Red Letter Dodge » 2009 Challenger On Its Way! Some 500 Built, Two SEs Already Delivered in Ohio

Aug 8, 2008 at 4:00PM Mark Mallie

By Mark Mallie

Brand Manager, Dodge Challenger

We’re about a week into production of the 2009s and have put about 500 out there to delivery across North America. We can say that two SEs have already been delivered to buyers and both were in Ohio. Are you out there? Drop us a note if you’re one of these lucky owners…you’re the first on the block, the state and the nation. Congrats!

We’ve got a lot in store for Challenger fans (including a bunch of coverage from the Woodward Dream Cruise next week) and Ram fans (the Ram Challenge Test Drive tour continues nationwide) in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.

Posted in Grabbing Life, Paint The Town Red, Sheet Mettle
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217 Comments

On Oct 4, 2008 at 5:31PM, REDDOG posted:

Sadsack,
Bob is a really good guy I have talked to him on the phone when I had some questions I wish I had ordered my car from him but I am in L.A. and at the time I did not know about him. He is one of the few good guys out there. And when you see him you can tell him I said so.
On Oct 3, 2008 at 6:08PM, sadsack posted:

REDDOG;
I believe Bob Frederick ordered mine as soon as Dodge began taking orders in May, I put a deposit down in June. You are probably not too far off in your December estimate. I sure wish Dodge would have built pre orders first.
On Oct 3, 2008 at 5:34PM, REDDOG posted:

Let’s see I’v been in C now for almost 30 days so I should get my car by the end of December maybe and I ordered it the first week of July.
On Oct 3, 2008 at 10:06AM, sadsack posted:

My R/T 6 speed went to “D1″ on 9/15/08, went to “F” on 10/02/08, and is now at “I” on 10/03/08. It should be delivered to the dealer(Bob Frederick) sometime next week.
I hope this will give relief to those patiently waiting. Once it goes past D1 it really moves along. I think it was in D status for the longest time, 8/14, to 9/15.
It is hard to see all those new cars being dropped off at dealerships while you wait, and wait. Won’t be long now.
On Sep 30, 2008 at 3:02PM, Tom posted:

How embarrassing…To think sticks use to be the base, and autos were extra! Now Auto is std, and sticks (or std) is extra NON STANDARD! more Dollars and time! This has been a cluster since it started 2 years ago. Oh! I finally did see one on the street! Progress, lol
On Sep 26, 2008 at 5:04PM, Big Ugly posted:

I ordered mine (6 speed SRT) on June 10th. I can cancel my contract and get my deposit back in mid October. Not sure what to do. By then I will have waited 4 months already. I guess a few more won’t matter. Unless of course my 11 year old car forces me to make a decision.
On Sep 26, 2008 at 3:16PM, donuhaul posted:

Well I got some bad news today from my dealer, they talked with chrysler and they are saying it will be 4 6 weeks before they start mass producing 6 speeds. I ordered in June so I am guessing January before I see it not sure if the car is worth waiting 7 months for.
On Sep 25, 2008 at 5:12PM, donuhaul posted:

Your not kidding about comunication, I just got off the phone with Chrysler and the guy tells me once you get to d class the car will be built and ready to ship in 28 days. My responce was I ve been in d class for 31 days so whats the problem he said call back next week and see if you change classes and if not call your dealer and have them call.
On Sep 25, 2008 at 1:57PM, bigsnake posted:

Yep that is correct johnnymopar. I got word from Chrysler that it will be pearl blue and not Petty Blue !
On Sep 24, 2008 at 5:28PM, Big Ugly posted:

Try this one. The dealer tells me that my 09 SRT 6 speed is being built as we speak (two days ago). Chrysler tells me that the car is in BG status. Talk about lack of communication.
On Sep 24, 2008 at 3:48PM, donuhaul posted:

At least they will give you a date I just got off the phone with Chrysler and no change. They told me to call back next week.Tomorrow will be 4 weeks in d status. When did you order yours? I wish I could to talk with someone at chrysler that would give me an honest answer
On Sep 23, 2008 at 9:14PM, waitingforchallenger posted:

donuhaul, there must be a problem with going to D on that date, maybe they lost our orders. I will have been at D status 5 weeks this coming Thursday. Customer service tells me I have an estimated ship date of 08/21/08 and my order WILL ship within 4-6 weeks of estimated date. Since I have not moved to D1 yet I really doubt that will happen. Meanwhile, I see others moving to D, then D1, passing me over.
On Sep 22, 2008 at 3:30PM, donuhaul posted:

Well no news is bad news, I talked with chrysler today and still no status change, thursday I will have been in D class for 4 weeks. I was pumped when my status changed to D. What a let down after weeks and nothing. I made some calls today and was told once they provide me a build date I should have it in three weeks. I am not sure if I beleive it at this point or not. My buddy deceided to go with cobra instead and he ordered it weeks after me and picked it up and laughs at me every day. Another friend complained because he waited 12 weeks for KR500 cobra. I kept saying your going to be sorry if you dont wait for the challenger. Wow do I look stupid they are going to car shows and I have to ask for a ride.
On Sep 22, 2008 at 2:26PM, johnnymopar posted:

Do any 6 spds exist yet? Cascadianscot, let me know when you get yours as we’re both in Vancouver, BC I believe.
On Sep 22, 2008 at 2:09PM, johnnymopar posted:

Big Snake, Petty Blue and B5 blue from the old days were 2 different colours. Petty Blue was like a baby blue and b5 was more of a meduim hue blue. Regardless, I believe the new B5 blue will be like the ‘08 SuperB, what you call a pearl blue.
On Sep 21, 2008 at 9:50AM, bigsnake posted:

I’m trying to get confirmation on the B5 Blue paint that will be on the Spring addition of the Classic R/T and SRT. Is it going to be the old style B5 Petty blue or the more updated color like on the new Superbee which is really a pearl blue ?
On Sep 19, 2008 at 1:27PM, CascadianScot posted:

donuhaul, there are a lot of 6 speed R/Ts in D1 ahead of us now, and lots in D status with lower VINs than mine, so I could be a while in D. I was told (no guarantees) that from D1 it takes 10 days to build (2 weeks), and from Brampton to Vancouver 3 weeks to ship. So Brampton to AZ is likely also 3 weeks give or take. Maybe you move to D1 next week, let’s hope…
On Sep 19, 2008 at 7:52AM, donuhaul posted:

I hope you move to D1 faster then me, Ive been there for 3 weeks. I called again yesterday and no change. I talked with my dealer and they are claiming it could take a month. Once the car goes to D1 how long does it take to build? Once built how long before it goes to the rail yard? One final question How long to get from Canada to AZ
On Sep 18, 2008 at 8:22PM, CascadianScot posted:

johnnymopar, I was told the same thing by my dealer, no website nor customer call number for Canadian customers, and I pinged Chrysler Canada’s Customer Assistance via e-mail and they confirmed as much; here is their reply:
‘Thank you for email of August 7th, 2008.
We appreciate your inquiry; however, information regarding specific
orders is available to dealers. It is subsequently their responsibility
to keep their customers apprised of both Chrysler’s and their
dealership’s efforts regarding a vehicle contract. As such, to review
the status of your new vehicle order, we must refer you to your selling
Chrysler dealership.’
The status information referred to on this blog site is most often garnered from the Unofficial Challenger Registry:
http://www.dodgechallengerregistry.com
I recommend you give it a try.
On Sep 18, 2008 at 6:20PM, johnnymopar posted:

How do you check status on a Canadian car? I was told by my dealer only they can check and the website is for USA only.
On Sep 18, 2008 at 2:10AM, CascadianScot posted:

donuhaul, REDDOG, there are Orange R/Ts at built and released status (Automatics only tho), so what I think you have been caught up in donuhaul is the delay with production of the 6 speeds. I too have watched RTs ordered after mine showing up as HERE, only all of them have been Automatics. I ordered mine 2 days after you, and it just went to D status 2 days ago. However, more and more 6 speeds are beginning to move forward, so we may be approaching breakthrough (let’s hope)…
On Sep 17, 2008 at 7:20PM, REDDOG posted:

It has to do with dealer allocation. Check with you dealer and find out what they allocation status is. More than likly it is the same problem I have you are getting a Hemi orange Challenger. As for your weekend toy brother I feel for you there. I don’t know what I would do with out all my toys.
On Sep 17, 2008 at 6:08PM, donuhaul posted:

Anyone
Can anyone help me understand Chrysler thinking, I have registard on the unoffical challenger registry and there are RTs that were ordered a month after me and some are in D1 and others have been built and shipped. I think if we would have waited a month before ordering we might have received ours quicker. Can anyone explain this to me. I cant beleive I sold my mustang GT and have been waiting 14 weeks with no weekend toy.
On Sep 16, 2008 at 6:09PM, donuhaul posted:

