"We're creating a new global American car company that does one thing well," said Chrysler Vice Chairman and President Jim Press to the gathering at the Dodge stand. "It puts customers first."
Statements like that always sound good, but the company's effort to drive the point home during the unveiling of the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T and SE felt a bit forced.
First, we heard from "Jack," a classic muscle car enthusiast, who says he would "pay any price" to see his muscle car dream come true. He'll be getting a Challenger SRT8. "It's the best of everything he remembers, but with the blistering performance and technology you could only dream of in the '70s," Press noted.
Then, we listened in on "Carlos" and "Isabel," who are on a tight budget. "Why can't there be a cool-looking car with a kicking stereo?" Carlos asked. "And it's got to be really fun to drive," said Isabel. For these two, there's the 2009 Dodge Challenger SE, which Press said will be priced in the "very low $20Ks."
The blue Challenger SE on the stand actually looked pretty good with its five-spoke 18-inch wheels, but we weren't too impressed with the poly-blend cloth in the cabin.
Finally, "Bob" and "Susan" got their turn. They have kids, and Bob started making a list of must-haves: "power, space, coolness, yeah, coolness, you gotta have the look. . ."
Barely listening to her husband, Susan offered this gem: "I don't care what anybody thinks. I want to get looks at the stoplights."
Then, they suddenly "realized" that everybody was listening in on their bedtime conversation. Mock outrage was feigned for about 5 seconds, and then everybody began looking at the bright orange 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T in the center of the stand.
"It's a purchase you'd feel irresponsible about if it weren't such a great buy," said Press. We're guessing the Challenger R/T will start in the low $30Ks when it goes on sale this fall. --Erin Riches, Senior Editor
One addition -- a photo of the Challenger R/T interior:
Then, we listened in on "Carlos" and "Isabel," who are on a tight budget. "Why can't there be a cool-looking car with a kicking stereo?" Carlos asked. "And it's got to be really fun to drive," said Isabel. For these two, there's the 2009 Dodge Challenger SE, which Press said will be priced in the "very low $20Ks."
The blue Challenger SE on the stand actually looked pretty good with its five-spoke 18-inch wheels, but we weren't too impressed with the poly-blend cloth in the cabin.
Finally, "Bob" and "Susan" got their turn. They have kids, and Bob started making a list of must-haves: "power, space, coolness, yeah, coolness, you gotta have the look. . ."
Barely listening to her husband, Susan offered this gem: "I don't care what anybody thinks. I want to get looks at the stoplights."
Then, they suddenly "realized" that everybody was listening in on their bedtime conversation. Mock outrage was feigned for about 5 seconds, and then everybody began looking at the bright orange 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T in the center of the stand.
"It's a purchase you'd feel irresponsible about if it weren't such a great buy," said Press. We're guessing the Challenger R/T will start in the low $30Ks when it goes on sale this fall. --Erin Riches, Senior Editor
One addition -- a photo of the Challenger R/T interior:
roar02ram says:
12:05 PM, 03/19/08
Neat idea for Chrysler: a MOPAR supercharger accessory for the SE.
daytona_500 says:
01:24 PM, 03/19/08
I think the interior is quite a bit of a disappointment, I remember the one in the concept was way cooler.
eriches says:
01:42 PM, 03/19/08
daytona: Check the additional photo I added of the R/T's interior. As you can see, it has more of the original concept's styling cues -- pistol-grip type shifter and the ribbed seats. --Erin
hondacura4 says:
02:44 PM, 03/19/08
Two things I hate about this car, but they are little things.
1) That UGLY Chrysler steering wheel. This shouldnt be in a "performance car". It deserves a nice smaller fatter thicker wheel.
2) It looks like it sits up a bit too high. Maybe lower it about a half inch or so?
ateixeira says:
08:36 AM, 03/20/08
The base interior is so-so, but given other Chrysler interiors have been worse, this ain't bad. The R/T does look a lot better.
When are these finally going to arrive in dealers? Seems like I've seen them for the past 3 years or so in one form or another.
iskch says:
09:23 AM, 03/20/08
Agree with "Hondacura4".
estreka says:
05:53 PM, 03/20/08
Oh wow. That blue looks good! It somehow looks even more like a classic muscle car.
firstwagon says:
10:14 AM, 03/22/08
Yeah!! you will finally be able to get a Hemi with a manual!!
Price it the same as a Mustang GT and it will sell out for years.
82nis says:
03:29 AM, 03/24/08
i like it! and i agree with hondaacura4 it needs to have a better steering wheel and lower it a bit.