Production Number Set: The 6,400 Challenger Question
Jan 22, 2008 at 2:09PMBy Mark Mallie
Dodge Challenger Brand Manager
So the cat is out of the bag! We are going to build 6,400 Dodge Challenger SRT8’s for the 2008 model year. It was our most asked question this past week at Barrett-Jackson. It seems the collectors knew this car was going to be special and early indications are supportive with the first two Challengers selling for nearly a combined $600,000! A shocking amount given the production model has still yet to be revealed.
The volume and market timing trace their origins back to the Challenger feasibility study which was underway while the Challenger concept was still setting the auto show circuit ablaze. While manufacturing and engineering dictated market timing, we decide that the right go to market plan for Challenger was to launch as a short 2008 model vs a long running 2009 model. We had 35 years of pent up demand for Challenger and we felt the right approach was to hit the market with a bang - an exclusive limited-edition short run model that would begin to build the next Challenger legacy! To help indicate the exclusivity of this model, each vehicle will wear a unique interior dash plaque, 1 of 6,400 similar to the plaques on the Charger Daytona and Super Bee.
With customers clamoring for the car we knew we had to build enough to satisfy the years of demand but also limit the volume to keeping it exclusive. And although we have orders in excess of our planned production, not every dealer who is going to receive a Challenger has its order in yet. If you are interested in a 2008 Challenger, check with your local dealer. As we’ve said before, there’s plenty more for Challenger fans to look forward to as well.
Watch for the production unveiling on February 6th at the Chicago Auto Show -and if you can’t get to the Windy City, you can bet RLD will carry the photos.
For the full press release, click through the jump…
PRESS RELEASE
First Production 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8® Sells for $400,000!
* 100 percent of the proceeds from the auction of No. 1 production Dodge Challenger SRT8® benefit notMYkid
* Limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features a 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 engine, HEMI Orange paint, carbon-fiber-like hood stripes and a chrome fuel filler cap
* Only 6,400 Challenger SRT8 vehicles will be produced for sale in the United States for 2008; more than 4,300 orders placed the first day the all-new Dodge Challenger SRT8 went on sale
Auburn Hills, Mich., Jan 22, 2008 - Dodge and notMYkid partnered to auction the first production 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8® at the 37th annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction on January 19, in Scottsdale, Ariz. The winning bid was placed by Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company.
“Dodge is ecstatic that the sale of the first production 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 to roll of the assembly line raised $400,000 for such a worthy cause,” said Mike Accavitti, Director — Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. “The introduction of an all-new, modern Dodge Challenger has generated a lot of excitement, and the enthusiasm for the new car was evident on the auction block.”
The all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features the proven 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, a race-inspired interior and an exterior design stays true to Challenger heritage while delivering host of modern features and technologies and “race inspired, street legal” SRT DNA.
Developed by Chrysler’s in-house performance engineering organization, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 was engineered with a focus on the five pillars of every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.
The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will make its worldwide debut on Feb. 6, at the Chicago Auto Show.
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694. For media inquires contact Luke DeRouen via email at lderouen@timepiecepr.com or call 214.520.3430 ext. 301.
notMYkid
notMYkid was founded in 2000, and is dedicated to helping kids deal with adolescent behavioral health issues and educating parents, teachers and communities about these issues. Information is available on the website www.notMYkid.org to educate parents about the warning signs and symptoms and to empower them to implement effective prevention and intervention strategies. In 2007, notMYkid reached over 100,000 students in Arizona. Nationwide notMYkid reached hundreds of thousands of parents, educators, students and community leaders. The organization offers programs for parent education as well as peer-to-peer youth educational forums.
Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC’s best-selling brand and the fifth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2007, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global market. In the highly competitive truck market, Dodge has a 15 percent market share. Recently, Dodge introduced the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan with 35 new or improved features including the newest innovation, the Swivel ‘n Go™ seating system. Dodge is entering key European volume segments with Nitro, Caliber and Avenger. The all-new 2009 Dodge Journey will debut in 2008 calendar year, and will be available outside North America in both left- and right-hand drive in mid-2008. Also in 2008, Dodge will introduce its modern muscle car the all-new Dodge Challenger.
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91 Comments
According to the WGN story on the Auto Show U can order a 2008 challenger online. Look for a repeat of the show. I find this funny as they can’t build the orders they have. Also article in paper about chrysler getting ready to drop dealerships and reduce car models soon.
David, is that how you guys do it over at pumpkin chevrolet.
No wonder the dealers tacked on thousands of dollars over invoice, you guys are a real PITA pesting about your orders. Start worrying when the dealer gets the car in, and every gomer around is popping the hood, sitting inside making motor noises pretending it has a manual transmission, and asking to take it out for spin. The dealer will apply their emblems all over the car, drill holes in the front bumper to mount their advertising plate, and some moran will christen it with swirl marks while buffing it out. Then make sure to thank the dealer for overcharging you. Hey, go easy on them wheels with that impact wrench! At least the wheels have a flat bead, they won’t be able to smack wheel weights on them.
LOL
Easy now, frontyard,
Weren’t you wondering where Dodge got the idea for the two guys in the ratted out Duster in those “That thing gotta Hemi?” ads?
TO DODGE CEO, I AM 46 AND ILLITERATE. PLEASE BUILD ME A CAR WITH A SPELLCHECKER. AND NO RAMS HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL.
THANKS
To Dodge ceo. I’m 46 I have had many sport cars in my life. I was looking forward to buy a challenger. ( NOT NOW! ) Can you tell me why dose a car company spend millions of dollars making a concept car ( challenger ) that every one likes wants to buy then after all that the car company ( dodge ) totally changes the interior. The funny thing is the first pic on the dodge site never had the inters pic on it I wondered why ?
Maybe they know there would be an up roar over this.
PS: Dodge you screwed up the charger now the challenger forget the past apparently you have no idler what your doing just keep making your mine vans.