I hope your right, I have a hard time beleiving anything Chrysler tells me. I would to get a phone number to the factory and call them. It would be much eaiser to deal with if they would be upfront and say why they havnt built them.IE supplier issue,to many orders.
On Sep 16, 2008 at 5:11PM, REDDOG posted:

You should go to D1 in the next week or so and be getting you car in Oct. My car is in C right now and looking for the end of Oct. I’m told.
On Sep 16, 2008 at 4:14PM, donuhaul posted:

Funny you say that I had a post this weekend talking about how many RTs I found on dealers lots and your right non of them were orange. Just my luck I ordered Hemi orange RT with the hood stripes. I called them today and I am still stuck in D class been there 3 weeks I am starting to wounder if I will ever get the car.
On Sep 16, 2008 at 9:53AM, REDDOG posted:

I was told by my dealer that the 09 SRT would not be to the dealers till Dec. and no Hemi orange R/T till Oct. Kind of strange they have built R/T of all colors except orange and holding back on them.
On Sep 16, 2008 at 8:29AM, Tom posted:

Any of you guys and gals ever wonder why we never see any challenger ads on TV??? At least I dont. Seems to me you would show the best car they make on TV ads for Dodge…It just keeps smelling wrong to me. Like they are holding back or having production quality issues. I wish the folks working in Brampton would give insider scoop. With Stocks down bad, signs of depression, etc., why not make some cash on all these preorders you guys placed? People I work with dont even know about this car. TV ads may help get interest, however with pricing games maybe it is best the way it is for now. Low key in the mass market.
On Sep 16, 2008 at 8:28AM, shaunk posted:

I called to see if there had been any change for my 2009 SRT Challenger order. They said I was still BG & Material restriction. He told me to contact my dealer to find out what that means. Does anyone know what material restriction means?
On Sep 13, 2008 at 8:00PM, jesserayjames posted:

I had ordered a 09 srt8 from my dealer, placed my deposit and was willing to wait, until I found out about build status, mine was BG which means edited n/a for scheduel.

So i asked my dealer what he had ordered for his inventory. He shows me the list and he had one similar to what I wanted, except it was optioned high. The build code was c at the time, so I placed my name on this car and cancelled mine. Went back a day later to check if the switch went through. everything was fine, but the build code went to D - firm schedule - dealer has allocation and all parts available

My d4ealer had this car ordered as sson as they were able to. Maybe other can take this same approach to getting a new Challenger. Thank you for your time.
On Sep 13, 2008 at 7:16PM, REDDOG posted:

Well I guess that tell’s you why they are number three of the big three in the US they don’t know what to do and how to take care of the poeple who really want there cars. I hope one of there bean counters read what we put in this blog and make some changes fast before we all ask for our deposits back.
On Sep 13, 2008 at 4:08PM, donuhaul posted:

Wom I deceided to take a ride today and hit the local Dodge dealerships in PHX. I am speechless I went to 4 dealerships and found 11 RTs all automatics. One dealer had 15,000 mark up one had 5,000.One said see salesman for price. One would sell it to you for sticker and he had no dealer adds. I seen atleast 8 or 9 SEs and 3or4 08 SRT8. It seems to me Chrysler would have built the ones that they have deposits on.A little cash flow is better then no cash flow.
On Sep 12, 2008 at 11:42AM, REDDOG posted:

No I only have 47 cars I think Jay has over a 100. I was at the dealer that Jay got his Challenger at this last Sunday and they had a R/T there that they wanted $7000 over sticker. I hope they read this I’m the guy that was driving the black Shelby GT500.
On Sep 12, 2008 at 11:18AM, Tom posted:

You have to be Jay Leno to get a car in the L.A. area huh REDDOG? heheh, sorry, I couldnt resist.
On Sep 12, 2008 at 10:19AM, REDDOG posted:

Well vandal I think he was blowing smoke up your rear. Los Angeles is the biggest market on earth for cars so why are people in up state New York, The mid west getting there cars first then. I know of six people in the L.A. area and none of of use have gotten our cars yet.
On Sep 12, 2008 at 10:08AM, Big Ugly posted:

I have a copy of the order sheet but there is no order number on it.
On Sep 12, 2008 at 9:41AM, bigsnake posted:

Big Ugly, the VON should be right on the order sheet. Did you get a copy ?
On Sep 12, 2008 at 9:15AM, Big Ugly posted:

I placed an order for an SRT 6 speed on June 10th. As of today the dealer still “can’t” give me a VIN or VON. Is this normal? I have no idea what the status is. He keeps telling me I’ll get it this month. I think he’s pulling my chain but I don’t want to cancel my order and go to the end of the line.
On Sep 12, 2008 at 8:24AM, Tom posted:

Like I said, they need them to show and tell..or show and sell. Marketing I suppose. Did this type of thing happen with the Charger? Stealth? PT Cruiser? I hate to think it is anything like the Viper, but I recall they were very hard to find with low production. I guess we need to get over it and wait for the lots to fill first. If people buy sluggish off the lots, they will not need more, and ORDERS can finally get filled so they can sell cars.
On Sep 11, 2008 at 11:20PM, vandal posted:

To all my fellow Challenger enthusiasts. This is my first and probably only post to this board, but I feel this information IS necessary to get out to everyone. First a little background info, I ordered an ‘09 SRT in mid-May and like everyone else, it is still stuck in C status. I haven’t been complaining to anyone or whining about it, just patiently waiting for my car. Now the important information that I just heard tonight right from the horse’s mouth. I attended my local Mopar car club’s monthly meeting which is held at one of the local Dodge dealerships. (By the way, no names of individuals or dealerships are going to be revealed here.) During the course of the meeting which was attended by the dealership’s sales manager, the conversation turned to the new Challenger’s. The sales manager was going on about the dealership now having an SE in stock as well as their ‘08 SRT. He mentioned how hard it was to get any inventory. Now remember, this is a casual conversation and no one there had said anything about having ordered a Challenger or trying to get one. At that point, I asked him a question about how Chrysler/Dodge was allocating the newly built Challengers. My question was, is Dodge building the cars first ordered / first built? His answer was(and I will try to quote exactly as I heard him), “They would like you to think that, but that’s not how they are doing it. The large markets and high profile dealers are getting their cars first.” As I said, this was from the Sales Manager at the local dealership. He did not know I was waiting over 4 months on my SRT and still does not know as I didn’t see the need to reveal that information. I figured he is going to be a better source of information if he thinks I’m just casually interested and maybe a potential buyer than if he knows I’ve already ordered a car and I’m pissed off about the issue. By the way, I didn’t order the car from his dealership. Both his dealership and the one I ordered from are smaller rural area dealerships, so I’ll probably be in for a long wait for my car. So, for those of you who have been suspecting preferential treatment by Chrysler/Dodge on building new Challengers, I would have to agree with you that it IS happening.
On Sep 11, 2008 at 4:30PM, REDDOG posted:

Well my car has hit C mode at this rate I just might get it by 2009. If I’m really lucky I might have it to cruz Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena on New Years eve. I really feel sorry for you guys in the east who still don’t have your car’s at least out in the west we will be able to enjoy our car’s in the winter.
On Sep 11, 2008 at 8:36AM, Tom posted:

This is all ironic…I still have yet to see a Challenger drive by me in the Rochester NY area. We have them in dealerships, but I never see them on the street. Hopefully people will continue to hold out on them. This will normalize the price. It is almost like the dealers or even the corp itself wants this to be a high demand car with low available volume. Enough with showing front bumpers in a promo pic by the way. Whats with that. It was cute at first, but we all want to see the full car in different stances!

