Why the New Dodge Challenger Will Sell

How do we know the new Dodge Challenger will sell? Simple: The future muscle car looks great in black. Before a new model is released, we usually only see it in one or two shades of paint. Because of the trouble with photographing a black car at car shows, or in even more controlled settings, car companies rarely show a new car off in black. Dodge made an exception for the Challenger last week.

Now, almost any car looks better in black because it hides flaws in the design, but when black makes the car look mean, tough, even menacing, then it’s the color you have to pick. The Dodge Challenger will hit the streets in 2008, and the production version will debut at next year’s Chicago Auto Show in February. That hasn’t stopped Dodge from showing off the concept version many times. Most recently, it displayed this matte black version tuned by Mopar as a pseudo racecar in Detroit. We bugged Chrysler’s PR department to get us some photos, and they responded with the ones below. Now, tell us this thing doesn’t look great in black?

Comments

Give me a manual transmission and i'll have a reason to dump my RSX... Keep selling the cars for your typcial fat lazy american (i.e. Automatic) and i'll be shopping elsewhere, likely the Nissan dealership prowling for a 350z.

Remember a lot of the classic muscle cars were autos and if you've driven an SRT8 Charger I don't think you care its an auto. You just paint black stripes everywhere you go! It's a totally different driving experience I admit but there's nothing "wrong" with it.
I just hope the interior isn't the same as the current Charger.

Yeah the Challenger looks good, but I think its success will be determined on price. You can't get a V8 Charger for under 30K, so I don't expect to find a R/T Challenger going for 25K like a GT Mustang.

This car needs manual transmission, or it will not stand a chance.
(looks stunning in black though)

Mad Max, your car is ready!

Unless the production one has a bodaciously large supercharger, PLEASE tell me that that the hood scoop is just for the show version :)

Then again, a hemi PLUS a supercharger might just be enough to go domestic again.

Yeah hood scoop is just for the show car. Rumors are it will come in around $30K. Remember it'll have a lot more hp than the Mustang GT too.

Dave - the R/T only has 50hp more and about 600 lbs of extra fat than the GT Mustang. 30K is too much for a late model pony car. The GTO had 100hp more - and look where it is.

It still boggles me why some automakers still look to the past for ideas for new vehicles. Why can't they come up with new ideas for new vehicles which have never been produced before? Why do they always have to stay stuck in the past without moving forward. Do they not have any new ideas? They should try something new and interesting instead of beating a dead horse. Move on. the 60s are over and we need cars for today.

Car does look great in black, and I have to agree, if you can make black work, you'll probably sell the car.
Now, I like retro as much as the next guy, but unfortunately some of the retro items I see here are the ones I wished they left buried. (the unibrow tailight, and featureless quarterpanels) I love the high rear end though!

I agree with G35's post, when are they going to come up with an original idea. The basis of the article stating that the car will sell well because it looks good in black had me laughing so hard I almost cracked a rib. I can hear the rebates forming already.

First MB makes a move to drop the Chrysler name and now "...the car will sell well because it looks good in black." No wonder the Toyota executives have that grin.

The post was about black being the color that will help it sell as opposed to the orange we've seen before. I've seen a white and blue model as well which was pretty hot. I think the fact that this is completely retro and comes out a full year prior to the Camaro will help. For every person that doesn't like it there is one that does and 50 more hp is a lot!

The GTO failed for a number of reasons. Price was just one of them. Lackluster styling was a big one too.

For the record, when I saw this in orange on the show circuit I didn't think much of it. Now I like it. Plus I've driven the other Hemis and as a "floor it and go" vehicle they're pretty nice. Plus I don't think the Mustang comes with an AWD option (for you charger R/T fans).

Just checking Dodge's site, there's $2500 back on Charger R/Ts wow.
But yes, price on the challenger will be a big factor and maybe the early discounts on these will bring the price down some. what would you pay?

The post was about black being the color that will help it sell as opposed to the orange we've seen before. I've seen a white and blue model as well which was pretty hot. I think the fact that this is completely retro and comes out a full year prior to the Camaro will help. For every person that doesn't like it there is one that does and 50 more hp is a lot!

The GTO failed for a number of reasons. Price was just one of them. Lackluster styling was a big one too.

For the record, when I saw this in orange on the show circuit I didn't think much of it. Now I like it. Plus I've driven the other Hemis and as a "floor it and go" vehicle they're pretty nice. Plus I don't think the Mustang comes with an AWD option (for you charger R/T fans).

