OK, I'm not a Mopar guy (Chevy's for me) but I do appreciate...and even like some of them.

Anyway, today was one of the local car shows I always go to and even sometimes enter (although my car is broken right now and didn't appear in this show).  Anyway, I was walking through one of the Dodge sections and I happened upon one of my favorite local cars...and 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340-6 pack car.  Its pink (and looks really nice-believe it or not) and the owners are super nice people.  Well, right next to that car was a brand new 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 which they had just gotten.  One of the first Challenger's on the road in this part of the country.  Well, I took a ton of pics of it and here are some of them:













Its not a new Camaro...but I can't think of many things better.

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That was actually the first thing I thought of when I looked inside.  But, with as limited as these cars are right now...I doubt they had much of a choice.  It was buy it right now with an auto...or wait for a manual (I personally would have waited, but maybe the guy wanted an auto).

Having just come back from holiday in the USA, all I can say is that the 2005 and 2008 Chargers must have had a large dose of ugly pills before they left the production line. This is a real improvement. Some cars when redesigned should still look like what they are supposed to be...........shame about the gearbox though.

Matt

whats the dash made out of?  is it a soft touch plastic?  it does not look like thr usual american effort of hard dull plastic everywhere.

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OK, so I found out a little more about this.  Apparently, since the 2009 model is a limited production...all will be automatic.  Next year they will bring out the optional 6-speed manual, a convertible model, and the full engine lineup.  This year, all the cars are hardtop SRT-8 6.1L 425hp Hemi cars with automatic transmissions.

That is one sexy beast, glad to see it on the road finally, auto gears or not, I'd drive it with a smile on my face, and I'm not even really into cars (I prefer trucks, cars make me feel like Im dragging my butt on the road, however muscle cars do catch my eye)

Our local dealer's son has been driving one for almost a month now.  I saw it when he came out to fly his 152.

TSC. wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2008 at 4:42am:

The (sad) truth is...that most American performance cars come standard with an automatic transmission.  The manual is the option, but typically a no cost upgrade.  The only American performance car I can think of that isn't this way is the Dodge Viper which only comes with a 6-speed.  There might be others, but the majority are auto standard.

Ivan wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2008 at 12:46pm:

Well, I wouldn't say that.  I prefer a manual in a performance car...but that's me.  I think part of it is the type of driving that is done in America.  Most of the roads here are very straight, most racing that is done is drag racing.  Generally, an automatic transmission is better for drag racing.  Its true that they get lousy mileage and they aren't as fun to drive...but that's the way it is.  Plus, most performance cars up here tend to be more "deluxe" models and therefore people want an auto because it is typically a more luxury option.  So, an example of what is common here was how the 4th generation Camaro was set up (1993-2002), I pick the Camaro because its what I know the best.  For the standard V6 models (not much performance), they came standard with a 5-speed manual and the automatic was an option (which cost at least an extra $1500).  For the V8 models (the more "deluxe" version as well as the performance version) came with the auto standard and there was a 6-speed no cost option.

Now, me personally...I wouldn't buy one unless it was a manual.  I have a 2002 Camaro SS with a 6-speed.  I just prefer them.  The main reason I like them is there is no slip in the drive train because the transmission is 100% engaged to the engine (unlike an automatic which can free spool thanks to a torque converter).  Plus, its more fun and saves a lot on gas.

This is just me, but the interior looks like 9 acres of the same color grey,  very boring. But its hard to say anything without driving it.

eno wrote on Jul 21^st, 2008 at 3:03am:



ah.... a man after my own heart:






P.S.  yes this is my car!

JLangholzJ wrote on Aug 2^nd, 2008 at 12:29am:


Beautiful "68" Stang!!!

I had a "68" Mustang GT with a 302, a "69" Mach One with a 428SCJ and then a "75" Pinto Mustang II with a 302.  All 4 speed trans!!!
Oh, I also had a "67" Fairlane GT with a 390 4 speed!!

Boy, I miss those cars!!!!!