[Kingelvis]

I'm pretty amazed that Dodge people haven't made the direct brand name appeal for the Stratus coupe that Chevrolet makes for the Monte Carlo. You've seen those tarted up "Dale Earnhardt" editions with the massive checkered flag graphics, three tone paint combos etc. You can barely swing a dead cat without hitting a Monte Carlo. Here in the midwest they are very popular.

I'd like to see some 'Nascar special' editions of the R/T coupe with the bright colors and so forth - it seems like this is just a huge market that Dodge is ceding to Chevrolet. People know the cars are front drive etc, but they nonetheless identify Monte Carlo as the "winningest nameplate."

Stratus could be considered superior performance car to the Chevy MC because you can get a manual transmission and it has the same 200hp V-6. I can't really understand why they gave the Neon the turbo treatment and didn't juice up the stratus coupe. The Neon has great acceleration, but it doesn't hold a candle to the stratus coupe in looks. It's much better looking than the stratus sedan, while arguably the Impala is better looking than the Monte Carlo.

I think the Stratus coupe might be the most under-sung car at Dodge right now. Give us some lower gearing or maybe a turbo, and don't forget the old adage about winning sunday and selling on monday.

Now the Intrepid is gone, the Stratus must carry the torch at least until 2006. This is an untapped market that is just ripe for the picking.