Open Forum #2: A Few Answers For You
Sep 24, 2007 at 4:07PM
So here we go again…we’re opening the forum to anything you’d like to talk about. Ask some questions, post a thought, let us know what you think.
This time around in the Open Forum, we’ve got a few questions that we’d like to answer. We’ll be trying to put your questions in touch with the best people we have, so feel free to ask away. Here’s a few we’ve got for you so far:
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CRASH TESTS
Our crash test expert Raj Rajagopalan wrote about his experiences taking the new Grand Caravan from a sketch to a five-star crash rating, inspiring this question:
Q:rahpwr posted:
“What is it like to put so much work into a vehicle just to see it smashed into a wall? I suppose there’s a certain amount of satisfaction, assuming it goes well.”
A: I still get an uneasy feeling inside when I am watching a vehicle crash. Watching a brand new vehicle be destroyed is something that most people never get to see. Often you are in an enclosed barrier room, so the sound you hear when the car hits the barrier and the airbags deploy is alarming. That said, a crash test is over by the blink of an eye. So it is really exciting for the crash to happen because we learn a lot. Did the vehicle behave like we expected it to behave? Are the dummy injury numbers like we predicted? Did the restraints behave like we expected? — Raj
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CHALLENGER
Not surprisingly, the Challenger is a hot topic of conversation, which led to the following questions and even the occasional demanding chorus of chanting:
Q: davesanrn posted:
“I heard all the R/Ts have been pre-sold already. I hope that isn’t true.”
A: We can safely say that no R/Ts have been put up for sale yet. They are, as yet, unavailable for pre-sale in the 2008 model year. — RLD
Q: craig posted:
“is there a chance we will see the challenger body in NASCAR”
Our own Mike Accavitti offers this answer:
A: The decisions on what types of models, body styles and engines used in racing generally lies with in the sanctioning body of a race series. This is certainly the case with NASCAR. There are many considerations that go in to making those decisions, driver safety, cost of ownership, overall racing performance and fan interest being a few. As a manufacturer we have some input in to this process through discussions with race organizers. Dodge can not think of anything more exciting than watching Challengers taking the checkered flag on Sundays, but a lot more work and planning will be required to make that a reality. — Mike
Q: Mrkrissullivan posted:
“does anybody know about a convertable coming out?”
A: No. Nothing. We know nothing. Seriously, there’s not a whole lot we can help you with on this one except that convertible has an “i” right there instead of an “a”. (See? We told you we weren’t going to be much help.) — RLD
Q: Mrgtmustang posted:
“Was going to get a new 2008 GT but am waiting on the HEMI Challenger. I’ll be back to Dodge if it really comes out.”
A: We’re a bit biased, but hey…great comment. And, yes Mr. G.T. Mustang, we can safely say the Challenger is really coming out. In fact, here’s the exact moment it will be. — RLD
Q: UgottaloveaHEMI posted:
“Ok everyone together now. This will only work if we all do it together!!!
CUDA CUDA CUDA CUDA CUDA CUDA CUDA CUDA CUDA CUDA CUDA CUDA CUDA CUDA!!!!!!!
Can you hear us down at the headquarters Chrysler.”
A: Not sure we can speak for everyone, but we heard you. — RLD
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DODGE IN EUROPE
Pablo Cuevas’ dispatches from Frankfurt led to two pointed questions about Dodge’s efforts overseas. Pablo himself responds below:
Q: Boom posted:
“Welcome to Frankfurt young man!
Nobody, absolutely NOBODY will ask you if \”That thing has a HEMI\” Because DODGE dont sell HEMI powered cars in Europe. You guys didnt even bring ONE! (Like the Challenger)
All us Europeans have KNOWN this since August 2005.
We even ask ourselves: WHH (What the heck) is going on with this brand? They dont brand out WW with the most prominent products they have?