For everyone trying to figure out the status of their car against the VON. I have a basic (no options) Orange flavor. In status C, ordered Dec 7.
what happened to the interior we were suppose to be getting? this one looks like something out of an suv, am i the only one that feels ripped off?
Hey hound,
Where do you get your info regarding your order? I’ve never been able to get anything other than order status from customer service.
I’m sure they’re just taking advantage of the fact that one of their major suppliers went bankrupt last week; using that as an excuse (perhaps justified) to claim a lack of material.
that interior looks like it came from my old 87 dodge daytona.sorry to hear about you fellows geting your orders stopped. if they didn’t have enough material to build the 2008’s , How are they going to start building the 2009 soon?
hey plum
mine went to “bg” too. dodge told me it was beause there was a shortage og materials like carpet to build the car. Ya! right!
I was hoping the interior spy shot were of a mule w/charger interior, but it looks as if the bean counters won. If these cars sell well, perhaps there’s hope for the ‘09 or ‘10 model year interiors. My order went from BX status to BG status yesterday, so it looks like I’m out unless I want to buy one of the ones my dealer’s salesmen or washbay guy will offer for an outrageous mark-up. Good luck to the rest of you.
Hey von,
I am second at my dealer, both ordered 12/3/2007. The guy in front of me is at “C”, but mine is at “BX” still. I did not change anything on the order since it was put in, but you may be onto something about the color. I ordered the orange and it seems like that was the most popular color. Hopefully they make enough HEMI orange.
Unfortunately they are not a gaff. I have to say the new interior Sucks! They took a classic looking muscle car and put a Chrysler Newport interior in it, complete With saddle stitch leather seats. Woooooo. The concept interior had Muscle written all over it! Too prove my point just read what is written on some of the blogs by people who like the interior, who probably work for the dodge marketing team. They say things like “the ergonomics are very clean”, “oh it’s so much cleaner than the concept car” and “I like how the accent of the stitching is so masculine” OH MY GOD! Muscle is not about ergonomics, or Clean and You never had to talk about how masculine the seats were. You knew they were because it was basic or Bold! It was Ego not Ergo! People were excited about a car that was hot inside and out. Who ever made the changes should be fired and sent packing in the AMC Pacer they drove to work. On top of that their new retro Pony car comes out weighing more than their currently manufactured Charger WTF!?!?!??? Dodge had the opportunity to really make a statement here and they blew it! If any of you who believe they really like this interior I am betting you are not loving it enough to pay 10 k over sticker for it, if you are, you can purchase mine. Unfortunately I am betting several others will be for sale shortly. Why pay more for an average overwight pony. Went form Awesome to indifferent.
THE INTERIOR PICS HAVE TO BE A GAFF.EVERYTHING IS STRAIGHT OUT OF THE 300.
SUEDE IS LEATHER. FYI
DON’T PARTICULARLY LIKE GAUGES.
SHIFTER KNOB IS AN EMBARASSMENT.
CONSOLE IS LAME, BUT WILL PROBABLY BE FINE WITH 6 SPEED.
GREY INTERIOR IS A FAR CRY FROM BLACK.
STEERING WHEEL SUCKS
RAMS HEAD IS STUPID, I’D RATHER SKULL AND CROSSBONES IF I CAN’T GET DODGE OR CHALLENGER OR THE PENTASTAR.
COLORS ARE TOO MONOTONE, GIVES YOU THAT HONDA ACCORD FEELING THAT YOUR BURIED IN A PLASTIC COOLER.
NO CONTRAST COLOR STITCHING IN SEATS OR SHIFTKNOB.
IF THIS IS THE FINAL INTERIOR, ALAN BARRINGTON NEEDS TO BE PUT ON SUICIDE WATCH. THEY TOTALLY DID AWAY WITH ALL HIS INTERIOR WORK THAT HE SPOKE ABOUT ON THE VIDEO SERIES.
ON THE PLUS SIDE, EXTERIOR IS BETTER THAN I HOPED FOR. SIMPLY AWESOME!
At least they put the headlamp switch back where it belongs!
hey von….
no changes were made to mine. i was the second to order. i ordered everything . orange in color
As for the pictures of the New production Interior, I can only HOPE that this is a smoke screen to send people off the trail of what they are really going to present or it is the standard interior for the 2009 models before option upgrades. . If it is the Actual Production interior, for the 2008 SRT model than I would be completely disappointed and would agree with “CHALLY”.
“Where is the telemetry data gauge? Where are the awesome ribbed seats - we pay $41k plus dealer markup and we can’t even get a full-leather seat?!?! What is with the cloth seats on the SRT?!?! What happened to the retro, slotted steering wheel? The toggle switches in the concept were so cool - now they’re gone! Once again, get rid of the Ram heads! “
If this is a cost cutting measure than charge me for it. What’s another $1000.00 after paying over $40k. We spend as much or more time inside the car as outside the car. That interior looks hot if you are driving a Sebring, but this is a challenger and I want to know I am driving a challenger when I am in the driver’s seat. In the concept interior the strip of Hemi orange material looked BOLD and Hot on the ribbed Leather seats. In the production pictures, that little strip of Hemi orange material on the production seat looks Anemic and stupid like it was an afterthought purchased at the K-mart automotive section. YES Get Rid of the Rams Head! In 1970 the Dodge Ram was the logo for your Trucks. Move it back to your trucks and leave it there. Put “SRT” on the Steering wheel, put Mopar, put nothing or anything but the Rams Head. I have one a stuffed one hanging on my wall if I want to look at a rams head and it really wasn’t that tough.
A few comments about status of the cars. Here is some food for thought. I wonder if there is a common theme with the cars still in the BX stage. For example did everyone pick the same color, did they all order a sun roof? Were they the 3rd 4th or 5th car ordered by the dealer? Or did you change your initial order? I was told “once your order is in the system, that if you went back and added or changed an option or color that you lose your place in line, I was told that when I wanted to add a sun roof to my car, so I opted to make no changes. My car My car is Black on Black with no sun roof, It was ordered on Dec, 3rd and was the 1st or 2nd car the dealership ordered and it is in stage C. and has been since January 23.
turasque…
i have seen 4 orders from a deaer in baton rouge that were c status. the order was placed jan 13th. while mine was placed on dec 8th and it’s a bx too…kinda makes ya wonder huh ? or maybe duh?
