Hey you new Challenger owners!

[JoeyGowdy]

I wish they would have made the new Charger a 2-door... just doesn't seem right in my opinion the new Challenger is what the new Charger should have been  regardless, the new Challenger does look good!   

[Magnumcharger]

Here is another reason to dig the new Challenger!
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/Dodge-Challenger-Bikini_166446.htm

[ACUDANUT]

 Why is a SRT Challenger 20 Grand more than a 6 cylinder ?  I am crying foul. The 6.1 is not worth twice the price of a Challenger IMO.

[Ghoste]

The same reason a 426 Hemi cost nearly 1000 dollars over the base price of a 3000 dollar car in 1968.  In fact, whne you think about it like that, the new Hemi is a deal.
I hear what you are saying but there are several reasons and I'm sure one of them is just profit margin, Chrysler knows the person who lusts after the SRT is going to step up to the plate.  There is likely also extra equipment besides the engine that you must have with it and I wouldn't be surprised if part of the price differential is just meant to discourage the borderline performance fans into the cheaper model with it's better fuel economy in an attempt to help meet the CAFE standard.

[69_500]

Yeah if you think back, the HEMI in 1969 was what a $650 option, and lets say you did that with a Charger. Base price was what $3,200, but to step up to the HEMI back then you also had to tack on the price of upgrading to the R/T which added more. So when all was said and done it was a 30% mark up in 1969 for a HEMI over a base 225/6. Not much difference now between a base SXT challenger going for $23,000 and an SRT-8 going for right at 40,000.

[Troy]

Plus, the SRT includes much more than the 6.1 Hemi like suspension, brakes, tires, wheels, interior, and assorted body modifications. Not to mention the limited production status.

Troy

[ACUDANUT]

 Ok, I hear ya, however even back in 1970 a hemi WAS NOT double the price !!  If anything, it was about 25% added on.

[ACUDANUT]

 I was at a Rodeo in KCMO and they had a 6 cylinder for 28,000.  More than the ones I was looking at, AND they refused to open the hood.  Nice Dodge Dealerships we here in Kansas City !!

[Ghoste]

No matter how you slice it, the SRT Hemis are going to be just as rare as the 426 cars ended up being and price is a big factor in both cases.

[Magnumcharger]

Stopped by the local Dodge store yesterday, and sat in this R/T.
No test rides allowed, as they're "keeping the mileage low" for the potential buyer.
And the price is a tad high too.

[Ghoste]

I don't know if its true but I was assured of at least one dealer in southwest Ontario that had an 09 Challenger that he had stuck a special dealer "surcharge".  I guess when GM kills the car he may be able to get it too.

[ACUDANUT]

Ok, I hear ya, however even back in 1970 a hemi WAS NOT double the price !!  If anything, it was about 25% added on.

Still waiting on a response.

[1969chargerrtse]

I was out and about in the red 440 Charger today and happened to see a brand new 2009 SRT8 Challenger going up the road in front of me the direction I was going to go. So I got in behind him and followed a while. He turned at a light onto a highway where the speed limit is 50mph and promptly got on it, as I figured he would. My 42 year old 440 Charger kept right up no problem, didn't let him get out ahead at all. He turned off at a baseball park and I went on my way.

Atta boy. NO FEAR!   

[Troy]

Ok, I hear ya, however even back in 1970 a hemi WAS NOT double the price !!  If anything, it was about 25% added on.

Still waiting on a response.

Not sure who you're aiming that at but...

2009 Challenger SE 6 cylinder MSRP is $21,995
2009 Challenger SRT-8 MSRP is $37,995
Difference: $1600 (73% above base model)
According to the Dodge  web site, the SRT includes a limited slip differential, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, GPS, and a six-speed manual or 5-speed Auto stick.

1970 Dodge Challenger Slant 6 $2,851
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T (383) $3,151
Hemi additional $1,227.50 ($4,378.50 = 54% above base)
Shaker hood additional $97 ($4,475.50 = 57% above base)
Limited slip? Disk brakes?

Here's a 440 Six Pack car with a list price of $5,000 (75.4% above base and the Six Pack was cheaper than a Hemi).

This article quotes some road tests from back in the day:
1970 Challenger Hemi SE $4,288 (50% above base)
1970 Challenger T/A $4,643 (63% above base)

Troy