi-$20's and be able to compete (price-wise) with a new Mustang GT. [sm=goodidea.gif]

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

So cnn.com and jalopnik.com saying Challengers going for $20k over is a lie too?

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

Sorry, but CNN is WRONG and so is your owner. Chrysler has NEVER officially stated that they would build 5000 Challengers for MY 2008. This was an unofficial number that someone came up with some months back and it spread across various news sources and across the net.

As of December 20th, Dodge had taken exactly 8,851 pre-orders on the 2008 Challenger. At that point in time 7,200 2008 models were scheduled for production (6,500 for the U.S. and 700 for Canada). That number has now been raised. The pre-order number as of today is well over 9000.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

They haven't announced prices on the R/T's or the V6's. After the 2008 year you won't see the 20k mark up. It's is ONLY going to be fore the first year of limited production SRT-8's that are serial numbered. I would assume the prices you're guessing should be about in line with what the v6 and R/T should be. I would guess 20's for v6, high 20's-low 30s for R/t and around 40 for SRT-8.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

If I were you I wouldn't "appreciate" info that is totally WRONG.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

Absolutely not! I'm SURE there are plenty of fools with more money than common sense who would pay well over MSRP for a first model year Challenger. My 11 year old could have made that statement and been right. He doesn't even have to "do the math".
There's a sucker born every minute. If there wasn't, everyone would wait until the 2009 Challengers came out to buy one.
Dodge has a marketing plan to get this car rolling quick out of the gate - and as always, there's some unscrupulous salesmen just dying to see how easily some people can be separated from their cash.
Why limit yourself to one make when you can gouge Mustang fans for an MSRP + $15K Shelby too?
Wherever there's fish, there's gonna be sharks.

What bothers me isn't the fact that you mark up cars well over MSRP - I understand that you'll get what the market brings for the product, and there are always people with more disposable cash than brains. It's the fact that you salesmen know very little about the product your selling, claim to have facts, and then come in here and try to sell us a load of crap to enhance your income when WE undoubtedly know more about the Challenger than you do! We've been discussing everything about it for over two years now. Your information is new to you and riddled with half-truths that suit your needs as a salesman. We have a passion for this car and we've studied it - out of appreciation for automotive excellence, not for financial appreciation.

Why not just post in the newbies section; "Hi, I'm Anthony at Akins. If you're looking to buy a 2008 Challenger, feel free to email me at anthony20Kovermsrp@akins.com ".

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

Didn't Dodge state that pricing for the 2008 Challengers would be very close to that of the Chargers? Since that info was dead-on, wouldn't it be safe to assume the same would be true of 2009's?

Look at the current 2008 Charger pricing and add 2%. You should be extremely close to the stickers on similarly trimmed 2009 Challengers.
You'd think a knowledgable salesman would have known/said that.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

Perfect summary. Couldn't have said it better myself.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

set 'em right bootcamp!

I understand the whole supply and demand gig, but blatant sales rip offs is killer. Again, the high flying high rollers out there ruin it for the average joe, like the majority of us on this forum who have studied this beauty since the first release 2 years ago. It's sicking to have the dealers think it's ok to charge that kinda money over msrp and the high rollers just blink and sign, having probably just found out about this "new" car coming out that could be collectable.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

I like this site. :D

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

All right...What qualifications make you know the production numbers over my owner and inventory manager who go to private Dodge events where they let the owners know what is going on with the company, and what to expect for the coming year?

The fact is, we're one of the largest volume Dodge and Ford dealerships in the southeast, and we don't even know how many Chargers we're getting. They have told us 2008 production numbers will be around 4700 units for the US, which we figured will alot us 3 for the year.

I don't see why you want to jump down my throat and tell me how horribly wrong I am when I'm trying to provide information to the community about the vehicle. I haven't made one sales pitch since I've joined, nor do I intend to. I joined because I think the car is cool and thought I might be able to get the community a little "inside" information because of my job.

What difference does it make what I do for a job? Every salesperson isn't a lying pile of crap. I don't lie to get car sales. I'm just lucky enough where I get to be around cool cars all day and help people obtain them.

All I'm doing is relaying the information that our owner and inventory manager told us in a store meeting after they came back from a national Dodge dealership owners meeting. If you somehow have more evidence to show that our owner and CNN are wrong, please let me know, and I'll stand corrected.