I would bet why dealers are getting them first has to do with the display or marketing approach. You need to show and tell something. I still need to sell a Mustang, until that happens, I cant get a Challenger anyways. Plus with winter coming, signs all point to a spring purchase. Hopefully by that time they will have some volume unless they slow down production to keep supply down. We all know though, the demand gets countered and beat on with disgust as these boards show. People want orders fille. We have 5 local Dealer ships or so, where are all the Challengers? I should see a few cruising the streets and have not.
On Sep 11, 2008 at 6:54AM, Also cancelled posted:

After also ordered an 08 and then ordered an SRT manual on the first available day, I have become increasing disgusted following this blog and waiting as SEs/RTs are built and now showing up at the dealers. I drove by the dealer yesterday and saw 5 challengers sitting on the lot. Thinking about others on this blog who have cancelled thier orders, I did a u-turn and went back to the dealer and promptly cancelled my order. Maybe these challengers are not as “hot” as everyone is indicating; people certainly aren’t rushing out to buy them. Other than us long time faithful who wanted the SRTs, the market seems to be pretty thin…. I hope dodge chokes on the SEs/RTs. Maybe I’ll consider one at a later date with a factory rebate. But then again, for $45 K, I have always wanted a Benz.
On Sep 10, 2008 at 6:25PM, donuhaul posted:

I just received and email from my dealer and Chrysler is telling them that my RT should be built within the next 4 weeks,I am guessing I am not going to receive it the first week of september like I was promised. I am glad I live in az so I can drive it.
On Sep 9, 2008 at 7:34PM, sadsack posted:

well, I see a lot of SE models showing up at dealers here in Ohio now. Only a few dealerships have the R/T, but none have the 6 speed yet. A dealer in Strongsville, Ohio has 9 challengers on the lot. I have yet to see any on the road.
On Sep 9, 2008 at 6:42PM, shaunk posted:

I called today also to see how my order was coming after being moved from bx to bg last week. They said I was still at bg on my 2009 SRT. I told them I was told by Dodge that my car should be here in Sept. The only way I see getting my car when orig promised is if Santa Claus brings it the way things are going.
On Sep 9, 2008 at 5:53PM, donuhaul posted:

Well I just got off the phone with chrysler and they are telling me it could sit in D class for 4 weeks then she said it all depends on factory so it could be longer. The frustrating part of waiting is there is a small dealer in the middle of no were that has an RT sitting there.
On Sep 9, 2008 at 3:13PM, REDDOG posted:

At least your in D class I have been in BX since 8-11-08 then on 9-2-08 I went back to BG called today and still in BG and holding.
On Sep 9, 2008 at 10:15AM, donuhaul posted:

I ve been stuck in in D class for almost 3 weeks. I have an RT with a manual.
On Sep 5, 2008 at 11:38PM, Justin in SATX posted:

I just want my car.
On Sep 5, 2008 at 11:00PM, waitingforchallenger posted:

Length of time in D status is all over the map. If you have an SE or R/T automatic the time from D to D1 seems to be shorter. If you have an R/T manual or an SRT you should be moving soon (I hope) as they have started scheduling them.
On Sep 5, 2008 at 6:51PM, sadsack posted:

Anyone have an idea how long mine will stay in D status? What is the norm? Been floating there for a few weeks now. Thanks.
On Sep 5, 2008 at 2:21PM, REDDOG posted:

This was told to me about the BG code from Chrysler Corporate office not customer service. They called me to let me know that the dealer that I ordered my car from has been closed and that my order will be moved to an other dealer. I was lucky that the dealer that I ordered my car from was owned by Chrysler Corporation.
On Sep 5, 2008 at 1:48PM, Venthos posted:

The code BG code simply means:

“Passed edit n/a for schedule”

However, a “reason” is usually attached to BG as to why it is not available for schedule. In terms of the Challenger I think 100% of the time I’ve seen people report the “reason” to be “parts not available”.

As you all know, that’s simply not the case. The problem is the customer service folk you call obviously don’t know anything other than what is pushed to their monitors about your car — so they’ll tell you the reason is due to parts.

Per Bob Frederick, drops from BX to BG are usual and very common as BX orders get ‘reset’ to prepare for another run of allocations. Going from BX to BG is *not* a bad thing. It’s a USUAL and EXPECTED thing to encounter at least monthly until you get into C status. There isn’t a mysterious parts problem, that’s just the default BG code they drop back to. Parts are fine, no issues, cars are being built. Just a standard part of the order process for the Challenger.
On Sep 5, 2008 at 12:40PM, Doctor No posted:

BG=parts hold? ……. Really? Then why has someone (FL West Coast)who ordered a similarly equipped SE on the same day as my order been driving his Challenger since August 18? Why is another SE order done one month after mine (TX) at D1 status with a mid-September build date?

I call shennanigans, sir…..
On Sep 5, 2008 at 12:20PM, REDDOG posted:

Just a little info for you if you car is in BG mode that means that there are parts on back order and your car is on hold till the parts come in. This is from a sales Rep. from Dodge that I talked to.
On Sep 2, 2008 at 10:21PM, waitingforchallenger posted:

Dodge doesn’t have to be concerned with customer loyalty since they won’t be around in a year. I think it is absolute Bull S**t that a car, almost identical to the one I order when ordering opened in May, is going to be built before mine. The fact that this dealer stock car will hit the lot before mine is ridiculous. My dealer has had my deposit since 12-05-07. Since then they have had 7 Challengers delivered to their dealership. All but 2 of them where ordered after my original order, and all but 1 were dealer stock cars. All of the 09 orders were placed after mine. My car has made it to D status, but it has been there for 2 weeks. In that time the dealership has had 3 cars go from D to delivery. I guess I should have kept my mouth shut and not voiced my displeasure at the slowness of the process. I guess they are showing me how slow they can make it.
On Sep 2, 2008 at 8:32PM, turasque posted:

Hello everyone,

Below is a link to a dealer who has an ‘09 SRT8 posted on eBay. The link is:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___2009-DODGE-CHALLENGER-SRT-8-HEMI-MANUAL-TRANSMISSION_W0QQitemZ370081863027QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item370081863027&_trkparms=72%3A727|39%3A1|65%3A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

Pay close attention to the paragraph that states:

“YOU ARE BIDDING ON A 2009 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT8. WE PUT THE ORDER IN ON JULY 20 2008 AND THE VEHICLE WAS ISSUED A VIN NUMBER. THE VIN NUMBER 2B3LJ74W49H537398 IS THE ACTUAL VIN NUMBER FOR THIS CAR. WHEN THE CAR ARRIVES TO THE DEALERSHIP IT SHOULD HAVE 4 MILES OR LESS. THE CAR IS DUE TO OUR DEALERSHIP ANY DAY NOW.”

Are you kidding me that a dealer put in an order on July 20th and has a VIN Number already. I, along with many other people, have put their order months earlier and are at best at “C” status. WTF. This ordering system is really screwed up. This shows that Dodge hand picks who gets the orders and caters to certain dealers and does not care about the loyal customers with money in their hand.

I am so sick of this that I am definitely calling my dealer tomorrow and canceling my order. Dodge, you just lost one more order. If you don’t straighten up you’ll lose a lot more! If anyone asks I will not recommend Dodge.
On Sep 2, 2008 at 3:09PM, CascadianScot posted:

Venthos, not meant to be hostile, just wondering was all - my frustration is spilling over though. Thanks for clearing up the dealer registrations. I think it is a good thing to see dealer orders, just wish they didn’t represent the vast majority of shipped ’09s; very frustrating to see later orders getting priority also. As I said earlier, your registry is very well done.
Thanks.
On Sep 2, 2008 at 3:08PM, REDDOG posted:

I called today also and I went from BX to BG and he said the same thing and to call back in a couple days that it should be changing codes.
On Sep 2, 2008 at 1:38PM, shaunk posted:

I tried posting and it didn’t go through. I will try again. I called Chrysler Customer Assistance to see what the status of my 2009 SRT Challenger was. I ordered it in mid June 2008. I was told it had gone from BX to BG. I told him, isn’t that going backwords? He said no that was a good thing. That doesn’t sound right to me. Any comments?
On Sep 2, 2008 at 11:05AM, Venthos posted:

Woah, CascadianScot. No need to be hostile My response was aimed at “No longer Mopar”. I had typed a response to your previous inquiry but thought it was in the moderation queue waiting for approval to be posted. Apparently not. To answer your previous post:

All of the registry entries with dealer names attached to them were all voluntarily added by a single person, a visitor of the registry (who has his own car listed). He emailed me asking if it was okay for him to list them there.

Honestly, as long as no contact info/pricing is posted and the registry abused as advertising I don’t mind. By him posting those dealer lot cars it gives us an idea of when cars are arriving on lots and who is getting them. If I started seeing contact info/pricing posted I’d pull the listings though.

I definitely I agree that I would much rather see Sold Orders get built first instead of Dealer Stock, but something to remember about the SE trim is that not a lot of people are going to pre-order it. You’re going to see a LOT of stock hit lots as a result. As for R/Ts, it’s disheartening to see so many hit lots as dealer stock as opposed to Sold Orders getting into the hands of ownesr — definitely.

After all, I’ve got my own SRT8 6-Speed in C status. I’d be frustrated too if I saw a bunch showing up on lots as dealer stock around me before I get mine.

It’s really hard to point fingers though, because Chrysler *and* the dealers have control over what gets allocated to certain extents.

To answer the last question, I am in no way affiliated with Chrysler, Dodge, etc.

