Quote:
Originally Posted by Zeus
So lets think about this, the Challenger SRT as it is, is a 40k car. For them to adjust the platform, give it a world class interior and carry out the rest of the things necessary to make it the car your talking about there would be a big price increase.
|
Not really. I can see why it might seem this way at first glance, but having worked in the business for a time myself I can say without reservation that the current production scheme for the Challenger has to be draining Chrysler of a small fortune every month it runs given the relatively modest sales volume the car generates, the notable breadth of models offered, and the relatively modest pricing of two of those models. A strict, by the numbers businessman like Alan Mulally would probably have a stoke if he saw the costs that line has to be running on. I'm not saying that the line necessarily loses money, but it isn't well conceived and can in no way be turning the kind of profit that it should.....it certainly isn't contributing to the LX bottom line or image in the manner that it could or should.
Simplifying the production line and moving the price of the car just a bit due north would count for a lot here. Of, course we could still see the benefits of cost sharing on a meaningful scale here, if in a more practical manner. For example, Challenger could adopt a much better, Taurus SHO or LaCrosse level interior or better that could share a lot of components with the 300 while remaining individual enough to present a luxury-performance image (frankly, a luxury performance image suits the 300 anyway) Heck, for that matter a better equipped Challenger with a more upscale interior gives the perfect excuse to crank out a 300 coupe on the same line.
As for the rest of the car, I'll stand by my assertion that one basic flavor is good enough. Take the upcoming 6.4L ST8, back it with the excellent PDK transmissions Porsche uses (may as well offer that sweet piece in the 300 too for that matter), and refine the suspension a bit more throwing in some magnetically adjustable shocks. In that sole, upmarket trim level my money says that each unit produced cost no more than the current SRT8 model does on a per unit basis and would very likely see a per unit, production cost reduction.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Zeus
Your looking at a Sporty/GT/Coupe which would likely start in the mid 50's and your REALLY starting to compete with the wrong crowd. No one is going to buy a Challenger over an M3/C63AMG/ISF/CaymanS.
|
Again, not really, There is no reason such a car couldn't be made to start about where the GT500/Corvette do and be quite profitable for it. In that price range, a car with a standout interior, refined ride/handling, and a superb drivetrain should do quite nicely.