It has been reported today in newspapers that "industry analysts are predicting a lackluster end to an already dismal year for automakers- likely the worst in nearly a decade."

Also, reported:

"U.S. auto sales, in 2007, fell to 16.1 million vehicles, the lowest volume since 1998. Industry watchers warn that the 2008 auto sales performance could be even weaker. In a nutshell, if consumers don't feel good about the world or employment is slipping, they tend to delay major expenditures, such as a new house or car, if possible.

Chrysler will likely see double-digit drops in December, particularly since the automaker's sales shot up 48% last December thanks to brisk sales of the Chrysler Sebring and 300 sedans."

I think that this situation is favorable for the Challenger. Just like the 2006 sales of the Sebring and Chrysler 300, Dodge will be looking to improve its bottom line by producing its current "hot" car in large quantities. This will, hopefully, translate into increased production numbers for the Challenger and reasonable prices for us for the 2009 V-6, R/T and SRT models

 

I still think we may see large quantities of the v-6 engines.......like 30K for 2009 but we shall see.

 

Dodge wants to sell as many Challengers as possible and will not price itself out of the market.
My guess is that the pricing of the three Challenger models will closely mirror the Charger's. Namely:

Base V-6= $21,675 to $28,035
Base R/T= $30,755 to $32,855
Base SRT= $38,355

 

Oil Futures Rise to $100 a Barrel
Wednesday January 2, 1:02 pm ET
Crude Futures Hit Record $100 a Barrel for 1st Time on Supply Concerns


NEW YORK (AP) -- Oil prices soared to $100 a barrel Wednesday for the first time ever, reaching that milestone amid an unshakeable view that global demand for oil and petroleum products will continue to outstrip supplies.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080102/oil_prices.html