As far as me waiting though, I was given a tentative ETA of about mid-October or so when my order was placed on 05/12 only hours after ordering opened and it looks to be holding true. Building these cars isn’t a quick process. I know the frustration will all go away as soon as I get to sit in the car.
On Sep 2, 2008 at 10:33AM, hemiman posted:

by the way this week-end i drove 12.95 at 184.25 km pure bone stock

i expect to put the blower on my 09 srt with 630 hp

you know what,for those of you,thinking of changing for something else

MAKE MY DAY DO IT , you gone a be #2 in your ride,and when you will be crossing a challenger on the road,you will look the car and says;that the car that was my NUMBER ONE CHOICE
On Sep 2, 2008 at 8:53AM, turasque posted:

I too am very frustrated with the whole process. waitingforchallenger and CascadianScot I feel your pain.

I have a HUGE problem with the fact that the people who ordered the ’08s and did not get one are NOT put at the top of the list for an ‘09. And some that got an ‘08 are ahead of people for an ‘09 SRT8.

My dealership was only allocated 1 and I was second on the list, so I lost out on that deal. No biggie, I’ll just order an ‘09 SRT8 (would prefer manual trans. anyway). Order was put in on 05/14/2008.

Today my car is in “C” status and has been since 08/13. Looking at the registry http://dodgechallengerregistry.com I see there are SRT8s in “D” and even a few in “D1″ status. What kills me is looking at the “Ordered” date of some of these. I put my order in on 05/14/2008. There are some that are ahead of me with later ordered dates (e.g. 07/14/08). It is really frustrating to see this because it makes it seem that there is favoritism to certain people or regions of the country.

Who knows, maybe this is how allocations typically work. Maybe this tracking website is a bad thing because we can see how screwed up the ordering system can be. Or maybe it’s a good thing so that we can see how screwed up it is so that we can get someone to realize that their LOYAL customers are deciding to cancel their orders.

It has been stated that there will be a limited number of SRT8s built. Dodge has not released the limited number of SRT8s will be built. I WILL consider buying another brand if my order does not get fulfilled because that would be so wrong to get screwed twice like that. I will not rest easy until I see my car in “D1″ status.

Just a final note. What really makes me scared is how little the dealers know about what is going on. When I call my dealer I am usually telling him what the latest info. is. If you are going to release information about your product, you need to tell ALL of your resellers first. I thin you can learn that in “Basic Sales/Marketing 101″.
On Sep 2, 2008 at 5:14AM, waitingforchallenger posted:

I too have considered pulling the plu on my pre-order and getting a “dealer stock” bs 08 car. But I want the car I ordered. I just gave my dealership a large piece of my mind letting them know my displeasure in with the fact that despite mine being the first order, they still have received 3 dealer stock 09’s.(they have had my deposit since last december when I ordered an non-allocated 08) I am not canceling my order for 2 reasons. 1.) I want the fricken car. 2.) Even If I cancel the order, the dealership will not. It will become dealer stock and I don’t want to feed that bs machine.
On Sep 1, 2008 at 11:49PM, CascadianScot posted:

Venthos, your contributions are usually very informative and helpful. Can you explain what you mean by ‘Meh - the wait isn’t easy’ as a response to my comment about the number of dealer orders shipped and delivered versus pre-ordered, deposited and considered ’sold’ customer orders? Are you yourself a Chrysler/Dodge dealer? And are you defending the questionable mis-allocation of production?
This whole scheduling process is beginning to stink to high heaven…
On Sep 1, 2008 at 11:35PM, CascadianScot posted:

No longer Mopar, a month back I too considered cancelling, and now I am thinking this way more so than ever. There is something seriously wrong with how Chrysler/Dodge is handling this whole product release; they seem to be treating their loyal customer base as a source of product promotion, taking both dealer stock orders and new customer late orders before those who chose to line up and lay down big deposits to get in early. I know there have been many blog contributors, including youself, who have stood up and said ‘enough is enough’; I think it is time more of us do the same.
I give my order one more week to advance beyond BX (June 18th order date, 10 weeks and counting), and then I am going to pull the plug.
On Sep 1, 2008 at 9:02PM, Venthos posted:

Meh — the wait isn’t easy. No one said it would be But oh man will it be worth it!
On Sep 1, 2008 at 1:07PM, No longer Mopar posted:

CascadianScot, Reddog, Shaunk, Doctor No and others. Do what I did, CANCEL YOUR ORDER! I feel much better. I did think about it today and thought I would check the website to see if things had gotten any better or to see if anyone from Mopar would come out of thier cocoon. Everything I see reinforces that I made a great decision.
On Aug 30, 2008 at 12:04PM, CascadianScot posted:

Venthos, your registry site is very well done and an excellent view into production status’. Interestingly, as of this morning, have you noticed of the 18 2009’s showing HERE! almost all (16) are stock orders from dealers? What’s happened to the supposed priority for ’sold’ orders being filled first? Are dealers using your site for promotional purposes? From the registry:
R/T Auto (1) HERE! Mid Rivers Chrysler
R/T Auto (5) HERE! racyroy1
R/T Auto (1) HERE! Springfield Erich Henkel Chrysler
R/T Auto (1) HERE! Saginaw Draper Chevrolet Dodge
R/T Auto (1) HERE! Springfield Erich Henkel Chrysler
R/T Auto (1) HERE! Park Thomas Dodge of Orland Pa
R/T Auto (1) HERE! Midlothian Gillespie Dodge Chrysler
R/T Auto (2) HERE! Grand Rapids K&M Dodge
R/T Auto (4) HERE! 69charger_rt
R/T Auto (2) HERE! Federico Chrysler Dodge
R/T Auto (1) HERE! Southtown Dodge
R/T Auto (8) HERE! Southtown Dodge
R/T Auto (1) HERE! Monroe Superstores Dodge
R/T Auto (3) HERE! Kokomo Button Dodge
R/T Auto (2) HERE! Cincinnati Northgate Chrysler Dodge
SE Auto (1) HERE! Fury Chrysler - SOLD
SE Auto (1) HERE! Fury Chrysler
SE Auto (2) HERE! Fury Chrysler
On Aug 28, 2008 at 3:58PM, Clo posted:

Hurst has jumoed into the game with a limited edition challenger.. see link below. It starting to fell like th 70’s again.

http://www.hurst-shifters.com/s.nl/it.I/id.544/.f
On Aug 27, 2008 at 11:41AM, REDDOG posted:

My dealer also told me it would be 8 to 10 weeks till I got my car and mine is still at BX. I ordered a Shelby GT500 and it took 8 weeks. I’m sure Dodge is doing the best they can with the demand for the car. With all our special orders plus all the dealers stock orders. I have pounded Dodge pretty hard on this blog and it was unfair if I have to wait an other month or so o well the car is worth waiting for. I know if I have my Shelby parked next to my Challenger in a parking lot more people are going to gather around the Challenger than the Mustang so what does that tell you. Yes we own one hot car my friends.
On Aug 27, 2008 at 7:16AM, shaunk posted:

You should be. When I ordered I was told that the cars that were sold would be built first. That is the way it has been. When I ordered from Ford and GM I believe it only took 8 weeks. Why does it take so long for a Dodge Challenger? We will see how Dodge takes care of its customers. It will make us all think about buying another Dodge in the future.
On Aug 27, 2008 at 7:02AM, shaunk posted:

You should be. When I ordered I was told the sold cars would be built first. I have ordered new cars from Ford and Chev and I believe it only took 8 weeks to get them. Why does it take so long for Dodge to make a Challenger?
On Aug 27, 2008 at 5:10AM, Doctor No posted:

Ordered in June when SE order banks opened. Still stuck at BX status while a dealer 50 miles from here has 2 SEs in dealer stock. No rhyme, reason or explanation..do I sound frustrated?
On Aug 27, 2008 at 3:54AM, shaunk posted:

I am glad to see you have a vin. Mine is still in BX. I will keep checking every week now to see if it changes.
On Aug 26, 2008 at 9:54PM, waitingforchallenger posted:

Did you notice that the one SRT that went to D1 is a Germany order. The VIN is pretty close to mine, I hope that means mine will move to D1 soon as well.
On Aug 26, 2008 at 9:35PM, Justin in SATX posted:

There are still too many people talking about May/June orders being filled by Christmas. I ordered one in July and was told September. I’m getting very nervous here.
On Aug 26, 2008 at 6:36PM, shaunk posted:

Called my Dodge dealer. They told me they were expecting the 2009 SRT Challenger I ordered in June in Jan. I called Dodge. They said they were still planing on fall for full release of all 2009 Challengers. I hope Dodge is right and the dealer wrong. Has anyone heard anything else?
On Aug 26, 2008 at 5:46PM, CascadianScot posted:

Venthos, my dealer confirmed with his Chrysler rep today that there was a hold on the 6 speeds up until yesterday.
On Aug 26, 2008 at 5:38PM, Tom posted:

Yes, this is good…However, this whole process is milked out too long in my opinion…This is not a new invention, I still think they should be cranking 100s. Maybe they are. We really dont know everyone out there, only a hand full from these boards. The issue will be weather soon. Orders will cease in NY around my neck of the woods when the snow and cold roll in. An STR8 or R/T would be a mess on the roads, and why get it early for the garage. Southern States will be raking them in I would think, you guys are lucky.
On Aug 26, 2008 at 3:30PM, Venthos posted:

Looks like some folks on the registry updated their cars today. A bunch went into D1 this morning.