Just to offer some sanity to the equation, as long as a franchised dealship(and the gm thereto) are free to sell any car, at any time, at any price,,,,,,,the nonsense already posted is a fact of life. In the big boy world of true corporate america, OEM’s should and indeed do have the legal right to cancel franchises given unacceptable behavior by any dealership choosing to charge the outrageous markups we have heard about………..while points of view are certainly part of our culture, I find it more than convenient that we never hear the Factory Corporate side try to take this subject up, from the customers side……Have you all forgotten the markups sought, lets say, for the PT Cruser…..and yes ordered cars were substituted for the quick buck customer willing to pay the then popular mark ups…………People don’t need to get a life,,,,but rather CORPORATE AMERICA NEEDS TO GET THEIR RUMP OUT THERE A>>>>>GOOD LUCK DODGE
If you go to Allpar.com, you can see some photos of the production interior. I just viewed a picture of the concept interior side-by-side with the production interior.
The production interior pales in comparison to the concept. The concept interior gave me the feeling of youth, muscle, power, and freedom. The production interior lost so many of the cool features! Where is the telemetry data guage? Where are the awesome ribbed seats - we pay $41k plus dealer markup and we can’t even get a full-leather seat?!?! What is with the cloth seats on the SRT?!?! What happened to the retro, slotted steering wheel? The toggle switches in the concept were so cool - now they’re gone! Once again, get rid of the Ram heads!
I called today to check the status of my order and it is in “BX” state. My order was put in on 12/3/2007. They could not give me any further information (e.g. time of order, etc.) and told me to call in a week. If it was still in “BX” status she said they can put in a request to find out why it has not changed.
The representative believed that they were supposed to be starting production next week.
I hope that this changes soon because I am seeing posts with orders put in as late as 12/11/2007 and are in “C Status” already, which is not giving me a “warm and fuzzy” feeling that I will get the ‘08.
I forgot to add In my last post,I e-mld dodge about e-mling me telling me to go my dealer and order 1 for 41k. they told me the dealers had franchises with them and they could charge what they wanted. I relpied them why did u send me that e-ml. no response. And that dealer that promised me 1 probably ordered 1 with my name on it and is keeping it to sell.
Hey plum
Iwent in a yr age and talked with the head of a dealership and was told by him I could have the first 1 with no markup. I went in last nov to order the car and was told they were going to auction it off. I got an eml from dodge telling me to go to my dealer and order 1. I called and sent them that e-ml and they would’nt order it for me. Another dealer wanted 10k over and would order me 1 for 10k and another wanted 5k. am waiting for 2009 yr models and them I can get my own options. I don’t need a number car.
hey plum ….i stated that over a week ago. the dealer ships have been ordering cars in employees names
Guys, after telling my dealer over a year ago that I wanted a Challenger, I was surprised to hear that they started taking orders December 3rd and I had not been contacted by the dealer. So I put in an order and a deposit on the 4th, and called the dealer the next day to verify the order. I was told that my order was in, but that 5 of the salesmen and the wash bay guy (!) had placed orders before me. After waiting a month, I visited the dealer to check on the status of my order and was shown the list of orders they had placed and the VON #’s. I noticed the name of a co-worker on the list, so I called him the next day. He said that he had just bought a pickup from the dealership, but had not ordered a Challenger. Then, I called Chrysler customer service and gave the lady my VON #. She told me that my order was in BX status, and had been for a very long time. She didn’t understand why it was still in BX and wanted to find out why; after all, she said, the order was placed December 11!
I ordered the car on the 4th!
It looks to me like the dealership held my order until they submitted orders in the names of salesmen, wash bay guys and recent customers. I’m sure that my order did not make the first 6400 although the lady at customer service couldn’t confirm it. So, even though I’ve bought 6 new cars from this dealership in the past, I think I’ll get my deposit back, travel the 350 miles to the nearest Dodge dealer out of town and place an order for an ‘09 the way I want it.
Has anyone else encountered a similar situation?
von, yeah i restore cars, my favorite hobby/obsession. massachusetts not montana however. coronets are awesome cars. i have been looking for a 68 or 69 convertible for a couple of years now. just can’t seem to find the right one. i’d love to get a fairly rust free one and go rotisserie. usually i go frame off, takes me about 18 months then when everythings done, i get bored quick. last project was a 79 ferrari 308.
WOW! I just noticed the Ram 1500 center caps on the ‘08 Challenge SRT’s wheels. How COOL is that!? They match the hood emblem!
Happy Birthday Lazy Hound! I sure hope you get your Challenger Birthday Wish! Hey Front Yard, you Statement about those working for Chrysler. Not knowing what the right hand is doing is so true. Did I understand correctly that you rebuild cars in Montana? I am currently finishing up a retro-restoration on a 1971 El Camino, I also have a 100% original #’s 1972 Mustang Fast Back Sprint, “Q” code 351 Cleveland 4v, So my new Challenger will fit perfectly, 1 Classic, 1 retro Classic and 1 New Retro! One from each of the original American Muscle car manufactures. My first car I purchased in 1976 was a 1968 Dodge Coronet 500. Paid $50.00 for it at an auction, it was a bondo beater with a 318 in it. But I loved it! I sold it for $175.00 with 135,000 miles on it in 1981. Wish I never had, I was looking for another one to rebuild when I heard that the new Challenger was coming out so decided to wait for it instead. Besides, my two boys have laid claim to the other two cars and I wanted something for myself.
hey von,
i went to my dealer friday hoping to get some great birthday news . well it is still at a “c” too. they told me that they have no idea when it will be built or scheduled. it seems to me the right hand has no idea what the left hand is doing .
some don’t even know what a challenger is. how sad is that? wait a minute, we haven’t seen the production version yet.
, maybe i don’t know what a challenger is either.