Instead the previous board of briliance have this idea, that europeans what european cars from USA!! He** NO, we wnat American CARS from America, that is exclusively big cars with big engines, please. You even think dropping a European Diesel in your European type model will help.. sorry no. I can get a Golf instead. Avenger does not come with Automatic? A SURE All American standard…
Every citizen in the world goes to dodge.com and check out the nice cars, you really have, incl. the caliber (It is a very fine car, just not the diesel version/manual) and the avenger is an awesome replacer for neon/Intrepid, but outside USA, it does not even come as it is described on dodge.com.
Infact non of the nice model versions and packages are really for non-US buyers :=(
Please take a deep breath, write a MEMO for when you are back in Auburn hills, and the new Execs, and let them KNOW what Europeans are really expecting from this fine AMERICAN car maker. (American CARS!)
Sorry for the outburst, but it seems nobody else will tell what you are doing \”wrong\””
A: OK, fair comment about the HEMI, but you must concede that the availability of our Dodge Viper certainly counts, and totally represents what Dodge is about. As far as your question regarding WHH is going on with our brand, first of all I want to thank you for your candor as well as your passion for our products, but my answers to you are as follows: 1) in only one and a half years, the Dodge brand in Europe has gone from one to four products, and soon to be five thanks to the new Dodge Journey we just introduced in Frankfurt; 2) your comment about wanting AMERICAN cars surprises me a little - isn’t the design of the Nitro, Caliber and Avenger purely AMERICAN? (Plus, I don’t need to go into the Viper again.) 3) While I can understand the background to your comment about American cars being exclusively big cars with big engines, etc., I would like to point out that that stereotype is no longer as true as it may have been in the past. Today’s American cars include a wide variety of vehicles, many of them small and with small displacement engines. In summary, yes, I agree with some of your comments and I also look forward to bringing more of our products to Europe, and we will, but you must concede that what we have achieved in only 18 months is quite an achievement. Once again, thank you much for your feedback as well as your passion for our brand and products! — Pablo
Q: Peer posted:
“I agree to previous comment. Why don’t you bring the spirit of the Dodge Brand to Europe? The Durango, Dakota and the RAM with the Mercedes Diesel Engines operated by Automatic Transmissions would be useful and a real benefit to the market! See Figures of the Nissan SUV Pathfinder or the Nissan PickUps! And the Dodge Magnum with a sixbanger Diesel would be also great! Not to mention the 2008 Challenger as top of the line with the HEMI (5,7 + 6,1). I personally drive a 1964 Dodge 440 (Super Stocker Design Color me Gone) and for daily use a 2005 Dodge Magnum RT. For issues of the gas prices I drive the Magnum on LPG…….”
A: I disagree, we have indeed brought much of the spirit of Dodge to Europe. While admittedly, Dodge Trucks embody much of what Dodge is about, so do many of the products we sell in Europe. Examples? Let’s start with the Dodge Viper. Bold? Powerful? Full of attitude? No question. Dodge Nitro? There’s nothing like it on European roads. Caliber? Talk about a Dodge interpretation of the common C-segment vehicle. Further, with Diesel engines available for all of our line-up, we not only have true Dodge spirit in our portfolio, but a European interpretation of it. — Pablo
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MOPAR
Q: Chally posted:
“Long-time Dodge customers are MOPAR customers. Selling off/disbanding the MOPAR parts segment would be a betrayal to your customers.”
A: Thanks for your support and enthusiasm for our brand. It’s hard to think of the classic Dodge muscle without MOPAR in the mix. There are no plans on selling off or disbanding MOPAR. This is a rumor as far as we are concerned. — RLD
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QUALITY
Q: Yankee posted:
“Great idea, but I have only 3 words for you all: QUALITY QUALITY QUALITY!
You’ve got a rare rennaisance opportunity here, you can put your shoddy quality vehicle reputation behind you… PLEASE don’t blow it. You’ve got some pretty great cars coming down the pike, the new Challenger being the best by far… but none of these efforts will mean squat if you don’t have competitive quality.”