What’s really exciting about the batch that went into D1 this morning though is that some of them are 6-speeds!

FIVE (5) Challenger R/T w/6-speeds went into D1 this morning
ONE (1) Challenger SRT8 w/6-speed went into D1 this morning

Great news for us all! Things are in progress.
On Aug 25, 2008 at 4:43PM, donuhaul posted:

Have you heard if there is a supplier issue for the 6 speeds. Talking with my dealer 2 auto rts were ordered after mine and are built waiting to be shipped. 5 6 speeds are all stuck in c class.
On Aug 23, 2008 at 7:34PM, Travis posted:

Thank you Venthos! If you hear anything further please let me know!
On Aug 23, 2008 at 4:14PM, Venthos posted:

As far as I am aware the furthest along any ‘09 SRT8 is (either Auto or Manual), is D status. I don’t think anyone has hit D1 or later *yet*.

I would suspect that this next coming week we’ll see a few hit D1 — but you never know. I think September is when the brunt of the ‘09 SRT8 Challengers are going to go down the line at Bramption.
On Aug 22, 2008 at 8:21PM, Travis posted:

Does anyone know if any 09′Challenger SRT’s have been made yet? I thought mine was D status however I was informed that it is C status. Most likly going to be wearing a winter jacket for my first ride! LOL!
On Aug 22, 2008 at 5:10AM, waitingforchallenger posted:

johnnymopar, I noticed the sound group Mygig thing on the web site also. I don’t know if they changed the package requirements or not. I ordered Sond Group only from my dealer, no MyGig and was able to do a Sound Group only build on the site a month ago. Now I can only combo. 6spd SRT D status.
On Aug 21, 2008 at 11:18PM, Wagner posted:

If anyone still needs to order a 2009 at msrp contact lieberth & Sons in pa ask for Eric Kupin Phone412-828-0520 Cell412-600-2731 or e-mail eric.kupin@verizon.net I have a hemiorange R/T 6-speed with 20s on order in c status currently Eric said they will have a 09 auto srt on the lot next week didn’t ask about color but contact him if your interested tell him Raymond sent you
On Aug 21, 2008 at 6:37PM, johnnymopar posted:

Still no action on my 6spd SRT8 ordered on June 26th in Vancouver, Canda. On the dodge.ca website you can’t select the myGig and SRTII soundgroup option together. I did at the dealer when I ordered it as two seperate options, is it a defect on the web site?
On Aug 21, 2008 at 1:54PM, REDDOG posted:

Great job on the registry. It is a great tool as long as people update there postings. I know I will. I have been waiting for this car since July of 2006 when Dodge said it was a go. I guess I’m just an impaient Southern Californian.
On Aug 21, 2008 at 12:16PM, Venthos posted:

Hehe, Thanks. Yep I created it. I had been interested in the Dodge Charger before seeing the Challenger and noticed that most had a ‘registry’ that was just a forum post of cluttered details.

I took the opportunity to make the registry before people started getting their cars so that it would have the best shot at getting used. I’ve been very surprised at how well it has been received and everyone seems to be using it. Nearly 500 cars registered at this time.

I agree it makes the wait a bit easier because you’re not constantly wondering “Am I the only one left in XXXX status? Should I worry?” etc. You can see a bunch of listings and get a better feel for what’s going on.

Hopefully once all 3 trims are readily available on lots we’ll see more people registering on it, too.

Link:
http://www.dodgechallengerregistry.com
On Aug 21, 2008 at 11:17AM, hemiman posted:

EVERYBODY

,i still enjoy my 08 srt,yesterday i ran 13.01 at 184.25 km on my dash computer i already ran 13.30 many times

i order an 6 speed ,july 15 with a status of bx since july 28

i ask my dealer if he could push to help schedule my car,the good news,he gave me an other allocations,that he receive from chrysler with a status of …………………..be my gest………………..a nice ………………d status with a serial !!!!!!!!!!537290 wow i will give you news as soon the car will be built

REMEMBER ,WE PAIDS A LITTLE TOO MUCH ON THE CAR,…..BUT ,WE SAVE ON VIAGRA
On Aug 21, 2008 at 10:46AM, Justin in SATX posted:

… and on that note, another reminder that if you haven’t already to put yourself on the registry noted in the link on this page and update status regularly. Those of us trapped in the BX zone can gauge how close we are getting based on your movement.

Did you create that Venthos? Bravo if you did. I’d be blind without it.
On Aug 21, 2008 at 9:03AM, bigsnake posted:

Hope you’re right Venthos. I sure would like to see my SRT come out of BX status.
On Aug 20, 2008 at 10:49PM, Venthos posted:

I understand, definitely. I’ve been looking at the Challenger and waiting for my chance to have one in my driveway since something like May of ‘07. It’s an anxious wait! No doubt about that.

I have $5,000 down as a deposit as well on my ‘09 SRT8. Chrysler is just ramping up production as they can. SE trim was first, then R/T Auto, I would expect to see some R/T Manuals start very soon and I believe the SRT8 Auto/Manual will start very shortly after that. All in due time.

I definitely want my car, but I want it done right as well. Forward motion is being made on the cars every day and that’s all I can really ask for.
On Aug 20, 2008 at 8:57PM, REDDOG posted:

The main problem is the Dodge dealers you are right. The other problem is that we who have put down deposits on cars $5000 in my case should be getting our car first. On 8/28/07 I ordered a 2008 Shelby GT500 from my local Ford dealer 60 days later I had my car. And the are still unsold 2008 SRT8 Challengers sitting on lots at dealers near me. I’m sure Mark is a good man it just would be nice to hear something from him about our problems.
On Aug 20, 2008 at 8:48PM, waitingforchallenger posted:

Whoa, Venthos taking a bite out of the big REDDOG. Love it.
On Aug 20, 2008 at 8:24PM, Venthos posted:

REDDOG,

Everything you’ve posted couldn’t be further from the truth. How can you even expect the ‘08 Challengers to be “sold out” within 2-3 months time? I don’t even think anyone expected that. But yes, more *could* be sold than have been. It’s the dealers trying to mark it up who are at fault. Everyone and anyone who was willing to pay a premium for this limited edition car already have their cars. That, and selling 6,400 SRT8 trim levels of any car (even at sticker) is a feat to do. I think I remember reading somewhere that on average 5,000 of an SRT8 trim (like say the Dodge Charger SRT8) is produced. You can find SRT8 Chargers/etc. on lots all year round. In either case, it’s not Chrysler/Dodge’s fault. Your logic is flawed.

As for Mark Mallie not responding? I’m not sure how you can expect *any* Chrysler employee to respond to such a volatile atmosphere that some people create on these blogs. You guys would just harass them and pick a part every word they said to use it against them and/or Chrysler.

Mark Mallie, Bob Frederick, Mike Accavitti, Chris Nowak, et all have been doing an amazing service to the mopar community with providing as much information and cool facts/photos as they have. If you think any of them ‘do not care’ — you’re sorely wrong.

