This disturbing news was posted on autoblog on January 22:

"It looks like the Hemi engine, an icon for the Chrysler Corporation, won't be included in forthcoming applications due to changing fuel economy standards. [:@] Rising gas prices have already hurt sales of vehicles featuring these engines, causing Chrysler to cut back production. Now co-president Jim Press has declared, "The Hemi is not the powertrain of the future." Similar to the direction taken by GM, Chrysler is banking on newly developed V6 powerplants to take the reigns from current V8 options. These Phoenix engines are scheduled to hit production in 2009.

The Hemi engine's downfall is its inability to adapt to features proven to increase efficiency. The large combustion chamber design and dual valve structure leads to blow-by of unburned fuel, thus producing large levels of undesired emissions. The use of dual spark plugs has improved burn in the hemispherical combustion chamber, however, it's a solution that increased cost and complexity. More modern and efficient chamber structures, unlike the Hemi, can fit four valves and utilize dual overhead camshafts. Chrysler plans to implement these features into their future V6 engines, along with cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing."

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

 

I will not buy a Challenger with a V6[:@] and that's the bottom line..[:@]

 

Hope they don't expect to sell any Challengers with a stinking V6!!!! Hope they offer it with a V8 of some sort, or I will get a Mustang...

 

We'll see where this all ends up. If the Challenger is to be the real performance side of Dodge, offering a Hemi near and long term will continue to bring in real afficiandos like ourselves. Put continued R&D into the Hemi like they do other engines and we'll continue to be MOPAR lovers.

 

Electric Challenger powered by a Briggs & Stratton anyone?

 

Im more worried that chrysler will even be around in a few more years. Im really determined to get one asap but it will have to wait till year 2. And if there is no Hemi I wont waste my time. The 4.7 isnt much of a mtr. It runs ok and seems to be reliable but its not hot rod material.

 

Mustang and Camaro will gladly take the US muscle car sales... Chrysler best keep the Hemi (if only for the Challenger).

 

Are Ford and Chevy governed by some different entity that leaves them unaffected?

 

Okay, no Hemi......just give me a 440.

 

Well it's possible to keep V8 powered cars in production, you just have to balance it out with the rest of the vehicles in your lineup. Unfortunately Chrysler's entire lineup tends to get pretty poor gas mileage compared to the competition . . .They really need a small car underneath the caliber.

Chevy is talking about dropping 150hp off the next corvette and making up for it with less weight. Losing weight is something dodge vehicles really need to do. . .