Like I said, no information has been given out. If you want me to whip numbers out of thin air and tell you yes, it will be similar to Chargers, then I will. The fact is, I don't know what prices are going to be. At this point in the game it would only be an assumption. I don't see how you can insult my intelligence and integrity as a sales consultant because I don't know information that has not been announced.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

[quote]ORIGINAL: AnthonyAtAkins

All right...What qualifications make you know the production numbers over my owner and inventory manager who go to private Dodge events where they let the owners know what is going on with the company, and what to expect for the coming year?

The fact is, we're one of the largest volume Dodge and Ford dealerships in the southeast, and we don't even know how many Chargers we're getting. They have told us 2008 production numbers will be around 4700 units for the US, which we figured will alot us 3 for the year.


Dodge told Edmunds Inside Line, on Jan. 3, that 9,000 2008 Challengers have been ordered to date that that "it will sell as many as we can build."

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

Being a sales consultant, you should know "trends and tendencies" in the industry, and the tendency is for prices to rise roughly 2% per year on established (not new) model prices.
Dodge stated the expected price well before the official announcement right after Thanksgiving. That was we should expect it to be very close to the Charger pricing. In fact, the $37,995 price of the 2008 Challenger SRT8 was HIGHER than the $36,355 of the Charger SRT8 (by 4.5%/$1600, but that's negligible in the grand scheme of things).

I didn't insult your intelligence. You insulted ours.
However, your integrity was in question when you made - and continue to make - statements like "we'll be getting three 2008 Challenger SRT8's - two in orange and one in black", and then further go on to say "....we figured will alot us 3 for the year" in a subsequent post. Or when you said "Right now, across the US, there have been over 6000 pre-sales taken, but they are only making a run of 5000. Do the math...", and then subsequently state "They have told us 2008 production numbers will be around 4700 units for the US" in another post. OR when you said "My dealership just hasn't started doing pre-sales until this past week. We wanted to wait until official pricing was released and we found out how many for sure we're getting." You're still contradicting yourself. YOU made your integrity questionable, not me. I just pointed these "discrepancies" out. Go ahead and be angry with me for reading your posts AS YOU wrote them.
I know it's an election year, and politicians flip-flop on issues daily. But damn, man, you could have looked at what you wrote before you made another post with different numbers. The numbers you're throwing out there appear as if you indeed "whip(ped) numbers out of thin air".

Look, most of us have done our homework and KNOW what's going on with this car. There are members here who are "connected" to Dodge and the process that's unfolding here (please don't ask WHO those members are or what roles they play - we don't want anyone crucified for sharing little tid-bits here and there and they end up losing their jobs).
The simple fact is we've had several salesmen come in here and stir the pot, solicit sales, and ruffle quite a few feathers in the process. We're not here for that. When the numbers you state are contrary to what Dodge has announced ("under 10,000 units"), and you're making it plain that your dealership is looking for $20K over MSRP, how do you think your statements will be received? With a warm, fuzzy group-hug?
Most of us have contacted dealerships for information and trying to get on a "list" to buy this car months ago. MOST of the dealerships didn't know what in the hell we were talking about when we did. Now that dealerships have a little solid information on the "availibility" of this car because the order banks are open, we expect the usual d

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

OK, so if they're building as many as they can, what is the point of them putting a serial numbered dash plate on the 2008 models. The 2008's are going to be a limited production. Once they sell out of those, they will go into a full production run of 2009's.

You have to remember, the Challenger isn't scheduled to come out until spring of this year. When do next year models normally come out? Normally around September or October.

This means they have from spring until fall to sell their 5,000 limited production 2008's, then in fall 2008, you'll see the full production line of 2009's hit the show room floor.

Yes, they are going to be building as many as they can, but that first run that lasts the first few months are going to be the serial numbered 2008's who will go to the highest bidder. Everyone else will get the '09's in fall 2008.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

The numbered dash plaques are indicative of a "collector's piece". It happened in every hobby that involves collectibles. The same thing was done with the current Daytona's - #XXXX of 5000.

Models "typically" debut in the fall as the next model year. But it isn't unheard of for a model to debut mid-year. I believe the Mustangs (another pony car) originally debuted as a mid-year model at the World's Fair on April 17, 1964 as a '64 1/2.