Will you ever be happy?
On Aug 20, 2008 at 8:05PM, ChargerDude posted:

Bunch of 08’s on cars.com Dealers may have to keep them since all the rich people have already paid to much. In my opinion 6400 of any car made is not that limited. Now if only 2000 or less maybe but not 6400. I am waiting for an
R/T and I will not pay a dime over mrsp or they can keep them. The two local dealers near me started out at $20,000 over on 08’s but they still have them.
On Aug 20, 2008 at 7:09PM, REDDOG posted:

Tom the reason is that Mark just does not CARE WHAT WE THINK. He gets his paycheck and does not give a rats behind about us. O and today count on autotrader was 446 Challengers. Good job Dodge.
On Aug 20, 2008 at 5:05PM, Tom posted:

How come Mark Mallie never addresses on these blogs the consumer comments? I guess I should keep my 89 stang for another year and like it…At least its paid for, and does sound good. Curtis, hopefully we can see our hunches come true a year from now. prices will drop.
On Aug 20, 2008 at 2:41PM, bigsnake posted:

Ordered an 09 Challenger SRT auto with all options but sunroof at invoice on 1 July 08. Final cost is$41,763 including max sales tax in my state of $300 and $50 tag transfer. $41,763 and was told there was a $500 miltary discount when I ordered but we will see about that part.
There are dealers who will work with you without a big mark up !
On Aug 20, 2008 at 9:27AM, No longer Mopar posted:

After being a life long Mopar man, I cancelled my 09 SRT order yesterday and will not buy another Chrysler product. I ordered an 08 Challenger and converted it to an 09 the day after orders were being accepted. How can Dodge deliver 09 SEs while we have been waiting nearly over 9 months mos with delivery probably not before Nov/Dec. The orders for people who did not get 08s should have been fulfilled first. This whole process has left me very bitter. Maybe some communication from Dodge to let people know what’s going on??? Maybe when Dodge goes bankrupt from alienating their most loyal customers, they will finally get the picture. I’ll spend my $43K elsewhere.
On Aug 20, 2008 at 1:52AM, johnnymopar posted:

I have to agree with Curtis, as much as it pains me to. I was awestruck by this car and gave up on my dream of restoring a classic Mopar so I could dump, my money on a 2008 Challenger. The gouging and greed made me sick, even when I tried ordering an ‘09 SRT8 the first dealer tried to gouge me for 10 grand over MSRP! Still I persisted and ordered one from another dealer. Who knows if they will try to gouge me later. I may just cancel my order until I can negotiate a price…or find something else….sad state of affairs
On Aug 20, 2008 at 12:52AM, Curtis posted:

Tom makes a great point; ” think we should slow down on the MSRP purchase for R/Ts”. Because of the outrageous prices gouging and dealership con jobs we now believe that getting the Challenger at MSRP is great. But, in reality who has ever paid MSRP for a car? I have never paid MSRP. Man, this whole situation is crazy!

I must admit that my interest, after losing my 2008 Challenger due to unethical practices by the dealership that took my deposit and order, has gone way down. I would like to get a Challenger but the more time goes buy the more I think about how much money I am going to spend it becomes less appealing.

Curtis
On Aug 19, 2008 at 3:12PM, hemiman posted:

DANNY
i am happy for you,because pie ix was asking arond 70 000 sometime,anyway give me your email adress ,i want talk to you mine is la mienne est hemiman64@………com (chaudemalle) en anglais

jai rencontrer un gars a laval vendredi passé qui a payer 68500 chez pie ix a bientot louis
On Aug 19, 2008 at 11:50AM, danny posted:

just pick up my Challenger srt500, i live in montreal(quebec, canada), 1 month ago yhose baby were 25000.00 over the msrp, but here in quebec the market slow down, so my dealer(not stealer) call me on august 17 if i’m always interested in this car, so i get the car at the msrp. $52711.00. Now my butt is on this srt seat, and I love it. put this order march 3, 2006. when the car came in town , i was more than disapointed on the price, they asked 75000.00, for this, and the worst of all, i SIGNED a contract on this date, but when the car arrived it was another story, but 1 month later the beast became normal and i get my srt500 parked in my garage. What an happy end, and thanx to my dealer PIEIX dodge, to let my baby finally going home, way to go dodge
On Aug 19, 2008 at 11:41AM, waitingforchallenger posted:

Yeah, I ordered an 09 SRT 1K below MSRP. I placed my order on May 12, had to wait until May 15 for approval of the deal and a signed order sheet. The couple day delay in getting my order pushed thru was worth it for peace of mind I wouln’t be taken for a ride.
On Aug 19, 2008 at 11:34AM, REDDOG posted:

I think that all of us that have put deposits down should go and get our deposits back. I think that would send a big message to Dodge that we are pissed off. I saw 338 Challengers on Autotrader over the weekend. They need to start getting our cars out NOW. Get a clue Dodge how about some a little service to us who put money down on this car.
On Aug 19, 2008 at 8:11AM, Tom posted:

I think we should slow down on the MSRP purchase for R/Ts…It should become a mainstream car, they should start to deal on them. I was told already I can order one at 750 below invoice at my brother inlaws dealership…I was also told companys that offer vendor pricing at dodge and I can get a discount when they verify a vendor based employer. This was 200 below invoice (I think)..SRT’s are were not in the mix,only RT’s and SE’s. MSRP pricing is still not a hero price in my book. These cars are getting old already, and they still are not really out in numbers. I have not seen one just passing by yet… I am losing interest as by the post some of you are. Like you have all said, the dirty pricing games ruin it, makes us feel cheated. Unless Chrysler shuts down, 1 year from now we should have a pile of these to pick from. Tom
On Aug 19, 2008 at 6:56AM, MoparRick posted:

I definitely agree with Curtis with getting the deal in writing. I was waiting for the 2008 Challenger since 2005 and had a “verbal” deal for MSRP. I was going to the same dealership for 15 years. I was told don’t worry. You’ve been a great customer for all those years and we won’t charge you more than MSRP. Could you guess where I’m going??? I was told in December that the owner of the dealership wanted 30k over sticker. To make the story a lot shorter, I found a different reputable dealership and got my 2008 through them.

When all is said and done, it is a business deal and unless you are a close relative to the owner of the dealership, you better get your deal in writing. Once the order goes in, they better give you a VON number. If they have a problem with putting the deal in writing then there is something going on behind the scenes.

Rick
On Aug 19, 2008 at 1:15AM, Curtis posted:

If you want to pre-order 2009 R/T at MSRP contact Bob Frederick at Frederick Dodge (330-726-2777). You can drop-ship the vehicle to your local dealer or Bob will arrange for shipment.

Also, anyone who is promised an MSRP price, ask the dealership to place it in writing. I did not and lost my 2008 Challenger because I refused to pay the markup from the verbally agreed upon MSRP price prior to my Challenger arriving to the dealership. Lesson learned? Get in writing. If the dealership won’t put it in writing I would walk.
On Aug 18, 2008 at 11:25PM, leesmart posted:

OrangeRT- Thanks so much, I’m going to give them a call tomorrow. I’ll let you know how it goes. Thanks again.
On Aug 18, 2008 at 1:35PM, SWRoadrunner posted:

Click on my username above to see the pictures.
On Aug 18, 2008 at 1:34PM, OrangeRT posted:

leesmart, Lewisville Dodge told me they may be able to do MSRP but I placed my order with Elliott Dodge in Mt. Pleasant, TX about an hour and a half out east off of I30. Ask for Michael Whitney, 903-575-2963. He is the head guy there and he is the one that got me under MSRP. My dad lives out that way and has dealt with them before and has had nothing but good things to say about the people there. Tell them you heard about them from a Mr. Turley who ordered their first R/T
On Aug 18, 2008 at 1:33PM, SWRoadrunner posted:

Ive got my ‘09 and its SWEET! Definate attention grabber. Bought in Texas.
On Aug 18, 2008 at 1:11PM, Justin in SATX posted:

Tech Spam,

I don’t ever count my chickens before they are hatched. But I have a verbal commitment for MSRP on my ‘09 R/T and they’ve been awesome at Fiesta so far. I’m all for a free market and if some dealer wants to try to mark up their stuff, more power to them as long as they honor commitments and aren’t deceptive. I just think they are going to end up with cars sitting on the lot for months until they face reality that no one is going to pay 5k over sticker to have the same car a week earlier.

(Though I’m bummed that I’m not getting the self inflating tires. ha ha)
On Aug 18, 2008 at 12:43PM, turasque posted:

Bob,

If you are reading this blog if you have the information, can you please give us an update on the 2009 production. Many of us are in the limbo status of BX - C. I, and I’m sure others are dying to know whether our orders are going to be built before the snow hits.

If we knew some sort of statistics like the projected number of each model will be built each month it would give us a better sense of the chances our order will be scheduled.

I ordered an SRT and am in “C” status now, which I understand may be downgraded to “BX/BG” in the next week or so then reset the beginning of next month.

As always Thanks Bob!!!!
On Aug 18, 2008 at 8:53AM, Doctor No posted:

I have been doing business with the same dealer for 19 years and would never think of changing. I took delivery of the first Dodge Charger to hit their lot Memorial Day weekend 2005 based on a order submitted the week the order banks opened.