Just checking Dodge's site, there's $2500 back on Charger R/Ts wow.
But yes, price on the challenger will be a big factor and maybe the early discounts on these will bring the price down some. what would you pay?

Another muscle car, YAWN... I suppose this car could be aesthetically pleasing to some, but just like a lot of people here already mentioned, it is the thing of the past. Do we really need another >4000 lbs monster? Get ready for employee pricing program...

A 6-speed transmission is planned for the new Challenger.

What's not certain is the engine, rumored to be 6.1L and 6.4L available, with 425HP and 525HP, but nothing official yet.

It should be less than 4000lbs as well, as it is a shorter wheelbase than the LX cars, though it's definitely not going to be a lightweight and will probably weigh at least a couple hundred more pounds than the Mustang GT.

Camaro, or Challenger? Challenger or Camaro? This former mullet-head is getting fired up just thinking about the decision I'll get to make someday soon.

I haven't been this excited since Monsters of Rock 1984.

"I haven't been this excited since Monsters of Rock 1984."

Comment of the day.

By the time the Challenger makes it to market,gas will be over $3.00 a gallon and the hogs will be discounted heavily.Once the initial backlog of orders gets filled,Challengers will sit around on the lots.Its a sad fate for a once feared street contender,but Chrysler waited far too long to revive their old "pony" car.
Back when gas was $1.25 in the 90s would have been a better choice.No reason why they couldnt have heavily tweaked the old F-body 5th Avenue to do 2-door duty and lose the horrid K-frame with the despised transverse torsion bars....plunk in a highly tuned 360 (automatic or truck manual),maybe a 4-link coiled dana 60 rear....and that would have shocked the 5.0 Mustang/350TPI Camaro crowd.But I guess without the Mercedes parts bin being available then,it would have been too much for the "New Chrysler Corporation" to shuffle enough pieces to put it all together.Had they done this before Plymouth was dissolved,there could have also been a 'Cuda version.
I have always thought the original Challenger style was stylish,futuristic,and mean....I'm glad to see they didnt forget about the positives the 70-74 car had.Its just a case of wrong car at the wrong time (sadly).

Paul, I don't think prospective Challenger buyers are the types that won't buy a car because gas is $3/gallon. You don't buy a RWD V8 muscle coupe just because gas is $2.50 a gallon. It's not intended to be a mass-market vehicle, it's definitely a niche vehicle, possibly considered a halo car for Dodge that's more attainable than the Viper. Dodge doesn't expect to sell more than 20k per year.

"what would you pay?"

I think a Challenger would do well in the low 20s with the 318cu V8 and a catalog of Mopar performance parts available. They would probably have one up on Mustang and Camaro - and I would consider becoming a customer.

IF this car ever gets to market.

It seems like I've seen this thing for years, by the time it gets here I'll be dreaming about something eles.

I wasn't that impressed by the original concept Challenger; but if they can produce it with those wheels (black might be better), in Plum Crazy, with 392 cubes and an interior bereft of any gadgets then I may have to get one just as soon as I can grow out a mullet.

You can't please everyone. This is a winner regardless if it has a manual tranny or not. Bring back the Hurst 4spd, come on... Chrysler would do well to make the interior somewhat retro as well without too much outlandish color schemes inside. I miss the old padded dash and door panels. But please no cheap looking plastic. Plastic is ok but its a quality thing. There are good plastics and bad. You have a winner If only I can afford it. I've had a 68 GTO and two 66 Mustangs and a 69 Challenger. This thing is amazing!!

Arguing about voting is like being in the special olympics. You might end up winning, but at the end of the day you are still retarded.

From just looking at all these posts, I can see the # of people that are living IN THE PAST. How sad...

P.S. I wonder how many of you will really purchase this vehicle...now you guys/gals are all words...WITHOUT even
(1) a test drive;
(2) looking @ the features;
(3) looking @ the mileage;
(4) looking @ the price;
(5) looking @ the insurance;
(6) looking @ the incentives;
(7) looking @ the competitions;
(8) asking your significant others whether you are allowed to buy one...
(IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER)

You're right AR. But it's always fun to speculate about that next car and I have heard of many people putting down deposits for one already.

I'm glad I just get to test it for a week and give it back. But I'm really looking forward to that week. That's assuming the car doesn't go to another Cars.com staffer. I guess I should call dibs now...

Dodge challenger will sell simply because of its looks enhanced from interior to exterior parts designed by the automaker and boost its confidence producing parts that are of high value like Dodge bumper- http://www.car-stuff.com/dodgebumper.htm .