Certainly, time alone would limit the number of Challengers Brampton can produce between (expected) April and June/July when m/y retooling normally occurs. Dodge stated they would make "fewer than 10,000 units" of the 2008 Challengers, thus it's a limited edition.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

All right, lets see if I can put it reasonable terms that you might understand. When automakers make cars, do 100% of the car's go to the US? No, some go to Canada. I just talked to my inventory manager this week, who said he just talked to our Dodge rep who said it was looking like the US would get about 4700 units for the 2008 SRT-8's. The numbers I posted have been backed up by CNN.com. That's a pretty credible source last time I checked. Just because you didn't catch that I said "in the US" don't blame me.

Personally, like I said, I could care less if I sell a Challenger. Yes, it would be nice, but it's not really a car you go out and push on people. If someone wants one, they're going to buy one. If I get lucky enough to get the phone call or up the customer, so be it.

I'd be happy to sell one at sticker if my dealership would let me. A sale is a sale. 80% of my business I do by repeat and referreals.

I'm not the one who decides the mark up, so quit bashing me like I'm the one who decides the price point. I'm just trying to earn a living and do my job. J

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

Now WHO'S insulting WHOSE intelligence?
I'm not some bumpkin who just rolled off of the hill and landed in here. Neither are the majority of members in this forum. We know that Dodge never committed to a specific number other than "less than 10,000". We know that as of right now, LLC has no plans to ship the Challenger overseas. The allotment to Canada is reflective of the manufacturing location, and LLC's affiliation with our northern neighbors. The numbers to Canada will reflect a percentage of the total number made - again, still unspecified.

Like I said before, IF you want to LEARN about the product your dealership is selling (and God knows MOST of the car-buying public would prefer to buy a car from someone who KNOWS a LOT about it and can answer their questions without checking with someone else) and improve your chances of actually selling one (and making a good commission in the process - if you get more than one 2008), you're invited to read the threads in here and gain some insight.
You're a bright guy. You should know better than to put ALL of your eggs in one basket. We doubt anything unless it's verified by multiple/reliable sources (not just CNN). Don't take one source as "gospel"......unless it comes directly from Dodge.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

So what Dodge directly told my owner, and he in turn told me, isn't directly from Dodge? I'm failing to follow your logic.

As I said, our ordering manager told me he was on the phone with Dodge to try and find out how many we are for sure getting. We have 3 on order, but the Dodge rep told him that of the 2008 SRT-8's it was looking to be about 4700 units to the US.

I don't know what else you want me to tell you. I'm relaying the information directly from him off the phone from Dodge. That is our most up to date information as of Thursday at the dealership pertaining to how many of the 2008 SRT-8's will be made.

I'm not lying, I'm not trying to misinform the market to drive up mark up.

I told you I joined the site because I happen to like the car and wanted to talk about it. I put my dealership's name in my name to give me an excuse to check at work during down times or breaks.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

Corrected that before I read this post. You're correct.

Are you buying one for yourself? You get a discount, right? Well, not on the '08, but on an '09 anyway.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

I would love to get one for myself. If I wanted a 2008, I'd be paying the mark up too. I probably won't be in the market for a car until 2010, but unless they release a manual tranny SRT-8 I'm not sure I'd get one. I'm a huge manual tranny nut.

I think the new Challenger's are just damned sexy though...I might go for an R/T manual

I'm kinda up in arms as to what I want to get though. I want something with some bawls and a manual tranny.

That's what held me up from getting a Charger.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

Well, the guys in this forum, as well as another site are reporting manual transmissions available in all levels in 2009.
The SRT8 and R/T will have Tremec 6 speeds available with slightly different gear ratios between them (3.92 in the SRT8 and 3.73 in the R/T, 3.06 and 2.82 respectively in the 5 speed autosticks). They also report a 4 speed automatic behind a V6 in the entry level Challengers.
The 5.7L HEMI in the R/T is very strong. But if you're a "power hog", you wouldn't be satisfied knowing a 6.1L was available in the SRT8.
There have been rhumors that the 6.4L motor (510 hp) "may" be available at some point in the SRT8, but most of us doubt that. Too bad.... that'd be an awesome powerplant and very hard to beat.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

