Just to brag or show off -

I sat ina brand new challenger on Friday July 4th and it was awesome. It was inside the dealership so I couldn't start it and they probably woundln't have let me anyway since I wasn't a serious buyer. They said it wasn't already sold - but I know better. Man it was sweet. I love my 07 1500 5.7l Hemi but can't imagine what it would be like to drive a 6.1L Hemi in that car.........damn I want one.

 

Buy or drivea LS1 f-body...from the times i've seen so far they run closethe same times stock for stock. They made the challenger too heavy at 4150lbs..

 

Got to hang with these guys while they prepped the SC'd 6.1 challenger for a magazine test drive and write-up. The car is putting just short of 500HP/451ft.-lbs. to the ground. Great numbers if it didn't weigh 2 friggin' tons!! What is Dodge thinking?! If they figure out how to drop 900lbs. I could really see me owning one.

 

*sighs*

Why are people still on about the Challenger's weight?

Are most of these peoplejust scapegoating to hide the fact that they can't afford one?

Anyone who has bothered to read a carmagazine in the last few months would know that the Challenger handles surprisingly well (particularly considering it's weight). Both Edmunds and Car and Driver have done comparison testing between the Mustang Bullit and the Challenger SRT-8. Regardless of the 500 lbs. weight difference, the Challenger won in virtually all categories. The only area the Mustang had the advantage in was pricing. Frankly though, I'd rather pay a few extra dollars for a superior machine.

At this point in history, car manufacturers are beginning to overcome the effect that weight has on a vehicle's handling by utilizing more advanced suspensions systems. In fact, it has become increasingly commonplace to see performance cars with curb weights of over 4000 lbs. Simply browse the vehicle catalog of Aston Martin, BMW, Bentley, Buggati,Cadillac, Maseratior Mercedes-Benz and you'll find a plethora of plump automobiles that offer staggering performance. In fact, the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V just recently set a Nurbergring lap recordmaking itthe quickest production sedan EVER. Not too shabby for a car that weighs over 4200 lbs.!

The primary reasons why cars are getting heavier are all to do with increasing safety standards and consumer demand for greater ammenities. If you want an unsafe, old, rattle-trap with an AM radio, just save up your paycheques for a year or two andbuya classicChallenger.Don't get me wrong, I love vintage cars to the extreme, but the automobile has come a looong ways since the glory days of old.

The moral of the story: Don't Judge a Book by it's Cover or a Car by it's Weight

P.S. How come everytime I put an apostrophe in a word, it shows up as a quotation mark?

It's rather irritating.

 

"handling suprisingly well", isnt exactly the same as great handling... and no... we arent upset that we cant afford one... if I could afford one, I would buy something else in the price range... Thats not saying I wouldnt want to own one...

Yes, but the fat, luxurious beauties you speak of, all get out performed by the lighter, more agile cars.

 

Just saw one today...finally, in Ohio at a dealership. Hemi Orange w/ a big SOLD sticker on it. It had obviously just been unloaded as it was dirty and still had some transport stickers on it. Still, cool car. I was amazed how big it is (never mind the weight). Still plan to do an '09.

 

Obviously the ideal package of comfort, performance, and utility the Challenger offersis not for you. Perhaps an MX-5 or an Eliseis the answer?

Also, what exactly is wrong with a SEDAN that can pull off 3.9 second 0-60 times?

I don't know of any production coupes in the same price range that could pull that off.

The Buggatti Veyron 16.4 has been declared the quickest production car on the road witha topspeed of 253 MPH. Any guess as to how heavy it is?

4300 lbs.

Outperform that!

 

Here's a pic of one at a car show in my city.

 

I saw the Challenger SRT-8 in Dover at a ride and drive event. I didn't drive it cause you could only go like 5 miles per hour, but every one i talked to said it handled great and was really smooth over the speed bumps.

 

the sticker on the one I was in was 41k.................I think the dealer said he paid 5k over that.