I'm glad to see a "domestic" brand muscle car revival, im tired of ricers talking about their vtec gas sippers and lancer body kits, I want to drive a car that can tear its wheels off and wake up my neighborhood without a coffee can attached to the exhaust.

Seems to me like there are alot of haters in here probably because your all ford suckers and not mopar maniacs, or maybe your all just driving scions with barbwire decals...

I first learned of the challenger about a year ago in a motor trend article as it being a concept vehicle, but nonetheless popped a boner. Then I read somewhere else that it was going to be between the camaro and challenger to duke it out response wise to see which would be produced for the public. Now we all know that it's really a cummin. That's when I knew that I would be purchasing the car. Regardless of price, paint color, or tranny. Just for the simple fact that I have always loved 70-74 challengers. My dad had one. I still have the picture of him sippin' a cold old style while leaning on it. His was lime green and white pin stripes. They could paint the car any color other than pink and I would still buy it. All of my fast cars are auto. 05 zo6, 95 sts, 89 5.0 stang. Only time I want to be shifting is when I'm clutching a wheelie. I enjoy getting head,sipping coffee, turning up the sounds,etc to be shifting anything with my right hand. Basically it looks like this car might have the soul of the original challenger unlike your chargers, g.t.o's and what not. The car looks perfect. Just pay the 30-38k or so, tint the windows,throw in some subwoofers, maybe wheels and tires and a borla exhaust and I'm driving to vegas baby....

I first learned of the challenger about a year ago in a motor trend article as it being a concept vehicle, but nonetheless popped a boner. Then I read somewhere else that it was going to be between the camaro and challenger to duke it out response wise to see which would be produced for the public. Now we all know that it's really a cummin. That's when I knew that I would be purchasing the car. Regardless of price, paint color, or tranny. Just for the simple fact that I have always loved 70-74 challengers. My dad had one. I still have the picture of him sippin' a cold old style while leaning on it. His was lime green and white pin stripes. They could paint the car any color other than pink and I would still buy it. All of my fast cars are auto. 05 zo6, 95 sts, 89 5.0 stang. Only time I want to be shifting is when I'm clutching a wheelie. I enjoy getting head,sipping coffee, turning up the sounds,etc to be shifting anything with my right hand. Basically it looks like this car might have the soul of the original challenger unlike your chargers, g.t.o's and what not. The car looks perfect. Just pay the 30-38k or so, tint the windows,throw in some subwoofers, maybe wheels and tires and a borla exhaust and I'm driving to vegas baby....

I first learned of the challenger about a year ago in a motor trend article as it being a concept vehicle, but nonetheless popped a boner. Then I read somewhere else that it was going to be between the camaro and challenger to duke it out response wise to see which would be produced for the public. Now we all know that it's really a cummin. That's when I knew that I would be purchasing the car. Regardless of price, paint color, or tranny. Just for the simple fact that I have always loved 70-74 challengers. My dad had one. I still have the picture of him sippin' a cold old style while leaning on it. His was lime green and white pin stripes. They could paint the car any color other than pink and I would still buy it. All of my fast cars are auto. 05 zo6, 95 sts, 89 5.0 stang. Only time I want to be shifting is when I'm clutching a wheelie. I enjoy getting head,sipping coffee, turning up the sounds,etc to be shifting anything with my right hand. Basically it looks like this car might have the soul of the original challenger unlike your chargers, g.t.o's and what not. The car looks perfect. Just pay the 30-38k or so, tint the windows,throw in some subwoofers, maybe wheels and tires and a borla exhaust and I'm driving to vegas baby....

WHEN gas is $3/gallon?

A little too late for that....

The definition of "Muscle Car" is to cram as many cubic inches into the lightest body possible to produce a car with the greatest horsepower (i.e., torque) with the lowest curb weight. The Dodge boys need to offer more factory engine/drive train options to their customers, which include the 426, 472, 528, & 540 cubic inch engines. Otherwise how can we beat the pants off those Ford and Chevy bums? How about it? Are we going to just sit back and have our hands tied with a pip-squeak motor? Why don't the Dodge boys just offer a 6 cylinder motor and call the Challenger the "Deputy Sheriff"? Oops!, they did that in the '70s. I can still recall all those rodders who couldn't wait to get their hands on the Deputy. Not! Hey dodge boys, make the Challenger a true muscle car like its namesake. Don't BS us with a car that's all show and no go.

that car looks great! looks the way a muscle car is supposed to look!

to the first comment about it being an automatic, its a 3 speed automatic w/ a line lock.. those are what drag racers use. secondly the body is made of lightweight materials just like in the old days, its a great retro car and people who complain are just flapping their gums.