A: Quality is a key issue in the auto industry. A company stands behind its quality through its warranty program. Not to brag, but Dodge now offers what the ad folks like to call the best in the business. — RLD
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32 Comments
let the consumers order please, oh yeah, is production going to be limited on the challenger?
challenger-no B pillars, definetly need the real manual 6 speed, if possible atleast a 7.0 liter option eventually, go ahead and make it avaliable to the masses with 6 cyl. if you have to
Charger- go back to the concept, and use the body with the front end on the production model
It occured to me that I my past posts have been mostly statements of opinion and I haven’t really asked many questions. So here are some questions:
Will the new Challenger come with a live/solid rear axle or are we looking at an independant suspension job with CV axles? Was this ever a topic of debate in the design and if so, why did the selected orientation win out?
Is the suspension going to be dialed in for a soft or hard ride, or will the buyer have the option of choosing their preferred ride stiffness?
Can we expect to see a 6-speed available in conjunction with some of the smaller engines being offered in future Challengers? (It’s my understanding that the 2009 will be hot on the heels of the 2008 and will come with many more drivetrain configurations to choose from.)
Can we expect to see new Challengers with 6.4L engines in the near future? Will the multiple displacement system find it’s way in the 6.1L or the 6.4L?
How many exterior colors will we have to choose from when we buy our new Challengers?
Will be able to buy Challengers with large engines and precious little else in terms of options? (I’m envisioning Road Runner like options)
Will the new Challenger be available as a hardtop convertible by 2010?
Does dodge have any engines more aggressive than the 6.4L in store for future Challengers? (Maybe a 7.1L or a 7.4L?)
What kind of options and features can we expect to see on the new Challengers? What sort of electronic goodies are in store for future Challenger owners?
Will we be able to purchase new Challengers with smaller wheels (15″ or 16″) and high performance drivetrains?
Will we be able to buy non-packaged Challengers - where the buyer chooses each option and is not limited to a bundled set of options?
What will the production Challenger interior look like? Do you have pictures?
What can we expect from Dodge in terms of production figures and pricing?
How much will the new Challengers weigh?
Will the back seat be big enough for an adult to sit comfortably or will it be more in line with the traditional ponycar rear seat? (big enough for a pair of 8 year olds, but not enough leg room for anyone over 5 feet tall)
Will we be able to purchase Challengers with a full sized spare tire?
Will there be a fold down rear seat or othe rpass through to allow trunk access from the cabin - or rather mor cargo space on a temporary basis?
Will the quarter glass roll down?
Thank you for your time
I am excited about the new Challenger. Hopefully, it will be priced to be competitive with the Mustang or I’m afraid that not enough will sell. This means that it has to have a six cylinder base model.
In addition, I would like to be able to order a standard model with the 5.7 or 6.1 engine (manual trans) without the need to get the SRT8 with the leather and fancy stuff.
Wheels: Please have 15 or maybe 16 inch wheels as an option. I don’t want the high cost of 19 or 20 inch tires or the harsher ride that they provide. I don’t plan to race the car so I don’t need to generate 0.9 G’s around a corner.
Thanks!
I am a owner of a dodge ram 2500 truck with the cummings. i was wondering what is the normal life of that engin?
Paging Mr. RLD, paging Mr. RLD… you’re wanted in the forum, you’ve got a multitude of questions to answer…
The Date when we can expect: prices, options and colors? Christmas day would be fitting.
Thanks again Dodge for doing it right and making a dream come true.
You guys aren’t going to soccer-momify the Challenger like to did the Charger, are you?
Can i get my challenger special with a big block hemi big cam thumper pushing 550HP with headers that have a bypass gate so i can run them straight(when the cops arn’t around).Also a 5 speed manual running to a posi 4:10 dif.And i would like it to be 110 octane compatable for those corvette slaughtering weekends.How about a lower front spoiler & rear deck spoiler to help hold to the road as i pass a ford mustang gt at hyper velocity.I’ll need some big brakes to stop also.Just e-mail me when my challenger is ready & I’ll be ready to take delivery.What the hell make it 650HP you never know when a porche might want to get spanked.Love the car guys can’t wait to purchase it.