I'm tinkering with the idea of going import and getting a Subaru Impreza STi. Those are stupid fast for $35k. Plus they're all wheel drive and handle like a mother, so it'd be a good car to take out to Road Atlanta on track days.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

AnthonyAtakins,

I CAN NOT HELP MYSELF BUT TO PIPE UP AND DEFEND YOU. MY DAD OWNS A SMALL DODGE DEALERSHIP IN RURAL AMERICA AND I SAW THE LETTER THAT CAME OUT FROM DODGE STATING THAT 4500 SRT 8 MODELS WERE COMING OUT FOR 2008. IT ALSO STATES IN THE LETTER THAT EACH DODGE DEALER IS GUARANTEED AT LEAST ONE. I KNOW AS WELL AS YOU DO BIGGER DEALERS WILL RECEIVE MORE, AS THEY SHOULD. THERE ALSO WAS A FORMULA BASED ON PREVIOUS CAR AND SRT SALES. I AM PLEASED TO SEE DODGE GIVING SMALL GUYS A CHANCE TO SEE A PERSON BE PROUD TO PICK UP SUCH AN AWESOME PRODUCT, THE CHALLENGER. I PUT A POST IN THE OTHER DAY DESCRIBING HOW I HAD EMAILED NEARLY EVERY DEALER IN THE NATION ABOUT THEIR FIRST 2008 CHALLENGER. I ALSO INFORMED WHAT I DISCOVERED, YOU ARE NOT OUT OF LINE WHEN YOU SAY $20-$25K OVER STICKER. I HAD LOTS OF RESPONSES LIKE THAT. I ALSO FOUND SOME CHEAPER AND YOU CAN BET THAT I PURSUED THOSE. ANYWAY I WENT ON THE SITE AFTER SPENDING LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF HOURS PURSUING THIS AWESOME CAR AND TRIED TO SHED SOME LIGHT ON MY FINDINGS AND CLEAR SOME RUMORS, AND I GOT OF A RESPONSE OF "COULD YOU PLEASE NOT WRITE IN ALL CAPS." I HAVE HUNDREDS OF EMAIL RESPONSES FROM DEALERS EITHER STATING THERE FIRST ONE IS SOLD OR WHAT PRICE THEY WANT FOR THEIRS. I SPOKE TO A DEALER IN LAS VEGAS TODAY AND THEY WANT $20K OVER STICKER AND THEY SELL THE MOST DODGES IN THE COUNTRY. DOES THE SHOW KING OF CARS RING A BELL TO ANYONE? YOU AND I ARE NOT ON THIS SITE TO PROVOKE PEOPLE, JUST TO INFORM THEM OF CURRENT MARKET CONDITONS. ANYBODY CAN SAY THERE ARE 9000 ORDERS, BUT MY DAD PUT IN 3 HIMSELF AND ONLY 1 IS IN "C" STATUS WHICH MEANS THE OTHERS WILL NOT GET BUILT. MY HATS OF TO YOUR OWNER AND MANAGER BECAUSE YOU ARE WELL INFORMED OF WHAT ACTUALLY IS GOING ON. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

I see the caps lock works - sometimes - and sometimes not.
Note the word "please" in that members request. I thought they were polite enough. Note your deliberate disregard for that request.
You'll garner the same level of respect that you show for others. Thanks!

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

When you get a chance review the letter, no production numbers were stated.


Correct, just like on all of the previous SRT8's that have been released, 300C, Charger, Grand Cherokee, Magnum.


Getting this information would not have required spending the time to email thousands of dealers and read their replies, the answer would seem pretty apparent, no? As far as getting an idea of what dealers have been selling Challengers for, that information has been readily available on various message boards during the past year, as hundreds of owners have reported prices that they were quoted when placing their deposits ("MSRP", or "MSRP+x"), and after December 3rd re-reported what they actually ended up paying. Add in the legitimate ebay pre-sale prices and one easily comes up with the low-to-high price range above sticker. But there was absolutely no surprise here. Anyone familiar with prior sales and launches of similar vehicles could have, and actually did, correctly "predict" that prices would range from ~MSRP up to ~$20 or $25k above MSRP.


I agree. BUT, when a pre-order number has been officially stated from Dodge, there is no question as to its accuracy.