Alright, so... I was cut a deal... I get out of college with scholars, and mum and dad make the down payment and first couple of paymenets, then i get to pay for insurance and the rest of the payments... My lead-foot is looking forward to this, as my checking account is not... I already had the exhaust, wheels, and aftermarket speakers (No raido, I like the stock one a bit too much) all picked out and ready to go, I'm lineing my pockets with cash now, saving up coins and going to the coinstars in my local grocier, then sending the money to my checking.. This car is going to tear up my hometown streets... Being in drag racing with dad, I can handle my own of about.. I'd say close to 500rwhp easy... I've driven Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Porches... I've played in all sorts of stuff.. and only because I'm lucky and not scared to ask people... So I'm thinkin.. Get outa college, go home, kill some rice burners.. Make a bit of money, then go get a job somewhere on the east coast... I'm looking forward to this car as if it were one of my children.. I'll buy the car, even if i have to take out a small loan to pay for gas.. I care not...

no one cares about gas mileage when u got 425hp....and for whoever said it the 318 was out of production in 2002 how is 6.1l a pip-squeak motor? this will dominate the streets

mopar rules, and automatics are gay

i just got rid of my 06 yellow mustang gt. I am really a chevy fan i own four at the current moment. i do miss the stang for the power and it was a standered. so now im stuck in a diffacult posistion. I should stay true to my love and buy the camaro, right? but my dream car is a olds 442. so I will have to be honest in saying that dodge has come the closet to bringing back close to the perfect classic car, without taking anything away from the older originls... haha cant spell worth crap! all i ask is offer it in standered with at least 80 ponys over the stang at a price that is workable and i will be all over that!!!!!

Anybody seen the new VW?

Has anyone heard what this car gets MPG? Or anything new on the price? Some of these prices are from about 6 months ago. Also has Dodge said anything if it is all auto or manual?

for those people who are trash talking this... who the hell cares about MPG with A MUSCLE CAR... if you're that worried about MPG... sell your gas guzzling SUV's... who trash talks the new z06 corvette? or even the new ZR1 corvette... its an American image... its for a select crowd... as is the new shelby gt mudstain... when you buy a car of that stature... gas millage is not a factor... if you care so much about MPG.. go get a honda, or... some little jap crap junker car that gets 95 million miles to a gallon

that is all

Want to go fast? Buy a ZX1400, and shut it.

I said it once and I'll say it again. The car has a sick exterior but. The interior is just another Chrysler piece of crap. They could and should of came up with something better then that. All Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge have the same interior. More then happy driving my 06 GTO and leaving that Challenger in the dust...

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the new Challenger has an available 6spd transmission... the exact same one that goes in the viper... do some research

the car is so sweet hope u sell alot of them

Isn't is amazing how unimaginative some car companies have gotten? I mean, reprising a 40 year old design that's even worse looking that the original! Any wonder why Chrysler is going down the tubes?!!! Instead of the dim-bulbs at Chrysler focusing on cutting edge products for the future, they'd rather reminisce upon those "warm and fuzzy" days of long, long, looooonng ago! Well, I'm sorry. Nostalgia has it's place for what it is. Building automobiles, like the Challenger, modeled after a 40 year old styling theme is just plain NUTS! It's a car to appeal to a fringe of buyers. BAD IDEA CHRYSLER!

are you kidding me! chrysler designs have always been known as different and innovative, they put out one throw back car to the good old days and now everyone says they cant put anything out that looks new? stop hating and give the car credit for what it is! if you dont like it then dont buy it, keep driving ur little econo boxes that have no passion or thrills, just makes this car more rare for the people that own them and can appreciate a good car. and tha gad milage isnt that bad on select models of these. sure maybe it doesnt get 60 mpg like a pruis but a prius also isnt this stunning, fast, or fun!

I think that it is a good idea to keep some of the old cars going. i think that the new challenger looks like the old one. the charger doesn't. i like the color black on the challenger.

I own this car in the R/T trim and it is perfect.

I originally was looking at the Mustang GT Premium and I test drove that, but my boyfriend turned me to the challenger. The mustang has NOTHING on this car:
1.The ride is wayyy smoother
2.The backseat (though small) is roomier
3.It has better horsepower and torque
4.It gets 25 mpg on the freeway
5.It handles like a dream :]
6.It is absolutely gorgeous
7.Best of all there arent 40 million on the road unlike the mustang.

I got this car fully loaded for 41,000 but with basic stuff you can get this car for around 37 or 38.