Automotive News - April 21, 2008 - (Page 10)

10 • APRIL 21, 2008 New Challenger is appetizer for full line in 2009 Muscle car matchup The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vs. the Ford Mustang GT500 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT8 FORD MUSTANG GT500 Bradford Wernle bwernle@crain.com Wheelbase Length Width Height Curb weight Base engine Horsepower Torque, in lbs.-ft. Transmission Base price * Base prices include shipping 116 in. 197.7 in. 75.7 in. 57.0 in. 4,140 lbs. 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 425 @ 6,200 rpm 420 @ 4,800 rpm 5-speed automatic $37,995* 107.1 in. 188.8 in. 73.9 in. 53.75 in. 3,905 lbs. 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 500 @ 6,000 rpm 480 @ 4,500 rpm 6-speed manual $42,330* PASADENA, Calif. — Think of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 as the Big Tease, dangled out there by Chrysler LLC to get muscle car enthusiasts all lathered up before the full 2009 lineup arrives this fall. The Hemi-powered SRT8 has more than succeeded at that. Before it even went into production, about 90 percent of all SRT8s had been sold. One, a special edition painted (Richard) Petty Blue, fetched $228,143.43 in a charity auction. Although Dodge discourages pricegouging, the few remaining cars could fetch prices well north of sticker. Dodge originally planned only 5,000 The Dodge Challenger SRT8 will be joined by new Challenger models meant to appeal to a wider range of buyers. SRT8s for the 2008 model year. But demand was such that Dodge squeezed 1,400 more out of the factory in Brampton, Ontario, Michael Accavitti, Dodge brand marketing chief, said at the launch here. “We’ve got over 11,000 orders for 6,400 cars,” he said. Obviously, there aren’t enough cars. “We’re encouraging dealers to flip them into ’09s,” Accavitti said. In a few months, Dodge will introduce the 2009 Challenger, which will come in three models, each with a different engine. Among them is the six-cylinder SE, tailored to the budget-conscious customer concerned about fuel prices. The Challenger SRT8, with a starting price of $37,995 including shipping, will be available with only three options: a navigation system, a sunroof and Goodyear F1 Supercar three-season performance tires. Accavitti said most customers are taking the SRT8 fully loaded. Notable features: Owners of the 1970 Challenger never dreamed of the Electronic Stability Program and supplemental side-curtain airbags. “The original Dodge Challenger was best known for its straight-line prowess at the drag strip,” says Kipp Owen, director of Chrysler Street and Racing Technology engineering. With 425 hp, the 2008 Challenger won’t be any slouch in the quarter-mile. But with vented Brembo brakes and fivelink independent rear suspension, Dodge’s modern pony car promises to be equally at home on bending roads. The Challenger comes standard with a list of modern conveniences, including Chrysler MyGIG infotainment system and UConnect Bluetooth wireless communications. What Chrysler says: “Our designers wanted to capture the mind’s-eye view of what people today remember about the Challenger from 35 years ago,” says Trevor Creed, senior vice president of design. Design notes: “The dark headliner was very important to us when designing the interior,” says Brian Nielander, manager of Challenger interior and exterior design. Designers tried to duplicate the concept car that wowed crowds at the 2006 Detroit auto show. But alterations had to be made after part of the hood blew off a three-eighths scale model in the wind tunnel, says Jeff Gale, chief exterior designer and the son of former Chrysler design chief Tom Gale. Shortcomings and compromises: Most early buyers won’t care that the Challenger gets only 13 mpg city and 18 highway, but with gasoline prices rising toward $4 per gallon, future buyers might take a more skeptical view. Buyers who can’t wait for the 2009s will have to settle for the five-speed automatic transmission and do without the pistol-grip shifter, much prized by fans of the 1970 Challenger. They’ll also have only one engine choice, the 6.1-liter Hemi V-8. Those who want a less thirsty engine will have to wait for the V-6 in 2009. The skinny: With the Challenger SRT8 already a hit, Dodge has thrown down the gauntlet for the Ford Mustang and forthcoming Chevrolet Camaro. But with gasoline prices in the stratosphere, the real story of the Challenger won’t be written until the threecar lineup goes on sale this fall. c Customer Centric Strategies Across the Automotive Ecosystem The Automotive CRM Summit 2008, hosted by Thought Leadership Summits, will feature an intimate, exclusive environment and limited vendor involvement. Interactive, Best-Practice Presentations By: June 3–4, 2008 The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey, CA Keynote Presentation: Hughes Telematics, Inc. Presenting Companies: Automotive News Automotive X PRIZE Chrysler Financial Ford Motor Company Gartner, Inc. General Motors Corp. IBM Global Business Services Lithia Motors, Inc. Mack Trucks, Inc. Oracle, Inc. R.L. Polk & Co. Sonic Automotive, Inc. Subaru of America, Inc. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The Auto CRM Summit 2008 will focus on examples of Customer Centric Strategies throughout the Customer Lifecycle. Presenters will discuss successful tactics and tangible results on topics such as: > > > > CRM Telematics Sales & Marketing Lead Management > Customer Service > Remarketing > OEM—Dealer Collaboration For more information or to register, call 415-553-4142 or visit: www.tlsummits.com/auto2008 Sponsored By: http://www.tlsummits.com/auto2008 http://www.tlsummits.com/auto2008

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Automotive News - April 21, 2008 Reorganization plan gives more muscle to 4 sales-channel execs Hummer plummets, Saturn soars in sales per franchise Chrysler-Nissan: Loads of partnership potential LIFESTYLE PICKUPS Strike averted Friday at GM transmission plant Hyundai to phase out Tiburon Veteran lobbyist looks back on decades-long mpg battle Autonews.com offers news customization GM offers free digital marketing package to dealers Lithia extends vehicle repair warranty to 3 years/50,000 miles With new products, is there life in Saturn? Ford plans $100M-plus F-150 launch Ford broadens its diesel strategy GM pitches its management system to dealers Supplier to help Mahindra offer diesel hybrid Transplants top 40% of N.A. output in March Geely chief: 'We are still an ant' Honda could import cars from China GM redirects efforts to serve emerging markets Beijing showstoppers New Challenger is appetizer for full line in 2009 Last week, I got a glimpse of the future Service contracts: Federal oversight is needed Delphi mess drags on Can't we stop importing oil? Ryan revolutionized this business An editorial glass ceiling? Driving on hydrogen — pros and cons BMW should build even more here Not what New York ordered Magna exec: More suppliers will fail Canada sales off 0.4% in March Bosch pushes crash avoidance Chrysler plans hybrid Dodge Ram Honda engineer is honored by SAE for safety efforts Panel: Diesels may hit 20% of U.S. market by 2020 Automotive News PACE Awards: Night of black ties, trophies, praise PACE Awards honor innovation Truck sales drop 31% in March Honda's new Pilot is bigger, more upscale In China, GM looks to fresh vehicles in 2009 U.S. economic woes hurt shareholder values Judge refuses to toss GMC franchise-award case Dealers Farley: Ford's marketing team is ready to roll Landry: Chrysler's consolidation will spawn service-only stores Profits up at Johnson Controls Hyundai to fix airbag problem GM to build $200 million Brazil plant Convis is CEO of Dana Holding Denso names Katoh CEO Stephen Feinberg speaks! Hogan eyes CEO spot in startup Chrysler reviving its global dreams? How I saved Delphi: A work in progress Tesla Motors' lawsuit: Designer Fisker ripped us off Concert in the key of C-3PO

Automotive News - April 21, 2008

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