I ordered a Challenger SE the first week the order banks opened. It is now in BX status while dealers in several states are premium pricing floorplan SEs $5- $10K. Is there some way someone from Chrysler can explain the order/build process because it appears to be a point of confusion and frustration with a lot of the MOPAR faithful.
On Aug 18, 2008 at 7:47AM, donuhaul posted:

Techspam,
I ordered mine from Champman dodge in scottsdale az. Renate runs the fleet department and has been been great, I am still waiting for it to come in. I have been stuck in C class.
On Aug 18, 2008 at 1:37AM, leesmart posted:

OrangeRT- I live in Dallas and I’d be very interested in finding out which dealer you used to order your ‘09 Challenger.
On Aug 17, 2008 at 11:20PM, texaszcar posted:

Justin in SATX: I’m trying to set up a meeting with the Dist Attny office in SA this week to talk to them about Lone Star Dodge. Stay away!
On Aug 17, 2008 at 10:07PM, ljljhlhgjf posted:

SEND ONE TO CALIFORNIA FOR ME! I”M BUYING ONE FOR SURE!
On Aug 17, 2008 at 12:28AM, OrangeRT posted:

techspam, Like you I built a R/T online and it came to 35,560. I live in the Dallas area and I talked to 8 different dodge dealerships in the DFW area and they all told me I would be lucky to find a dealer willing to do just msrp. Some even told me they would take my deposit and order and we would “figure out the price” after the car came in. So, I finally placed an order for my custom built R/T at a dealership an hour and a half outsite of Dallas in the sticks of east Texas for 34,000…1,500 UNDER msrp! Let me know if you would like this dealers info.
On Aug 16, 2008 at 10:51PM, techspam posted:

Has anyone got an 09 pre order challenger at MSRP???
My local so called 5 star dealer marked it up 6 grand so they lost my business… the website had the RT I built for $35,500.00 they wanted 41,650.00 for the same RT… Can anyone get me a 09 RT pre order at MSRP???
On Aug 16, 2008 at 9:04PM, Venthos posted:

Clo,

Glad to hear you’ve got things situated. It’s an unfortunate, but a lot of people can share a story very similar to your own - like myself. For me, though, I went through THREE local dealers who dropped the ball — or for that matter, popped the proverbial ball and then ran over it.

Just as you, I talked to Bob (prompted by the inadequacy of my local dealers) — one phone call later I pulled my ‘08 deposit from the local dealer. You can’t get better service than Bob and his dealership. My local dealers simply had no interest in anything other than tooling around to see how much mark-up they could get, or simply flat out ignoring my phone calls in some cases. To my amusement, all three of those local dealers still have 3+ ’08s on their lots and they’re trying to sell’em for over sticker. Good luck to them.

It’s an anxious wait — but it’ll be worth it and Bob gives you absolute piece of mind.
On Aug 16, 2008 at 1:06PM, Justin in SATX posted:

Since we seem to be reviewing dealerships here, I want to echo sentiments that I’ve previously heard.

Some things I was told by Lone Star didn’t check out. 1) I’d pay 5k over MSRP for the next few months on ’09s. 2) Some discrepancies over options on the 28J that I know to be false.

My order is in with Fiesta and although I’ll reserve judgement until delivery next month, the service has been exceptional. If I stay in the area, I’ll definitely be a repeat customer.
On Aug 16, 2008 at 7:45AM, Laguna posted:

Although the Challenger isn’t sold here in the UK, a few Challenger SRT8’s have made there way here through importers with a price tag of $88,000 to $100,000. Its a shame Dodge doesn’t sell them here
On Aug 16, 2008 at 12:27AM, Clo posted:

Guys & gals… if you are going to order a Challenger (like I did) do yourself a favor and order it from Bob Frederick Jr at Bob Frederick Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, in Ohio. He knows all about the Challenger and he will sell it to you at MSRP (NO mark up).

Just to give you another story of the other dealers. I live in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and went to 3 local dealers. All of them had 08’s in stock and they were asking anywhere from $75K to $99K. I told them I did not want the 08 b/c I wanted a 6 speed. They all told me the same story… blah, blah, blah pricing on the 09’s is not out yet and we don’t know when they will even start prodution on them. This obviously was done to try and push the 08 on me. When I insisted that pricing was already out on the 09, they said they would call me in a couple of days with pricing. They also said that the price for 09 SRT would still be over MSRP. 3 weeks have gone by and still no call backs from the local dealers on their 09 pricing.

FED UP I emailed Bob and he quoted me MSRP on an 09 SRT fully loaded with 6 speed manual. That is what I wanted to hear… a price and a reasonable one. Sent my check and have my von#. With delv hopefully by November. So if you have friends that want a Chally please send them Bob’s way. we need to reward the honest dealers with our hard earned money.
On Aug 15, 2008 at 3:26AM, snow white posted:

O ye of lital faith, my wife has a chysler 300 with esp and tracksion controll runs very well in snow is lighter then the challenger, but is underpowered with 2.6l engine. good news is anyone that ordered before 7/1/2008 will recieve a free snow plow kit for thier challenger pianted to match the color of the car, an accessory we will all be able to put to use if we do not get ours soon especally if you ordered a 6 speed!!!
On Aug 14, 2008 at 6:33PM, johnnymopar posted:

Cudos to texasczar! Let the greedy and the unethical dealers who have no class be known! A man’s word is a measure of a man, and when your word is worthless… In BC Canada, stay away from COQUITLAM CHRYSLER and MAPLE RIDGE CHRYSLER.
On Aug 14, 2008 at 4:25PM, Highwayman posted:

I called Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997 gave them my VON # and was able to get an update on my SRT8 in a few moments. I hope this number will help out.
On Aug 14, 2008 at 4:06PM, Mopar Dan posted:

As an old-school Mopar guy I’ve been waiting 25 years for Dodge to bring back & build a car like this. It’s sad greed has to play a role in it, but that’s human nature.

Waiting a few more months while all the “Got to have it now” buyers raise prices and bash people taking advantage of a situation they themselves help create is expected these days.

Like everything else in life patience is rewarded. It gave us a 6-speed, and I’m sure it will bring us Plum Crazy paint.
On Aug 14, 2008 at 8:44AM, texaszcar posted:

Doctor No, Stay away from Lone Star Dodge!!!!! I’ve had nothing but trouble dealing with them. I was there last night and overheard a salesman telling a customer looking at the Silver SRT8 that the car had ’self inflating tires’. Funny!
On Aug 14, 2008 at 7:51AM, MarksRT posted:

Allocations, dealer models, blah, blah. My family has been Chevy fan’s (thats’s right I said it, MOPAR guys) since I was a kid. When I saw this car I thought it SMOKED the new camaro! So, I took a chance on Dodge. So far, not impressed! I only hope the wait for this car will make all this worth it. Sorry I had to vent to you all but this process makes no sense to me.
On Aug 13, 2008 at 9:43PM, Curtis posted:

Cuda AAR, thanks for answering my question.

Polar Bear, contact Bob Frederick (Frederick Dodge), he will be able to tell you everything you need to know about the SRT8 “Spring Special”.

HowSoonCanIGetMine, you make some really great points on the issue of bad and unethical dealerships. I wish I was a web guru because I would build a website dedicated to listing all the Dodge Dealerships who practice good ethics as opposed to the ones that do not. I was not going to mention the name but what the heck. Gangly Dodge of Cleveland, Ohio would be on the thumbs down list. Don’t take an order, quote a price of MSRP, accept a deposit and when the car is shipped change the rules (i.e – we can’t sell at MRSP)! That is okay, because I am going to be happy with my 2009 Challenger and will be even more happier ordering it from Bob Frederick who knows the meaning of ethics….

My one wish is that Dodge gets a letter to all dealerships warning them about selling above MSRP and engaging in practices that are unethical. Those dealerships should lose the right to be able to sell Challengers.

The 2009 Challenger will by my first Dodge vehicle I have purchased. I sure hope the quality of the Challenger will be better then the quality of the first Dodge dealership I attempted to do business with.
On Aug 13, 2008 at 8:54PM, Polarbear posted:

Does anyone know when the Challenger SRT8 “Spring Special” will be available for order, when they will be built, and what unique features the vehicle will have in addition to B5 blue color?
On Aug 13, 2008 at 7:53PM, Highwayman posted:

The SRT8 I ordered back on May 15th was on BA status and very quickly moved to BG status and has been there since June. How long could it remain in this position and what could be delaying its move. I read that there is posibility that it can’t be considered for scheduling. What does that mean?
On Aug 13, 2008 at 7:38PM, Doctor No posted:

On the other hand, I would be interested in hearing from the first person who walks into Lone Star Dodge and pays the additional $6000 for the “protection package” ($995)and “high demand markey adjustment” ($5000)for the red SE they have sitting on their lot.
On Aug 13, 2008 at 7:36PM, HowSoonCanIGetMine posted:

Mopar Dan wrote; “Be happy you CAN actually order a brand new Hemi Challenger with a pistol-grip 6-speed; how cool is that!”

Not as cool as actually sitting your butt in the seat of the brand new Hemi Challenger with a pistol-grip 6-speed you ordered months ago. I pray we don’t have to wait the same 8 to 9 months the poor 08 SRT owners had to wait from order to delivery. That won’t make me “cool” until mid January. THEN it’ll be downright COLD, not COOL.