I can’t deal with this anymore!I’m a chevy man and can’t wait to buy the new camaro.Why the hell did you guys come up with this new challenger & sell it befor the camaro is available? Now i’m going to have to buy a challenger even if it means i have to live in it.Great job guys I think dodge will take over the muscle car market for a long time to come.Send me a challenger!How about I design you guys a roadrunner?
I think you should slap the gas cap on the side of the quarter like the originals. Also, agree with no B-pillar as the car just looks way more wicked without one with all windows rolled down, and offer a black on black option with race stripes!
My local dodge dealer has a downpayment for the future Challenger.I hope all Mopar fan will do the same so the dealer make pressure on Chrysler to built what we want.a 2 door car with a V8,manual transmission & a differential.Simple like that.
Dodge & Chrysler have been extremely successful in generating buz about the new Challenger. My suggestion here is to keep up with the internet content. (i.e. daily blogs from Dodge employees involved in the Challenger build) Dodge needs to think outside the box in terms of marketing. No other car company has embraced this new medium to it full capacity. With the Challenger you have a great opportunity to re-invent the Dodge brand (or bring it back to it glory of the 1960-70’s).
As for the comments on “Quality, Quality, Quality” we are not looking for just a great warranty.. we want a car that is so well made that we don’t need a warranty.
can’t wait for the Challenger… and please bring back the CUDA (I still miss my 71 Cuda)
Oh yeah, please do not build the new Challenger with a B-Pillar. Give me a real hardtop with rear quarter-glass that roll down, just like the e-bodies. a B-pillar (even a ‘hidden b-pillar’) would compromise the appearance of the car. Concerned about structural integrity and rigidity? Give us solid axle-to-axle frame rails (something that the e-bodies could have really used) and reinforce the top at the corners, like God intented. Besides, relying on B-pillars is not only a cop-out for the uninspired engineer, their presence makes it that much harder to build a drop-top; which is a feature that the Challenger will need to stay competitive with the Mustang and Camaro.
Does anyone have an e-mail address for Mopar? I tried to fill out the form on the website to ask a question, but I do not use Outlook Express.
My heart just sunk today,09-29-2007. I just heard, by 2 very reliable sources, that Dodge is only going to produce 5000 of the 2008 Challengers. Most dealers in my area are asking for a non-refundable $500 deposit that will go toward the purchase of the challeger when offered. But the kicker is they are goign to go 15k to 20k above sticker. That is 50k to 60K!!! How can the people that love and support Dodge the most even afford that. It is for the rich and the people who know someone. Please tell me they are wrong! I have been a Challenger fan ever since I can remember. It has always been my dream car. but with that type of marker up I might as well not even bother. If this is the case therea re going to be alot of disappointed Dodge Fans out there.
Please let your customers custom order thier Challengers they way they want them and tell the dealers that they can not mark up the Challergers over Sticker! Oh, one more thing, no B pillers on the new Dodge Challenger. B pillers looks so CHEAP.
I have owned a few e-bodies in my day and I have been salivating over the new Challenger since I first heard about it. So long as I can get one that lets me shift through the gears myself (Automatics are for people whom don’t understand the driving experience - and for people who don’t have two feet) I will definitely get one.
I’ve got to say that being as these cars are targeted at a nostalgic audience fondly reminiscing over that bright yellow barracuda convertible (or other Mopar) that they carefully selected all of the options for and purchased for a couple thousand dollars; if Dodge could provide the customer with the opportunity to custom order their Challenger with all of the options that they want and none of the options that they don’t want while keeping the purchase costs competitive with the Mustangs and Camaros – Dodge will win this round of the muscle car wars in terms of having the best cars and the best sales figures. We all know that last time Dodge had the best cars, but the worst sales figures.
Please don’t try to shoehorn me into a bunch of expensive options that I don’t care about to get the one or two options that are important to me. It’s hard for some of us to justify spending an extra $8000 for the bigger engine to the wife when $6000 of that additional cost was actually spent on bigger shinier wheels, more speakers and electronic do-dads that will never be used. Give me the option to shell out $2000 for that bigger engine and forgo the “bleam-bleam”. Let me buy the exact car that I want and I won’t even bother looking at the Mustang or the Camaro; and I won’t be the only one. Your manufacturing capabilities were flexible enough to allow this 40 years ago, why not today? Has technology degenerated your capabilities this much?
