Dodge to build just 5,000 Challengers in first year

Tran · 11-01-2007, 01:56 PM

from LLN:

Chrysler will produce just 5,000 Dodge Challengers in 2008, according to a new report. The news echoes previous rumors that the Challenger would begin its life as a low-volume offering compared to the new Chevrolet Camaro, which could see production as high as 100,000 units.

The reason for such low production numbers is the 6.1 liter SRT version will be the only model offered in 2008, according to Automotive News. The report claims an automatic transmission will be the only choice, although previous rumors suggest a manual would be the only option.

In 2009, production will expand to 30,000 units, with the introduction of 6.1 and 5.7 liter HEMI models. At this point in time, buyers will get to chose between a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, or a dual-clutch transmission. As reported before, no V6 model is planned.

Chrysler has already announced the initial Challenger will debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2008.

The car's nearest rival the Chevrolet Camaro is expected to have a considerably wider model range with everything from a low-end V6 to a range-topping supercharged V8. As a result, prices will start close to $20,000 and production could reach 100,000 units.

*DGthe3* · 11-01-2007, 02:28 PM

Only 5000? I still might see a Camaro on the streets before I see a Challenger.

*Mr. Wyndham* · 11-01-2007, 02:43 PM

Music to mine ears

On a minor note...how reliable is LLN? they've had some controversial reports lately, but nothing deemed outright false...just curious

The_Stache · 11-01-2007, 03:05 PM

This information was out with the dealers vegas show like 3-4 weeks ago... and yea 5k is the right number (although vegas show was told 5500). Either way its limited to start .. I figure with the cut of the magnum off the line for the LX bodies that the challenger will pickup the line holes. Give them about a year to increase the number of line work stations.

Quote:

As reported before, no V6 model is planned.

This combined with 30k units per year mix of 5.7 and 6.1 hemi's in 09 pretty much still assures that no chally will be sold at msrp. Supposedly the 5.7 is supposed to be priced at about 29-31k but I doubt you will see those numbers at the dealer.

Quote:

Only 5000? I still might see a Camaro on the streets before I see a Challenger.

Most likely, the first 5k are going to go to collectors at a premium price and sit in garages to "raise" value.

Eisenhower · 11-01-2007, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tran

from LLN:

-Chrysler will produce just 5,000 Dodge Challengers in 2008.
-The Challenger would begin its life as a low-volume offering compared to the new Chevrolet Camaro.
-The 6.1 liter SRT version will be the only model offered in 2008.
-The report claims an automatic transmission will be the only choice, although previous rumors suggest a manual would be the only option.
-As reported before, no V6 model is planned.

Great plan!!!

...and then Chrysler wonders why it's having financial issues.

*TAG UR IT* · 11-02-2007, 02:46 AM

Yup...doubt I'll ever see a Challenger on the road. And...I bet every single one of them goes for a cool 15-20 grand over MSRP.

Moose · 11-02-2007, 08:16 AM

That seem's to confirm what I've heard.

I'd imagine that when the Challenger arrive's in it's first year, it'll be similar to when the Shelby GT500 first arrived.

We'll be lucky to catch one at a dealer, and if we do, it'll most likely be one which was pre-ordered by a customer, and is only there awaiting delivery. And as Tag stated, there will almost definately be a "dealer markup".

Personally, I look forward to seeing the Challenger in dealer showroom's, and on the street's. Isn't it a GREAT time to be an enthusiast?! Mustang, Challenger, and Camaro.

11-01-2007, 01:56 PM	#1
Tran Administrator Drives: 2010 Camaro of course.... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NE baby Posts: 5,633 View My Garage	Dodge to build just 5,000 Challengers in first year from LLN: Chrysler will produce just 5,000 Dodge Challengers in 2008, according to a new report. The news echoes previous rumors that the Challenger would begin its life as a low-volume offering compared to the new Chevrolet Camaro, which could see production as high as 100,000 units. The reason for such low production numbers is the 6.1 liter SRT version will be the only model offered in 2008, according to Automotive News. The report claims an automatic transmission will be the only choice, although previous rumors suggest a manual would be the only option. In 2009, production will expand to 30,000 units, with the introduction of 6.1 and 5.7 liter HEMI models. At this point in time, buyers will get to chose between a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, or a dual-clutch transmission. As reported before, no V6 model is planned. Chrysler has already announced the initial Challenger will debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2008. The car's nearest rival the Chevrolet Camaro is expected to have a considerably wider model range with everything from a low-end V6 to a range-topping supercharged V8. As a result, prices will start close to $20,000 and production could reach 100,000 units.

11-01-2007, 02:28 PM	#2
DGthe3 Moderator.ca Drives: 05 Grand Am GT Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Niagara, Canada Posts: 25,366	Only 5000? I still might see a Camaro on the streets before I see a Challenger. __________________ Note, if I've gotten any facts wrong in the above, just ignore any points I made with them __________________ Originally Posted by FbodFather My sister's dentist's brother's cousin's housekeeper's dog-breeder's nephew sells coffee filters to the company that provides coffee to General Motors...... ........and HE WOULD KNOW!!!! __________________ Camaro Fest sub-forum

11-01-2007, 02:43 PM	#3
Mr. Wyndham I used to be Dragoneye... Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 31,873 View My Garage	Music to mine ears On a minor note...how reliable is LLN? they've had some controversial reports lately, but nothing deemed outright false...just curious __________________ *"Keep the faith."* - Fbodfather

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11-02-2007, 02:46 AM	#6
TAG UR IT www.Camaro5store.com Drives: 2014 ZL1 #705 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: SA, Texas Posts: 26,544 View My Garage	Yup...doubt I'll ever see a Challenger on the road. And...I bet every single one of them goes for a cool 15-20 grand over MSRP.

11-02-2007, 08:16 AM	#7
Moose Moderator Drives: '99 Camaro SS #1392 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Newtown, Pa. Posts: 3,982	That seem's to confirm what I've heard. I'd imagine that when the Challenger arrive's in it's first year, it'll be similar to when the Shelby GT500 first arrived. We'll be lucky to catch one at a dealer, and if we do, it'll most likely be one which was pre-ordered by a customer, and is only there awaiting delivery. And as Tag stated, there will almost definately be a "dealer markup". Personally, I look forward to seeing the Challenger in dealer showroom's, and on the street's. Isn't it a GREAT time to be an enthusiast?! Mustang, Challenger, and *Camaro*.