Why is it...

[jb666]

Spray wax. I use it to mist each panel (and the pad) before applying the polish. It makes it spread easier and helps conserve the amount of polish used. I've used it for years and buy it by the gallon from my supplier. I also mist the entire car after washing it, before I dry it. Adds a lot of depth.

Wow, what a great trick/tip.  I think I'll steal that method from you.

You won't regret it, especially on that new finish  Use it on your glass, too!! Streak free and the next time it rains the water cascades right off the windows.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

We even had one particular Moderator who used to move all the new Charger threads to Off Topic (before he purchased one).  

Hmm....I dont recall doing that on my own (that is if you are referring to me?)

There are a few members that cant let it go sadly...

[bull]

Well, you asked so here goes...

To me the new Charger is just a slap in the face, or at least a cheesy attempt to cash in on a name that has a long and esteemed legacy attached to it. Not to step on any toes among the 66-67 or 71-74 brothers and sisters here but the 2nd gen Charger is one of the most universally-loved cars in the history of mankind. I know that sounds like something a third-grader might say but if you think about it you know it's the truth. I don't know how many people I've talked to over the years who absolutely gush when they see a 68-70 Charger. Doesn't matter if they are Ford guys, Chevy guys, Prius hippy girls or bicycle riders, everyone loves the Charger. I've never heard one negative thing from anyone about how the 2nd gen looks. Sure, I might get some ribbing about Mopar in general from Ford or Chevy guys but no one dislikes the look or will even bother ribbing me about the design. You just can't. It's would be like saying German chocolate sucks or Alfredo in Paris is inedible. Any such statement would make no sense. The body design of the car is pretty much perfect IMO. That's why I'm killing myself to own and restore one. I cannot say enough good things about the 2nd gen Charger and especially the 68 model. If ever I've come close to worshipping an inanimate object the 68 Charger would be it. From the day I first saw one at the age of 13 until now, the 2nd gen is the best looking car ever. End of story.

Fast-forward to 2006. Amid an age where every dirty little marketing trick is used in a lame attempt to pry the money out of our hands, along comes a four-door sedan that looks nothing like anything Dodge has produced to date, let alone even the ugliest car ever to wear the Charger name prior. The cheesy marketing ploys didn't end there either. All of a sudden damn-near everything was fitted with an R/T badge and we got Daytona and Rumble Bee pickups (huh?), Daytona Charger sedans, Power Wagon pickups, yadda-yadda, the list goes on. Long story short, there is no way this new sedan does anything to honor the name. Maybe my expectations are too high but I expected at least some effort from Dodge in the design department to at least try to emulate the classic design. My main argument from the beginning has been that this car should not have been called Charger because it does not fit the definition nor does it honor the legacy. The ONLY reason it was given the name "Charger" is because the dealers and Germans thought it would make them more money. I realize that is the name of the game these days but Chrysler has gone out of it's way for far too long to make sure they do next to nothing to help us out or honor the hard work and brand-loyalty we fervently adhere to. Their indifference shows in the aftermarket parts domain, it shows in the memorabilia domain and it shows in the badging they so flippantly stick to whatever car they feel like sticking it to. At least they made some effort to honor the legacy back in '99 when they released the new Charger concept. I thought that car was a decent effort even though it had two back doors. At least the design paid tribute to what is still the best looking car mankind has managed to build.

One other point I'll make is in regards to all the freelance redesigns all over the internet since about 2005. Have you at any time in the history of the internet (or even the pen and paper) seen a car more redesigned by the public than the '06-'09 Charger? Compare this to the new Challenger. While the Challenger is obviously quite different than the classic example it still pays tribute to the car, shares copious amounts of styling queues and honors the name by not only emulating its parent car but actually one-upping it in many areas. Additionally, I have yet to see anyone redesign the new Challenger on their own time at home and post their results on the internet. And yet how many redesign efforts have we seen on the Charger? I can think of at least 5 or 6 popular ones off the top of my head and I know there are more. This speaks volumes to me about the general discontent over Chrysler's lack of understanding and concern for something so adored by the public.

Lastly, I don't mean to berate anyone for their choice in cars but my frustration is somewhat renewed every time someone posts pics of their "Charger" and expects us to lavish it with praise. I just can't do it, and for the most part lately I've decided to try ignoring it. Part of my frustration is the lack of unity on the subject because I can't help but think had we not settled for mediocrity we wouldn't have been given it. Instead now there seems to be maybe a 60/40 split between those that hate it and those who like/tolerate it. I hate it, but only because I love the classic example so much. When all is said and done, had they only given the car a different name I think none of the controversy would ever have happened.