Here is a chuckle for you, Called Chrysler corp today to check on my car and was told it is still in Schedule C. Now according to my previous conversations and the attched charts in this blog that means Sub firm, In line to be built. The lady I was talking to told me that Schedule C meant the car is currently being built. I questioned that and she once again reaffirmed that the car waqs currently being built. When I asked if their was a Vin # for it then she told me That thre was no Vin # assigned. Ok? What gives is this just a smoke and mirrors game to appease the masses, until they know what they are doing? Or do the people at the customer care center have no idea what their own codes mean?
It’s great when you go fishing to hook the big ones!
Ok to DA Bush, I am not sure if I understand your point you are trying to get across? You are right there were no 10 cylinder muscle cars. And yes those Benz foregners did own Chrysler. So I guess what you are saying is that when Dodge developed the first production v-10 engine and was using it in 1994 which was 4 years prior to 1998 which is when they were purchased by Daimler-benz, that the American Made Mopar doesn’t get credit for that engine.. On the other hand in the mid to late 1960’s Chevy experimented putting a Flat-10 in their Corvair but never could put it into production. So they continued with the Flat-6 or Boxer style engine they had been using for the corvair since the begining. The flat-10 by the way which most those foreigner car makers have used and are still using in some of their cars? So dodge developed one that worked and Chevy couldn’t get one that the foreigners were using to work. Which some how makes Dodge inferior? Oh by the way you might be interested in knowing who designed and patented the flat engine or the Boxer style engine that Chevy was using. It was KARL BENZ! You might recognise the name although it is foreign. So is there a point? Like it or not Chevy, Dodge,Ford, Benz, V.W. etc are all connected in one way or the other. It is only the desire to own one or not to own the other. It is obviously that you want to own one otherwise why would you even be checking the posts. It is either that or you are afraid of something, is that it David are you feeling scared that the big bad Challenger made by Dodge will over shadow the C-c-camaro? Well Bless your heart! don’t worry, when you go back to work tomorrow for the Chevy dealership you work at, you can tell them all about how you bashed the new Dodge challenger car on all the blogs and thus single handedly saved everyones paycheck. Then when all of us disenchanted Mopar fans come rushing into the dealership, you and all of your used car salesmen friends can fight over us. Which will raise the desire on your cars so you can make a profit on us just like the Dodge dealer ships. O.K. pumpkin! Now get some sleep you have a really Big Day tomorrow! If I am not there by 9pm tomorrow to pick out my new Chevy, don’t worry and don’t leave cause I will be there, even if it gets past midnight stay cause I will be there to order my new Cheby I Promise!
I don’t recall any 10 cylinder muscle cars. There are certainly faster sportscars out there. Here’s your foreign car, the Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren. 617 horsepower. Check it out, educate yourselves. Hey wait, them foreigners used to own Chrysler!
http://www.mbusa.com/microsite/slr/main.jsp
Dodge Challenger designers should be EMBARASSED over what they came up with for the interior. WHO fell asleep on this one, did they run out of money and ambition or something?
were all in the same boat. trying to get info that dodge isn’t giving us. by the way thanks ramtuff and resto guy. some of you are starting to act like 5 yr olds. i went to the atlanta car show and the challenger was there. we all have the choice to buy what ever car we want.you have to admit , it is a sharp looking car. i personally had my eye on a vette a couple of years ago , but something came up and i had to buy something i needed and not wanted. every car or truck i have bought in the last 10 years has not been by choice. well when i saw this car the vette went out the window. i have my deposit down and i hope for the best. Von number said it best . i have waited 30 years to buy a car that i can finally afford to have sit under a cover in a garage to drive on the weekend like all the old farts did when i was a kid. so what if i have more money than brains. who cares ! it’s my money.
can’t we all just get along !!! were all in the same boat. trying to get info that dodge isn’t giving us. by the way thanks ramtuff and resto guy. some of you are starting to act like 5 yr olds. i went to the atlanta car show and the challenger was there. we all have the choice to buy what ever car we want.you have to admit , it is a sharp looking car. i personally had my eye on a vette a couple of years ago , but something came up and i had to buy something i needed and not wanted. every car or truck i have bought in the last 10 years has not been by choice. well when i saw this car the vette went out the window. i have my deposit down and i hope for the best. Von number said it best . i have waited 30 years to buy a car that i can finally afford to have sit under a cover in a garage to drive on the weekend like all the old farts did when i was a kid. so what if i have more money than brains. who cares ! it’s my money.
OHH YEAH AS FOR THE LS7 ENGINE OR WHATEVER ENDS UP IN THE CAMARO. TO ME IT DOESN’T MATTER CAUSE THE RE-DONE CHALLENGER TO ME IS THE PINNACLE OF THE NEW MUSCLE CAR ERA SO THAT BEING SAID WHAT DOENS IT EVEN MATTER IF ONE CAR IS .1 FASTER TO 60 THAN ANOTHER.
IT’S GONNA COME DOWN TO WIND RESISTENCE AND CURB WEIGHT REALLY. HOW THE CAR IS GEARED IN ALL THAT. SOOOO LET’S JUST HOPE MOPAR MAKES US HAPPY. THAT’S WHAT MATTERS MOST ALL THESE CARS ARE GONNA BE RIGHT NEXT TO EACH OTHER. ME MYSELF AM IN LOVE WITH THE HEMI AND ALSO HAS TO DO WITH LOOKS. YOU COULDN’T PUT THE HEMI IN A CAMARO…. I WOULDN’T BUY IT. TO ME THE MUSTANG COBRA LOOKS BETTER THEN THE CAMARO BUT IN THE END THE CHALLENGER LOOKS BETTER THEN BOTH AND THAT’S REALLY WHAT MATTERS THE ALL HAVE ABOUT 4OO HORSES SO WHAT COMES NEXT OR FIRST TO ME IS THE LOOKS DODGE HIT IT RIGHT ON THE HEAD MAN. NOW LIKE I SAID COME ON MOPAR STREET PACKAGES AND STRIPES SIDE DUAL EXHUAST SHAKER HOODS AND ALL THE GOODIES THEN IT’LL BE CHECKMATE….
