Pontiac, Dodge Extend Cash-Back Offers on G8, Charger

Last month, we marveled that you could get 400 hp at a discount price, with both the Dodge Charger SRT8 and Pontiac G8 GXP getting healthy incentive deals. Now, Pontiac is extending its $3,000 cash-back offer on the G8, G8 GT and G8 GXP through April 30.

Dodge is now showing $2,500 cash back, versus March’s $3,000, on the Dodge Charger SRT8, with an employee price of $36,845. Unfortunately, Dodge’s site doesn’t list any date for the deal to end.

Earlier this week, GM announced an added Total Confidence assurance plan to any new-car purchase that will cover up to nine months of payments if you lose your job, as well as cover lost equity when you trade in your car for a new GM down the road. Pontiac sold almost 3,000 G8s last month, a record for the model released in March of 2008.

Related
GM Assurance Plan Covering Equity, 9 Months of Payments
400 hp for $35,000: Pontiac G8 GXP, Dodge Charger SRT8 Incentives

2009|Pontiac|G8

2009|Dodge|Charger

2009 Dodge Charger: She Said, She Said

The Dodge Charger was designed to be a masculine family sedan good for commuting and suburban errands. So how does it stack up over a week with two female city-dwellers?

Amanda: I had never really given the Dodge Charger all that much thought before, if only because muscular exterior styling on a sedan doesn’t really appeal to me (although I can definitely see why it would appeal to some folks). And while I did like it more than I thought I would, I’m still having a difficult time coming up with too many exciting things to say about this car.

Beth: I had a similar experience with the Charger. This genre of car just doesn’t do much for me, but I was pleasantly surprised with how easy and comfortable it was to drive. I carried five adults in there with relative ease and, while not ideal, the short windows didn’t present as much of a visual problem as I expected them to. That’s not to say I didn’t have beefs with this car, though. For starters, why on earth does its USB input not have the functionality to play iPods? Would anyone out there really prefer to play music off a flash drive?

400 hp for $35,000: Pontiac G8 GXP, Dodge Charger SRT8 Incentives

If you’re a muscle-car fan or just want a large sedan with a ridiculous amount of horsepower, this may be the perfect month to buy a new car. Two of the most powerful sedans on the market — the Pontiac G8 GXP and the Dodge Charger SRT8, with 415 hp and 425 hp, respectively — have impressive discounts that make them more attractive in tough times.

Granted, the folks buying these cars probably have a solid financial footing, but everyone likes to save money. The 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP was just released, at probably the worst time in history for a car of its type, but its starting price of $37,610 gets $3,000 in cash-back offers or various 0% financing options, depending on where you live, through March 31. However, the company doesn’t include the car’s $1,700 gas-guzzler tax in its pricing. With that, you’re looking at $36,310.

The 2009 Dodge Charger SRT8 may be a few years old in development time, but it still packs a big punch for $38,970. Dodge does include the gas-guzzler tax, along with a $750 destination charge, in its Employee Pricing sale price, bringing the original MSRP of $41,120 down to $37,516 before cash-back offers. In most areas, there’s a $2,000 cash-back bonus, plus another $1,000 cash back if you finance through Chrysler Financial. Yes, that’s $34,516 for 425 hp. Chrysler’s Employee Pricing sale has been extended through March 31.

Make sure to check the manufacturers’ websites to find deals for your region, as offers do vary, sometimes by county. Also check Cars.com’s own incentives page here.

Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Dodge Charger SRT8

Chrysler has a lot of sweet deals on new cars these days, and as Cars.com’s Mike Hanley points out, if you want to buy a car with a highly satisfying Hemi V-8 — like, say, the 2009 Dodge Charger — there’s really never been a better time. Hanley tried out the 2009 Charger SRT8, so he can help whet your appetite if that’s the push you need. As he says of the Charger’s acceleration, “It’s easy to go from civilized to unruly behavior in a second.” Click below to read his full review.

2009 Dodge Charger SRT8 Review

Chrysler Bolsters AWD Fuel Economy

All-wheel-drive vehicles’ fuel economy ratings typically begin about 1 mpg lower than their two-wheel-drive counterparts because of their design. According to the Detroit Free Press, Chrysler has devised a new drivetrain design to fix that, giving all-wheel-drive vehicles like the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger the same fuel ratings as their rear-drive counterparts.

All-wheel-drive vehicles lose some efficiency because their engines send power to the front axle even when it’s not necessary. Chrysler's new design will disconnect the front axle from the drivetrain under normal driving circumstances. Only when additional control is needed will the drivetrain reconnect.

This was just one of several new technologies Chrysler unveiled at its technical center in Auburn Hills, Mich., this past Friday and will be included in all AWD 2009 models.

Fuel Economy Boosted in All-Wheel-Drive Cars (Detroit Free Press)

It's Official: Chrysler Cuts Four Models

Chrysler announced today it will cut four models from its lineup: The Chrysler Crossfire, Pacifica and PT Cruiser convertible, and the Dodge Magnum. The automaker also announced plans to cut some 9,000 jobs at assembly plants that produce a number of other models: the Chrysler 300 and Sebring; Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Charger and Nitro; and the Jeep Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Patriot. Though those 11 models – as well as the regular PT Cruiser – will still be sold, expect production to be scaled back. For shoppers, that likely translates to fewer cars with massive discounts clogging showroom floors.

The decision has been coming for several weeks now, with rumors brewing that Chrysler could cut up to five models. The Crossfire and Pacifica have trailed the competition for years, but it’s a shame to see the Magnum go. With the Hemi V-8, it was one fun cruiser. If they’d asked us, we probably would have advised canning the latest Sebring instead – or at the very least taking it back to the drawing board.

Chrysler spokesman David Barnas told us 2008 would be the last year for all four models. That means in about a year’s time there should be some steep discounts to clear the last of them off the lots.

Dodge Advertises Journalist Speeding Ticket

Earlier this month, an automotive journalist in Quebec was caught going 138 mph in a 62 mph zone. Both the journalist and police officer were driving the same car — a Dodge Charger SRT8 with a 425-hp Hemi engine. That said, the police cruiser’s flashing lights were one special option that led to the journalist getting a $985 ticket.

Dodge of Canada went ahead and decided to make lemonade out of the much-publicized event — Canadian newspapers apparently covered the incident heavily — with this ad extolling the performance of the SRT8.

A roulé vite, vite, vite. (Drove fast, fast, fast)
À vendre vite, vite, vite. (Sell fast, fast, fast)

And the bottom numbers are a telephone number. Of course they added a disclaimer that owners should only drive that fast on a track. Good idea.

Source: Dodge