I think it will be interesting to see what the challengers will run. especially with the manual 6-speed. I would guess that the challenger with a manual would put down around 15 more rwhp than the slush boxes that the srt8's use now. I have only been in a 3.5 charger so I'm not sure how the srt8's shift, but I would think that stock for stock the manual would have quicker shifts(correct me if wrong). So, I would think with the lil more power actually making it to the wheels and some power-shifts, I would be looking for a .2 -.3 faster e.t. 12's maybe???
Either way the srt8's will have an awful $$ to performance ratio, and looks worse than a stang. The "snakes" are getting closer to sticker price so they will still be the best purchase for a street or track bully.

 

I didn't think the Challengers were going to have a manual option?

 

There is gonna be 3 models, the SRT-8, the R/T and the SE model with the 3.5. Basically the same model lineup but without the weakass 2.7L v6. My Mom gets a Dodge Magazine every few months straight from the factory because all her and my Dad buy are Dodge trucks. According to the mag the Challenger SRT-8 ran the 1/4 mile in 13.1 and went 0 to 60 in just under 5 seconds.

Alittle OT, but the new 09 Ram looks pretty damn clean. Horsepower was bumped up to 385 I believe and torque is like 404lbs. The shifter is now on the floor and it looks much better. It also comes with stock dual exhaust.

 

According to Dodges website both the SRT-8 and the R/T are gonna have a 6spd manual option.

 

I think we're going to see almost identical numbers coming from the Challenger, that we did from the Charger/Magnum/300C... high 13s to low 14s for the RT and high 12's to low 13's for the SRT8..

I was hoping they'd shed some weight off the Challenger.. I do think it's the best looking car out of the big 3... (Challenger>Mustang>>>>>>> >Camaro)...

 

there are several reasons that a challenger SHOULD be quicker than the charger or 300 of the same trimline. they are all minor differences, but differences none the less.

first,the challenger is slightly lighter...but like 100lbs or so. not much, but its something.

second, the challenger has a shorter wheelbase, which effectively puts more power to the ground, in theory.

third, the 6.1L charger comes with a 3.06 gear...the challenger comes with a 3.73 gear.

i believe that there is also a 3.91 gear offered with the manual transmissions.

there will be a 3.5L V6 (auto only) and a 5.7L (auto and manual).

Dodge REALLY wanted this first run of challengers to go out without any problem, so they stuck with a transmission that has proven itself. the manual transmissions have seen no where near the real world use of the current autos, so dodge took the safe route and went with the proven auto for the first batch. ive been told by several dodge employees that theyve never seen dodge put so much testing into a car prior to launch.

in short, the 300s and chargers with the 6.1L engine have gotten into the high 12s stock, and the challenger should be a shade quicker...will every challenger run in the 12s? no..but with some practice, this first batch should have a good shot at 12s, and the manual with the 3.91s shoudl make a huge difference.

 

Hmmm... didn't know there was actually going to be a v6. Freakin' speculative auto magazines... gotta check my sources....

 

yeah..the SE model is the 3.5L v6 (250/250)from the 300 touring and charger sxt. ive driven the 300 touring, and its a fairly peppy engine. i think that the 3.5 is putting the charger and 300 into the 15.50s or so. its a shame that there is no manual option with that.

 

the challenger srt8will be able to get in the 12s easier than charger/300 srt8 for sure.BUt it will have a price believe me

 

i'm betting the05+ mustang gt can take the challenger....maybe not the high end model but thats a fight for the shelby...i'm betting the mustang gt will smoke its challenger rt.....i've watched all the videos out...the challenger LOOKS heavy and weighted down...and we all know how easy it is to smoke a charger rt...light to light and at thr track the mustang will kick the challengers *** every time....historically the same probably cannot be said for the new camaro thats coming out....historically chevy always kicks mustangs *** out the box...but thats where mods come in....next summer is gonna be interestin, thats for sure

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