If Ford can build and deliver an ordered Shelby in 60 days, why do we get BG/BX status after 90 days, and no idea of when our cars will be built, let alone arrive????
On Aug 13, 2008 at 5:32PM, CudaAAR posted:

Dodge has reported in a video that the 1/4 mile time is 14.0 sec.

0-60 mph is 5.5 sec.

There should be plenty of magazine road tests in a few weeks.
On Aug 13, 2008 at 5:29PM, CudaAAR posted:

Chrysler’s toll-free Customer Service telephone number is: 800-922-1997. Have your VON or VIN available when you call.
On Aug 13, 2008 at 5:18PM, REDDOG posted:

Yea Dan but how many more people would there be in there showrooms if there were a lot of Challengers out on the street. When I got my Shelby GT500 I saw it on the street first and saw how fast it was and went to my near by Ford dealer and ordered me one and 60 days later it was in.
On Aug 13, 2008 at 4:55PM, Dodge dude posted:

Yeah, I second that!!
Exactly my thoughts too Dinky Toy!
On Aug 13, 2008 at 4:52PM, Dinky Toy posted:

Enough already Dodge, give your bread and butter buyers some respect…

An ancient performing V6 mated to a pre-historic 4 speed tranny, why are the SE bread and butter buyers getting the shaft?

And what about the interior (and technical) options that do make the dreadfully boring interior of this car bearable, why are they not available for the SE buyers?

I want my SE at the very least with HID and the full “Electronics Convenience Group”!
On Aug 13, 2008 at 4:49PM, Mopar Dan posted:

Don’t take it so personally, it’s just marketing. They want Challengers on dealer lots so people stop in and hopefully buy one of the thousands upon thousands of trucks they have sitting around.

Sales are waaaaaay down and this is the only car they have people want right now in spite of the economy. If you ordered one you’re a confirmed sale, they don’t need to sell you on a thing. You’d do the same thing if you owned a dealership or (gulp) some Chrysler stock…

Be happy you CAN actually order a brand new Hemi Challenger with a pistol-grip 6-speed; how cool is that!
On Aug 13, 2008 at 4:38PM, REDDOG posted:

Mark Mallie your the Brand Manager for the Dodge Challenger so why don’t you answer some of the questions that we have here. You started this now give us an answer. I put down a $5000 deposit and all I know is that my car is in BX with no clue when I might get it.

REDGOG in Los Angeles
On Aug 13, 2008 at 3:46PM, Justin in SATX posted:

Sammy,

I understand the point you are trying to make. But understand that most of us were told that pre-orders come first so that needs to be adhered to. Our deposits and commitment to buy should be a business advantage for Chrysler versus sending them to lots with sales uncertain (though little risk that they won’t move).

If my ‘09 cost the same as a hamburger, then you are correct that I wouldn’t complain. But we are talking about a lot of money. I don’t see why a couple weeks of production on custom orders is too much to ask given the business dynamics. If I start seeing these things sitting around lots and I don’t have mine yet, I’m going to be mad.

Also, it’s not like the specialty orders consist of custom paint jobs. These are just a few combinations of standard equipment we are talking about.
On Aug 13, 2008 at 2:23PM, Doctor No posted:

Short explanation: If you place an order a vehicle weeks before any type of vehicle production begins, you would hold a reasonable expectation that your order would be filled before the factory would begin building vehicles that are not “pre-sold” to consumers. As an auto maker, would you not want the instantaneous cash flow from those sales running through your organization as well as product out on the streets creating more “buzz” for the vehicle?

Additionally should not people who placed their faith (and money) on the line based on print, photos and concepts weeks/months ago be given priority over producing “cookie cutter” models for dealers to hawk on E-Bay?
On Aug 13, 2008 at 12:52PM, sammy posted:

I dont completely understand the fervor. Ordering a car to be built for you takes longer than buying a car on the lot. I dont get it. Are people just pre-ordering the model in any form? Obviously the cars that the factory builds come first. Then the orders with specific options and paint get built. If I say hold the pickles and lettuce at burger king what do you think takes longer.
On Aug 13, 2008 at 9:57AM, easyroller posted:

where is the pulm crazy cuda ?
On Aug 12, 2008 at 10:23PM, Curtis posted:

Does anyone know the top speed of the R/T and the 1/4 mile time for both the auto & manual? Lastly, how does the exhaust sound and how does it handle. I have been trying to get specs to see how it compares to the SRT8 but have not been successful. Any comments will be appreciated. Thanks.
On Aug 12, 2008 at 8:42PM, c fender posted:

I ordered my 09 R/T on 5/12/08. I spoke withe my dealer today and he said I have shiping date of 8/15/08
On Aug 12, 2008 at 8:24PM, Travis posted:

Ordered my 09′SRT May 16th and my dealer informed me that it went to D status today!!!

Getting closer!!! I cannot wait to get the car!!! I Want to drive that bad boy before winter!!! LOL
On Aug 12, 2008 at 6:37PM, Walter P posted:

Hey Mark,

Why don’t you give Stan Bailey at Royal Gate Dodge a call (314-565-0717) and ask him why he is asking over MSRP for a 2009 SE on eBay. How many SOLD Challengers were put at the back of the build list so that a bunch of unsold SEs could be sent to dealers? Dumb.
On Aug 11, 2008 at 10:46PM, Highwayman posted:

Red Letter Dodge is just a place for us to vent and support. I worked for a Fortune 500 Company and most couldn’t care less unless you were taking them to court. bwbike is right there are big logistical problems to consider in the building of cars. My question to Dodge would be “did you consider what to do with the product after advertizement, orders and then sales”? Visibility and avilability of the product are fine! However, if you want to build capital, wouldn’t you want to fill orders to generate some? All of us here have two things in common, the desire to buy and cash in our pockets. For Dodge to not consider that, well something is wrong. Another thing, we are the Challenger’s best salesmen and Dodge’s base. Dodge will sell it in a large part on what we tell other people about it. So far, if a new buyer is considering a new car and sees some of the difficulities and out right b.s. we have had to put up with dealers and Dodge. Well, all it takes is one moment of hesitation to send $40,000. to Chevy or Ford instead. Base, yes, absolutely blind, deaf and dumb, no. In these days of tight money, no manufacturer or dealership should take us, the customer for granted. My thanks to shaunk, waiting
forchallenger, howsooncanIgetmine, bwbike for their input.
On Aug 11, 2008 at 10:09PM, SKI posted:

Anyone looking for an srt8 should really consider looking on Autotrader.com there are ALOT of them for $43,000 to $55,000. Some are brand new. I am a 2006 mustang GT owner I have been waiting for about 2 years for a Ford dealer anywhere to sell me a Shelby for sticker. They wont!
That was great news for me, because after seeing the Challenger in the showrooms, and lots…Im buying one! The good news for consumers is that you can at least cross shop the Challenger with the Comaro, and Stang. Then use those prices as leverage against any greedy “stealerships” out there.
The Challenger is head and shoulders above the Stang on the interior and refinement. I will be ordering mine just like “Kowalski’s”
On Aug 11, 2008 at 9:32PM, bwbike posted:

They can only build so many cars. Think about how many dealerships there are in North America. Just the logistics of supplying cars is enormous.
All good things will come in due time.
On Aug 11, 2008 at 8:27PM, HowSoonCanIGetMine posted:

Why does Dodge have this blog if they ignore the cries of their loyal customers? Isn’t it US who gave Dodge a reason to resurrect this car? Than why do they turn a deaf ear to us while keeping an eye out for their dealers (who drool at an opportunity to gouge us and diminish Dodge’s sales numbers ) by putting Ebay-Rape-Bait on their lots before fulfilling cars with real deposits on them? Are you aware of what some of your dealerships are doing?
Why should Dodge worry about pricing their products competitively if the dealers add rediculous “Dealer Market Adjustment” to the MSRP? Why not just throw a dart at a poster with numbers on it instead of doing market research and cost analysis before arriving at MSRP numbers, for all the good these dealers are doing you?

I’m not saying all dealers are thieves. But unfortunately, for every good dealership (Frederick Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Champion Dodge Chrysler Jeep to name two), there’s a couple of dozen “less savory” dealerships giving them all a bad image.

Misters Mallie, Acavetti, Nardelli, Press, LaSorda, …… Is anyone listening?
You asked for our feedback, but it seems no one hears us! We certainly don’t see a response from anyone at the top of Chrysler LLC’s food chain. All we get - if anything - is a form letter response.
Give the good dealerships their allotment - AND that of the “unethical dealerships” as well. You don’t need ̶