HEY DAVID GET OFF THIS PAGE MAN!!!!
I’LL TELL IT THE WAY IT IS.
IF YOU DON’T WANT A FREAKIN’ CHALENGER WHY DO YOU FEEL COMPELLED TO SAY SUCH B.S.
EVEN BEFORE THE NEW VIPER HITS THE ROAD THE OLD ONE HAD 505HP RIGHT? YOUR AN IDIOT DUDE. YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT A REALL MUSCLE IS EVEN IF YOU WERE BEHIND THE WHEEL BROTHER. I BET YOU OWN A FOREIGN CAR TOO RIGHT??? YOU LITTLE GIRL… I BET YOU HAVE A HONDA ACCORD. HA. MAN I CAN’T WAIT TILL DODGE PUTS UP A NEW POST WITH SOMETHING RELIVANT TO THE SPECS…. PEACE….
hey david, ever hear of the viper? it has 600 hp this year.
gt 500 has absolutely nothing to do with horsepower.
heres a snipit… Shelby named this car the GT-500. Apparently the name was just as arbitrary as the GT-350 name with no relationship to the new engine size or any other obvious feature.
and the link…
http://www.shelbygt500kr.com/history.html
please have your doctor increase your dosage of ritalin.
HONESTLY FELLAS!!!
WHEN IT’S ALL SAID AND DONE THE CHALLENGER IS THE CAR THAT LOOKS THE SHARPEST.
IF NOT WE WOULDN’T BE TALKING ABOUT THIS ANYMORE RIGHT?
AND DIDN’T THEY JUST SELL ALL THERE DEMO CARS A FEW WEEKS AGO? THAT MIGHT BE YOUR ANSWER ON THAT ONE.
ALSO WERENT’ A LOT OF MUSCLE CARS BACK IN THE TIME EQUIPPED WITH A SLAPSTICK OR SPEEDSTICK OR WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT.
I DO AGREE THE STICK HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH GAS MILEGE THOUGH ALSO.
BUT IT PROLLY HAS MORE TO DO WITH THE FACT THAT THE ZO6 IS ONLY A STICK TOO.
AND THAT POWDER BLUE PICK COULD VERY WELL BE PHOTO SHOPPED!! EVER THINK ABOUT THAT?? OR DO YOU FELLAS REALLY BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU SEE AND READ??? COME ON GUYS. IT IS A GOOD LOOKING COLOR THOUGH ON THAT CAR. MATTER OF FACT SAW A PURPLE CHARGER UP CLOSE FOR THE FIRST TIME…. LOOKS GOOD TOO…. SAW A SUBLIME GREEN ONE NOT LONG AGO EITHER LOOKS GOOD TOO IN SOME SORT OF UNIQUE WAY
JUST SOME THOUGHT OR OPINIONS PEACE…..
wheresthechallenger, i agree that the lack of info is bs. however, do you really think a 400 hp top of the line camaro is gonna blow off the doors on a shelby or a challenger? the v8 is anticipated to start at over 40k, do you really believe there will be no markup? even if the LS7 500hp somehow ends up in the car, the 6.4 hemi 6 speed will be right there with it. remember, gm could never compete with the hemi. thats why they tried to ban it in racing.
honestly, i would have to say , if the new camaro was an exact copy of the 68 camaro i wouldn’t be so sure of my challenger purchase. i think chevy really screwed the pooch on this one. by the way, my first car i ever owned/restored was a 68 camaro ss convt. what an awesome car!
the 69 with the eggcrate grill and simulated rear wheel duct, and classless rear light panel never did anything for me. the only 69’s that ever looked nice had to have the hideaways to get rid of the hideous grill. i.e. the 69 pace car.
While Dodge is busy at their ‘Attaboy Conventions’,Ford had a Shelby GT500 at every auto show. Oh yeah, the 500 stands for the hp, second only to the Corvette. There is only one transmission available, because it is a true muscle car. The 15/21 mpg, probably has something to do with the 6-speed manual. $42,170.00 sticker price. Don’t worry about the Chally’s beside you at the light, worry about the GT500’s and Camaro’s.
I know what you are talking about.I feel your disappointment!This is B S.They should have a car at every auto show.We pay good money to get in.Besides the parking,and 4.00 this and the 7.00 that. And then you want to eat.CHACHING…….
Whats the deal? I\’ve been to two Houston Auto Shows,And still no CHALLENGER. Im very dissappointed,Everybody else seems to have there cool cars CAMARO,FJ CRUISER,G8,Even Ford has 5 or 6 MUSTANGS,and DODGE has the same old Lame Crap Charger Cop Cars.WOW.Even TOYOTA had a NASCAR and a CRAFTSMAN TRUCK.But Wheres the DODGE CHALLENGER? Up someones butt in CHICAGO.IF this car is coming out in 2008 should\’nt you have more than a couple? Do you think you can talk and not show and still sell it? Probably so but that is UNACCEPTABLE for me.I WILL WAIT AND BUY A CAMARO for less and Blow the doors off the INVISABLE CHALLENGERS………………
YO!! DAVID!!
YOUR THE HATER I’VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT IN MY EARLIER POSTS.
OF COURSE THERE GONNA COME OUT WITH SRT’S IN 09′
AS FOR THE SLAPSTICK…..
CHECK OUT THE 0-60 TIMES ON ROAD AND TRACK I WAS LOOKING AT ‘VETTES AND THE AUTO’S ARE FASTER THEN THE MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. SO I GUESS IT MIGHT BE FUNNER TO DRIVE A MANUAL TO YOU BUT A SLAPSTICK IS JUST AS GOOD.