I want a Hemi Challenger Convertible (a hardtop convertible would be mind-numbingly awesome, but a ragtop will do in a pinch) with a 6 speed manual transmission in yellow, purple, or blue with smallish (by today’s standards anyway – 16” would be big enough – I wouldn’t want to loose all of that glorious torque to some 22” nonsense) wheels, cloth interior (leather seats get too hot to sit on down in the south), and a minimum of electronic do-hickies. Build that for me and I might buy two or three of them.
Anyways, thanks for building the thing to begin with - that was a giant leap in the right direction anything else is a matter of tiny nudges.
PS. Where is the gas cap on the Challenger? I’ve searched every photo I’ve seen and I still can’t find it.
I’m glad to see the Challenger is still on track. I would really love buy a 6-speed manual 426. I stopped by the local dealer to ask about ordering one. They wanted $5000+ down just to talk to me and that would put me at the bottom of the list of guys who have already put $10k down. For that kind of “dealer adjusted market value” I’ll wait at least until I get to see the first car.
I echo the words of those who have posted before me; Don’t make it too limited of a production run. Keep Mopar. Production should look like the concept car. Lifetime warranty. Plum Crazy paint
I came to this site looking for words about the new Charger design featured in a Mopar mag I saw at the parts store yesterday. According to the cover Dodge is going to undo the mistakes of 2006 and redesign the Charger so that it looks more like the concept car. YEAH PLEASE DO THAT! I was sooooo excited to get a Charger until I saw the production vehicle. Then this spring I rented one and it looks and feels as bad on the inside. Loose the hard angles!
thanks
I just want to say thanks for listening to your customers and trying to answer our questions. I really feel that Chrysler/Dodge has turned over a new leaf with the Cerberus purchase. I hope that Cerberus has long-term intentions for the company. They’re definitely starting to do things right.
Thank you dodge for listening sorry about the spelling. Lol. Though i have to say it would be a shame if you didn\’t drop the top on those bad lil\’ puppies. As you can tell everyone wants answers and you guys are top notch for at least trying to rest our lil\’ hearts. I think i speak for everyone when i say were all holding our breath on this one. I know this was just a proto-type a couple years ago but you see what you\’ve done to us MOPAR heads,were gonna go crazy for this one bring back all the colors gotta drop the top give us options and even more options we\’ll buy it don\’t worry. I\’ve got my fingers crossed for that CONVERTIBLE. Peace.
Is there any teams at the moment looking to race the ‘09 Challenger in the Grand Am, either it be the Koni Challenge, the Rolex Cup, or even both? And with new chassis being allowed in the Daytona Prototype class, will Chrysler Corp. take advantage and offer an engine for the class?
Q: Every Mopar fan in the world loves the new Challenger. And almost every Mopar fan in the world loves the film “Vanishing Point”. A newer generation is even being turned to Kowalski and his white 440 Magnum 1970 Challenger, with the recent Quentin Tarantino film “Death Proof”. To get to my point here, will we see a 4.7 and/or 5.7-Liter Magnum in the new 2008 Challenger, and will it come in all-white?
Will a six-cylinder version of the Challenger be available — if not on the 2008 model, maybe on the ‘09? Some of us are interested in the car just for its looks — NOT as a performance vehicle. Also with gasoline climbing in price and insurance rates being what they are, a six-cylinder version makes perfect sense for many.
It would be nice…
6.1 Hemi, manual trans and AWD.
The Challenger is the only new American car that I would ever consider purchasing. Be aware that you are bringing back a highly respected legend. Don’t mess it up!
Make sure the internals can handle forced induction, If your SRT4 internals and drivetrain can handle 500+ Horsepower at the wheels, the Challenger should handle 700+. I would gladly sacrafice a couple Naturally Aspirated horsepower for strength.
I was going to buy a new R/T Charger last year. Sitting down at the desk and discussing financing thoughy happy about my new purchase then the came the shocker…. 3/36 is back.