In an earlier post I listed an exact pre-order number of 8,851 units as of December 20th. The following week orders surpassed the 9,000 barrier. The 10k barrier will be crossed soon. Some of the 2008 pre-orders, a number that is still to be determined, will be shifted over to 2009 models. I would count on ~7,500-10,000 2008 models being built for North America. Dealers will learn of their 2009 allocations and will start taking orders for them early this year. The 2009 production start is currently set for July 28th.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

Excellent reply. Thank you!
Since you show a 2009 production start date of July 28th, any idea what date the order banks open for those 2009 models?
Also, any idea of when the specs/trim levels and options for those 2009 models will be made available as well?
I'd really like to consider all of the options well before I go to the dealership with money in hand.

One last request - what can you share about the next generation 5.7L HEMI with VVT?
Thanks again.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

Normally, the 2009 order banks would open in June (and they will for most models). For the 2009 Challenger however, they will open much earlier. I don't have an exact date so all I can do is take a wild guess that it will be sometime between February and April.

I'm thinking that they will announce more details on the 2009 models during the world premier next month. The 2009 lineup will feature the base model V6 auto, the R/T auto and manual and the SRT auto and manual. Other than the manual transmission and related features (gears, Hill Assist) the 2009 model features/equipment will be very much the same as 2008. For example, the 2008 SRT and the 2009 SRT will be almost identical features & equipment-wise.

No new info on the gen II 5.7L, but, we'll have some official info very soon, like next Sunday or Monday, or even a little before. That is when Dodge will unveil the new Ram 1500, and the new 5.7 will be offered in the Ram. While some of the specs may vary a little between the Ram 5.7 and Challenger 5.7, we'll have details on all of the new 5.7's features.

Are you planning on getting a Challenger R/T? Manual or Auto?

One of the new 2009 Challenger colors, BTW, will be Dark Titanium Metallic.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

IF this letter uploaded properly it should speak for itself.



I also would like to add that if you think I just spent hours emailing thousands of dealers just because I have a lot of time on my hands and so I could come on this site to be an authority, you could not be more incorrect. The reason I did it was to purchase the cheapest challengers that were available. I was successful at purchasing 2 for msrp. I also am pursuing the rest of my leads as we speak. I was just trying to state some of the same views as the salesman that some of you crucified.

[IMG]local://upfiles/1122/60EC23F42F6C4F50B500DF04A06BC2D5.jpg[/IMG]

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

We're pretty sure we're getting 3. One is confirmed, and based on past allotments of rarer cars, we're pretty confident we're getting 3. If we can, we might call some rural dealerships and see if we can buy a few at MSRP, truck them out and sell them.

They told me when the GT500's first came out they got 5 extra GT500's that way. This should be a pretty sweet year for cars though. Got the Challenger coming in, and the GT500KR, and we've been all but guaranteed one of those. I think one of the owner's friends put in an offer of like $100k over sticker if we end up getting it...

That's pretty absurd if you ask me lol.

I'll just be happy to sit in that and a Challenger, and take them to fill them up with gas for now lol.

RE: Edmunds Report on 2008 Challenger Sales
 

Thanks for all of that info, Bud. Very helpful!
I've been bouncing between the SRT8 and the R/T - both with the 6 speed.....just can't decide if I want to sacrifice 425+HP to get exactly the options I want (pedastal spoiler instead of the flip spoiler, for one), whether I'm willing to forego a lifetime warranty on the powertrain, and whether I want to pay the gas-guzzler tax up front and use only premium fuel afterward. If the new 5.7L HEMI with VVT comes out specced as I expect, that MAY make my decision easier (I could settle for 370HP and enjoy the benefits of better fuel mileage, no GG tax and the lifetime warranty without sacrificing too much HP in the process - kinda like "having my cake and eat it too). Decisions, decisions........

The news about the Dark Titanium Metallic paint is excellent! That was a choice I was hoping to have. My friend ordered a Mustang GT in that color when they were first restyled in 2005 and it looked awesome on that car. That's a serious consideration for me - I was thinking Brilliant Black Metallic before this info, but that's so hard to keep clean. This would be an excellent alternative.

Feel free to keep me/us posted as you get any info. I appreciate it. Thanks!