PLUS WITH THE ADVENT OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY A LOT OF AUTO’S GET BETTER GAS MILEGE OR ABOUT THE SAME AS MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. SO YOU BUDDY ARE AN IDIOT. ANYWAYS MANUAL TRANS GET OLD AFTER A WHILE. I KNOW I DON’T WANT MY DAILY DRIVER TO BE A MANUAL. BUT HEY THAT’S ME. SO IN SHORT NOBODY CARES WHAT YOU THINK!!! SORRY!!! AND ONE BIG FAT 60 HOUR WORK WEEK CHECK BETS MY FUTURE CHALLENGER TAKES YOURS IF YOU EVEN REALLY WANT ONE. I’LL TAKE YOU WITH THE TOP DOWN. HA!! I BET YOUR TO SCARED TO EVEN PUSH IT ANYWAY. OHH WELL. HOPING TO SEE YOU IN YOUR CHALLENGER (IF YOU EVEN KNOW WHICH ONE YOU WANT) PEACE…. the smartest 23 year old alive kris
With all due respect to my elders,(The front porch resting on the rocker guy included) I wouldn’t complain about the interior, what did you expect buying a car sight unseen, and paying a dealer greed tax to boot? By the way, what is the ugly red and yellow button on the console of the ‘08 Challenger spy photo? Does that lock in the ’silly stick’ to make it shift like a real transmission?
Harrisburg PA wrapped up it’s annual auto show this past weekend. The 2009 Camaro concept was there, but guess what car was not? You guessed it, the Challenger concept car. Too many guys patting each other on the back to get their back sides out there with the car.
Hope you don’t have VON# 43, that one is getting painted Petty Blue and getting auctioned off. Many more surprises ahead from your friends at Dodge.(Like producing’09 SRT’s to bring down the blood pressure of the seniors who didn’t get an’08 SRT) Maybe they’ll give that one a real transmission!
I have my order in. I will be getting the first Challenger for $100 under invoice. Rich, young and smart is better than old, stupid and poor. Not that I would imply anything.
“davidsbush: Don’t you guys have a life?”
Apparently more than you do. Been kicked off of ALL of the other blogs?
Try posting another of your brilliant replies at “www.imapatheticloser.com/blogs/vegetables”.
Y=You
A=All
G=Got
S=Screwed
Aren’t you all getting really tired of this? Let’s talk some more about the VON. Don’t you guys have a life?
Thanks FRONTYARD!!!
Allpar is prolly where i read that but i wasn’t sure.
Wow that pic looks pretty. Or pretty ugly for someone else pulling up next to it. Ha.
How about that i was just guestimating the 600 ponies, but man i was on point ha! thanks again and you have been the only one with any consistent point of veiw through out this whole roller coaster of a car release.
I was really wanting an SRT for maybe the 09′ model year but when i heard the HEMI was definatly gonna be pumping 380hp and the ‘vert was coming right behind it, i imeditly didn’t care about the SRT and relized all it was, and is a figure car. I can get another 50-75 horses eaisly with bolt on stuff so whatever its been a fantasy of mine (in my short time here so far) to own a drop-top true muscle car and i almost went for this 03′ vette my local chevy dealer had it was triple black and low miles but im not ready to buy a car now or even in the next several months so now that everything is looking MY WAY ON THE CHALLENGER i can gladly wait for my car. Peace… and…. good luck with yours…
HERES A PICTURE FROM HENNESSEY WITH YOUR HEMI SUPERCHARGER MR KRISPY. THIS WOULD GET YOU TO 600 HORSIES.
http://www.hennesseyperformance.com/hennesseyperformance/ItemDetail.php?Item_ID=247&cart=GLKHwbbB&DoThis=Dodge+Charger+SRT8+HEMI&ActionReq=Where
MR KRISPY, TECHNICALLY YOU ARE RIGHT CONVERTIBLE COMES OUT IN EARLY 09′ BUT AS A 2010 MODEL. CHECK OUT ALLPAR.COM FOR MORE INFO. ALLPAR HAS BEEN CONSISTENTLY RIGHT WITH THEIR INFO.
IF I COULD GET A 6 CYLINDER CONVERTIBLE RIGHT NOW, I WOULD TAKE IT OVER THE HARD TOP ANYDAY.
SRT SHOULD STAND FOR THE 3 UGLY COLORS THESE CARS USUALLY COME OUT WITH, SILVER, RED, AND TAR. I’M GONNA WAIT UNTIL I GET MY CONVERTIBLE BEFORE I START MY MODIFICATIONS. LOW PROFILE SUPERCHARGER MAY WORK, BUT I’M THINKING A PAIR OF TURBOCHARGERS MAY BE A LITTLE MORE FUN. IT’S GONNA BE AWESOME TO WORK ON A BRAND NEW CAR FOR ONCE!
OK YOU MIGHT BE RIGHT
FRONTYARD
I DON’T KNOW WHY BUT I READ THAT A CONVERTIBLE WAS COMING OUT IN EARLY 09′
AND WHO CARES TO ALL YA’LL
OHH YEAH AN EXTRA 40 HORSES TO PUSH THE CONVERTIBLE AROUND. (SARCASIM IF YOU CAN’T TELL) HOW ABOUT MY GIRLFRIENDS DAD BUILDS HOT RODS AND IF I WANTED TO ACTUALLY SMOKE EVERTHING AMERICAN. HE CAN JUST PUT A SUPER CHARGER ON MY CONVERTIBLE CHALLNEGER. SO HA THAT WOULD BE ABOUT ALMOST 600 LITTLE SOLDIERS UNDER THE HOOD. YOUR AN IDIOT IF YOUR WORRYING ABOUT 40 HORSES OR A CONVERTIBLE. I WANT A CONVERTIBLE SO IM GETTING ONE SO WHAT IF ITS LATE 09′ OR EARLY 09′ ALL YOU GUYS ARE IDIOTS EXCEPT MAYBE FRONTYARD
THE REST ARE HATERS THAT DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT THEY WANT. I DON’T GIVE TWO S*I*S ABOUT AN SRT THAT THING ONLY HAS 40 MORE LITTLE GUYS THAN THE R/T I THINK THAT’S THE BOGUS BUY. MOPAR MAKES PLENTY OF AFTER MARKET STUFF FOR THE HEMI’S I KNOW I HAVE ONE NOW. HATER. SO IF YOU WANNA REALLY TALK HORSEPOWER LETS TALK SUPERCHARGER BUD-ROW. AND IM GLAD THE SRT ISN’T GONNA BE A CONVERTIBLE THAT MEANS MY CAR WILL STILL CARRY A LOT OF VALUE 5 YEARS FROM NOW. STUPID.