There is no way that I will spend the money that a new car bring these days and have Dodge extend me a 3/36 warranty.
I have long anticipated the arrival of the Challenger, but it will only be a vehicle that I see on the road unless Dodge can back their quality claims, with a quality warranty.
I just wanted to back up Yankee’s comments, since I had the same exact thoughts going through my mind. Keep the Viper as the holy grail but make the Challenger available to the masses. This is supposed to be attacking the pony car segment, much like the original. To have it only available in certain packages or certain availabilities will do nothing for the brand, I think.
Affordable, simple packages are a great idea, too if possible. Lest us not forget the old ideas of no options but the largest motor (probably more unrealistic these days, but your enthusiasts will take notice).
I worry what the inflated prices of the Challenger might bring off the bat, so try to keep the price within reason, please.
Thanks for listening to my little chant. That was fun. But, I am truly serious about making cars the are fun and people are passionate about. How about a turbo or supercharger for the SRT6 Avenger.
oh yeah!
Well I’m honored that I’ve already had one of my posts answered, I hope you can take the time to answer these next questions as best you can. First off, let me say I’ve always been a Mopar guy at heart and I desperately want you to succeed… so please take these questions and inquiries as perhaps constructive criticism with a little “tough love” thrown in.
1. While many of us Mopar motorheads heartily welcome the new Challenger, many of us get a little nervous when we keep seeing in the automotive press that these will be “limited edition” cars. Many of us translate “limited edition” as the fact that the car will be alot more expensive than it should (or would otherwise) be, perhaps out of reach for most its core audience. Let’s not forget it’ll also encourage dealer gouging (whoops - “added adjustment market value”). Let the Viper be your sole “limited edition” car - the rest of the masses would like to be able to buy this car without having to take out a second mortgage to buy one.
I think I speak for many pending Challenger fans when I say that you should most definitely offer the car as a base model with perhaps the 3.5 or 4.0 V6 - with a choice of an automatic of an honest-to-god manual transmission. A 6-speed manual (with a real clutch and all) should absolutely be available with any of the Hemi V8s.
Remember, the Mustang isn’t a limited-edition car (although some versions of it are), and I seriously doubt the new Chevy Camaro will be either. The Mustang has been a great seller because of its wide appeal. Hopefully in a short time the Challenger will have the same appeal. If you limit its productivity and/or only offer V8 engines, I’m convinced the car’s gonna tank in a hurry. None of us want to see that happen. We’ve already waited way too long for this car.
2. While I think everyone who signed off on the new Sebring design should be terminated with extreme prejudice, the Avenger shows some real promise. I really think the horsepower rating on the R/T’s 3.5 V6 needs to be higher to be truly competitive - 235 just doesn’t cut it. Sure it’s plenty powerful and I’m sure it’ll satisfy most Avenger buyers, but when Toyota, Honda and Nissan all can squeeze 268-270 horses from their 3.5 V6s, the Avenger already looks outclassed. You can’t just be competitive. You have to be BETTER. This “good enough for what it costs” attitude is what has plagued GM for so many years and (in my opinion) is one of the reasons why they’re struggling so hard. I’d really hate to see Chrysler go down that same road.
3. The Viper has some really cool new color selections. How about expanding the same color selection to the rest of the SRT line as well? You guys have GOT to get past this “only available in red, silver and black” mentality and offer more colors. The addition of Plum Crazy and Detonator Yellow on the Charger SRT8 are a good start… but they’re still not enough.
Sorry for being long-winded… I’ll leave it at this for now.
Will the Challenger be available with a HURST or other manual trans? I hope to god it is offered with a six speed, I would trade in my Honda Civic Si in a heartbeat for a 6.1 (426) HEMI mated to a manual six speed. I think I may even sell a kidney for the down payment
Q: Guys, i LOVE Dodge, always have, always will. But please PLEASE tell me i’m not going to have to go to USA to see a Challenger on the road… will they be coming here to Australia? What about the Charger? The Magnum? Thanks!
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