WITH HUGS AND KISSES YOUR PAL KRIS.
P.S. IF I OFFENDED ANYONE… I MEANT TO.. BYE….
REGARDLESS, THIS IS WHAT CHRYSLER TOLD ME.
“my car is tentatively scheduled to go into production 2/4/08″.
That’s just a week away, ain’t gonna happen, production will not start until April.
c- status. what i have been told is that the vehicle has all parts at the factory to build the car, but does not yet have a firm date for production.
i.e. we are ready tobuild your car but it is not in production yet.
they will also give you a build plan date. my car is tentatively scheduled to go into production 2/4/08.
C is “sub firm.” I’m not quite sure what that means. The next step is D - “firm schedule” which means the dealer has received allocation for the car. Based on that, we can make a semi-educated guess as to what C means.
Here’s a listof the codes I stumbled upon over at Allpar.com:
BB: Review by fleet department
BD: Special equipment processing
BE: Edit error
BG: Passed edit n/a for schedule
BGL: Edit ok parts unavailable
BX: Passed edit available for schedule
C: Sub firm
D: Firm schedule - dealer has allocation and all parts available
D1: Gateline schedule - scheduled to be built
E: Frame
F: Paint
G: Trim
I: Built not ok’d
J: Built ok’d
JB: Shipped to body vendor
JE: Emission check
JS: Shipped to storage
KZ: Released by plant , invoiced
KZL: Released - not shipped
KZM: First rail departure
KZN: First rail arrival
KZO: Delayed/recieved
KZOA: Plant holds
KZOB: Zone/distribution holds
KZOC: Carrier delays
KZOD: Carrier holds
KZOE: Mis-shipped vehicle
KZOF: Show/test vehicle
KZOG: Damaged vehicle
KZOH: All other reasons
KZT: Second rail departure
KZU: Second rail arrival
KZX: Delivered to dealer
ZA: Canceled
then what does C mean
Lazyhound,
BX means you can’t edit the order at this point. D1 will mean it’s been scheduled to be built.
hey, resto guy
since your the guy with the answers how long does it take to get thru the process to find out if the cart is going to built?
my order was placed in the first couple of days. it has been thru a a couple of steps per dodge. it is at a bx stage
you are going to need them extra 40 horses to push the convertible’s extra baggage, and lik resto guy said convertible is a while off, they already said so.. my question is when are the Super stock ’s sold, have they already?…..wait is it going to be like every dealer gets one of them too? how come outside sources keep leaking this stuff with no factory support.
CONVERTIBLE WON’T BE OUT UNTIL 2010.
Good for you fellas that get a an 08′ but seriously is it really worth paying more than it’s msrp? Come on no way. They give ya’ll a stupid A** plaque and that it. Man im so glad they came out early… or…late model that is. Only like 6 months after they come out the 09’s we’ll be out with the new improved HEMI pushing 380 little men. So i’d much rather whait for all the hoopla to die down. Which it will right when the 09’s come out ha! Plus a convertible option probably as late option in early 09′ so. Congrats to you guys FRONTYARDREST and others but i really want the other option CONVERTIBLE 380 HORSEPOWER THUMPER. FOR THE SAME PRICE YOUR PAYING IF NOT LESS Ha!!! Can’t wait to see ‘em on the road. BUCKLE UP!!!
VON NUMBER SEQUENTIAL FOR ALL CARS? I’LL BUY THAT. ALL I WANT TO KNOW IS, WHAT NUMBER IS GETTING PUT ON MY DASH. I WISH I HAD ACCESS TO THEIR ORDER SYSTEM, I WOULD BE ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHO PLACED THE FIRST ORDER IN 5 MINUTES.
I LOVE WHEN YOU CALL CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AND THEY TELL YOU TO CALL THE DEALER AND SO ON. I HAVE CALLED THE FACTORY IN BRAMPTON AS WELL. SORRY NO TOURS WHILE YOUR CAR IS GETTING BUILT, THE WHOLE SEPT 11TH THING.
I GUESS WE CONTINUE TO WAIT TILL THE 6TH AND HOPEFULLY THEY GIVE US SOME REAL INFO.
I WOULD SUSPECT THAT THEY WILL BE VERY TIGHTLIPPED AGAIN UNTIL ALL THE 2008 MODELS ARE DELIVERED, THATS THE TRACK RECORD.
That’s correct, the VON number is assigned to “all” vehicles that are ordered. So there is no way to determine if your in the 6400 or not. Besides alot of dealers are saying they have 4,5,or 6 on order and that’s fine, but remember that Dodge has said repeatedly that “EVERY” dealer will get at least one 08 Challenger to sell. So it really does not matter what the VON number is. Take a deep breath and everybody just relax. And by the way, the 09 model may infact sell for less, but it will be worth less. Not a bad thing, buy it’s the fact………….face it.
I found out that their is no telling where the Von #’s Start and Stop for the Challengers. The Von # is assigned as orders are placed for all cars Chrysler and Dodge all makes. My car was the 2nd one ordered from the Dealership on December 3rd at 8 am my time which is 3 hours past the time it opened back east. Which means my von number which is 3800 different from FrontYard includes any other orders across the nation for ram trucks, magnums,Challangers and Chrysler K cars. My car is at C status, and although it looks like I am going to get one, I will hold off on High fiving and belly bumping until I see a Vin #.
Madcapp, only the SRT models will get the Brembo brakes. The R/T will have aluminum 18″ wheels with 20″ chrome-clad aluminum wheels as an option.
The exterior looks great in the newly leaked photos, it’s just too bad they screwed up the interior. When is Chrysler going to learn that countless sales are lost due to their CHEAP interiors. New model after new model, this has continued for years and years despite promises of improvements.
I really expected that on the brand new Challenger we would get something MUCH better interior-wise. Evidentally they ran out of money and time after they designed the gauge pod, as the center stack looks like it came out of the Caliber bin.
Hey FRONTYARDRESTOGUY, do you happen to know (or predict) at what number the the VON’s may start and end for this vehicle?
your von is over 3800 after mine. still within the 6400.
and mrs.kris i bought the 08′ while i wait for my 2010 sublime convertible WITH 6.4 6 SPEED. sucks to be you!
I ordered mine Dec 8th. I am paranoid about honesty from any dealership (is there such a thing), so I called Dodge at 800-992-1997 to validate whether my order was in the system. I called today, gave them my VON and rested my mind at ease on whether I was one of the 6400 (which I was).
Dodge customer support was very good (and quick) at telling you at what stage your order is at, or whether the order actually ever reached Dodge.
If your order is valid, they will tell probably state that your order is at the C Station Stage (which is subfirm scheduling). I don’t believe many have been given a VIN yet. I received a reference number and the gal said I could call every week to learn whether the VIN was ready.
looks like car and driver let the production car slip out early, you can see it over on autoblog.
FrontYard I to paid 5k over msrp and happy to do so to have one. I waited 30 years to be able to afford a true muscle car (Supercar as we use to refer to them). I was jealous then when I couldn’t afford one but never hateful of those that could. I guess it will suck for all of those who are lucky enough to get one but that is just fine for me cause I may actually be one of them. My paper work does not show a time it shows as a sold order. Von number 21126880 I have seen smaller numbers so not sure what time this was ordered.
whatever front and arrest who cares about the 6400 the 09’s are gonna be worth the wait sucks more for you man.
VON NUMBER, ORDERING OPENED JUST AFTER 9AM ON 12/3/07. YOUR PAPERWORK SHOULD SHOW EXACTLY WHAT TIME YOUR ORDER WAS PLACED.
POST YOUR VON NUMBER OR TIME OF ORDER AND I WILL LET YOU KNOW HOW THAT COMPARES TO MINE. MINE WAS PLACED AT 9:07 AM. ONLY 1 PERSON HAS CLAIMED TO HAVE A TIME BEFORE MINE.
THE CARS ON E-BAY KEEP GETTING PULLED BECAUSE THEY VIOLATE E-BAYS LISTING POLICY. IF THE CAR IS NOT IN POSSESION WITHIN 30 DAYS, IT IS AN ILLEGAL LISTING. I LOVE THE JERKS THAT CLAIM THEY ARE GETTING 5 OR 6 OF THEM. THIS IS TOTAL FABRICATION. THE WAY IT WORKED WAS… EVERY DEALER GETS 1 WHETHER THEY ORDERED YET OR NOT. THAT TAKES OVER 4000 OUT OF THE 6400 BEING PRODUCED. DEALERS WITH THE FASTEST ORDERS IN WERE ABLE TO DRAW OUT OF THE REMAINING POOL OF CARS.CARS SOLD TO ACTUAL CUSTOMERS HAD PREFERENCE OVER DEALER ORDERS.
DAVID, AGAIN YOUR COMMENTS ARE JUST DUMB. WHY DON’T YOU KEEP THEM TO YOURSELF.
I was told by the dealer that he was the first dealer to palace an order for the car on december 3rd when they opened it up for orders. Wish I could believe that statement. Anyone know if the Von number gives any clue or if there is a decode for a von? I noticed that about 9 cars that dealers had posted on e-bay were pulled off today, I wonder why that was?
The value of the 08 is going to tank as soon as the 09 hits the street. Dodge came out with a 380 hp 5.8 HEMI. Couple that with a 5 or 6 speed manual trans and some vintage colors. The few remaining, seething, formerly loyal Mopar fans that don’t buy a Camaro or Mustang will have a nicer ride.
just because you have a von does not mean you get a car. if you don’t make the 6400. your car will be an 09. i have a deposit for msrp and a von. i ordered mine in the first 5 days. my dealer ordered 4 i.m number 2 in line each dealer is getting atleast 1 car
I also was wondering how they decide who gets one and who does not? I have a VON number, so I assume that anyone who has been assigned one is getting one of the 6400 produced. As far as dealer pricing goes, I think we all need to realize that it’s like any other collector type car, “supply and demand” drives the price. I for one am happy to be getting one at any price. I do agree that Dodge needs to contact the customer to see if it is a retail order or just the dealership trying to get ahead of the game.
If I ordered a 2008 Challenger and have a von number does that mean mine will be produced in 08? How do you determine who will get a car and who sill not if you took more orders than will be produced?
Hey Woodsotck, there’s a counterman at an auto part store here that legally changed his name to “Mopar” about 20 years ago. He’s been on the news, and been interviewed at a national Chrysler meet because of it.
Nardelli asked, “How many brands inspire their customers to permanently tattoo the company’s name on their bodies?”
I’m sure that there are quite a few guys with “MOPAR” tattoos. He may already have the brand loyalty that he is looking for, if he were to look in the right places. The Challenger is a start, not an end.
I have already called 12 dealerships in my area to get on the “auction” list although one said he was getting 5 and that he would just be selling them on a first come first serve basis. We shall see what actually happens.
I wish that they were going to be more easily available. I don’t mind the actual msrp, but I do mind that the dealerships are going to be driving the price up so much.
well… i have alot of questions that i can’t get answers to.
some of you dealers are just trying to take us to the cleaners as usual. you wonder why car salesman is a bad name.
some dealers are ordering these for themselves, under salesman names. some are claiming i get 5 or 6. i think that dodge should try calling each order to check if they are a employee or actual customer.
How about leaking some information about the R/T model? Are Brembo brakes gonna be available, how many 18 inch wheel options will be available and will they be lightweight forged aluminum? Does the Challenger have LED taillights?