This may sound smug, maybe it is, but I just feel as though anyone who welcomed the new "Charger" with open arms must not have loved the classic Charger as much as those who didn't.

[jb666]

Very well said.. And don't get me wrong, I'm not jumping for joy because this is a "Charger", I just love the car for it's comforts and power. It's a GREAT daily driver. Had it been named something cool like the Dodge SS would it have been more fitting? Yes, and I'd still buy one. I personally think they did a good job on this car. I DO NOT think they did the classic Charger name any justice, but go to ANY F-body forum and tell them you're happy to own a CLASSIC Camaro and post a pic of your '87 Z28. You'll get laughed off the forum.

Same with the Ford guys.. The "new" Mustang , although staying alive and a LOT more retro than the other guys still isn't the 'classic' Mustang.

If Dodge retro'd the Cuda there would be a line of guys waiting to buy one (much like the Challenger). I was one of those guys in 2006 saying "WTF is Dodge doing!?!?!". I'm sorry, I love my '69 like I've never loved another car (one of those 10 year old HAVE TO HAVE deals), but this is a Hell of a daily driver. If you haven't had a chance to drive a loaded R/T or SRT, give it a try, I think you'll agree it's quite a car.

[bull]

Very well said.. And don't get me wrong, I'm not jumping for joy because this is a "Charger", I just love the car for it's comforts and power. It's a GREAT daily driver. Had it been named something cool like the Dodge SS would it have been more fitting? Yes, and I'd still buy one. I personally think they did a good job on this car. I DO NOT think they did the classic Charger name any justice, but go to ANY F-body forum and tell them you're happy to own a CLASSIC Camaro and post a pic of your '87 Z28. You'll get laughed off the forum.

Same with the Ford guys.. The "new" Mustang , although staying alive and a LOT more retro than the other guys still isn't the 'classic' Mustang.

If Dodge retro'd the Cuda there would be a line of guys waiting to buy one (much like the Challenger). I was one of those guys in 2006 saying "WTF is Dodge doing!?!?!". I'm sorry, I love my '69 like I've never loved another car (one of those 10 year old HAVE TO HAVE deals), but this is a Hell of a daily driver. If you haven't had a chance to drive a loaded R/T or SRT, give it a try, I think you'll agree it's quite a car.

I agree about the Camaro/Mustang/etc., but you can at least see that the styling queues are there. Think about it this way though, take that new Camaro design and add two more doors. How much more howling cries of pain would we be hearing? In essence that is what has happened with the new Charger. Not only did Chrysler completely ignore ANY styling queues, they added two extra doors. The only thing the new one shares with the old one is that it can be identified as an automobile made by Dodge. That's it.

[mikepmcs]

When all is said and done, had they only given the car a different name I think none of the controversy would ever have happened.

I'd say the marketing team knew exactly what they were doing and accomplished the desired effect. Popularity can be achieved in many ways and through various methods.

[jb666]

Very well said.. And don't get me wrong, I'm not jumping for joy because this is a "Charger", I just love the car for it's comforts and power. It's a GREAT daily driver. Had it been named something cool like the Dodge SS would it have been more fitting? Yes, and I'd still buy one. I personally think they did a good job on this car. I DO NOT think they did the classic Charger name any justice, but go to ANY F-body forum and tell them you're happy to own a CLASSIC Camaro and post a pic of your '87 Z28. You'll get laughed off the forum.

Same with the Ford guys.. The "new" Mustang , although staying alive and a LOT more retro than the other guys still isn't the 'classic' Mustang.

If Dodge retro'd the Cuda there would be a line of guys waiting to buy one (much like the Challenger). I was one of those guys in 2006 saying "WTF is Dodge doing!?!?!". I'm sorry, I love my '69 like I've never loved another car (one of those 10 year old HAVE TO HAVE deals), but this is a Hell of a daily driver. If you haven't had a chance to drive a loaded R/T or SRT, give it a try, I think you'll agree it's quite a car.

True, very true. There are HINTS of the 'old' car around the back window. Very faint, but there's a slight resemblance. The only other thing that reminds me of my car is the R/T emblem   Other than that, they were just trying to think outside the box. Wayyy outside the box. Did they fail? If they were trying to keep the legacy alive, YES. If they wanted to make a cool car with a cool name, no.

You are right, a 4 door Camaro/Corvette/Mustang would certainly have the world spinning the wrong way.   At least with the Impala there was a 4 door all along.
I agree about the Camaro/Mustang/etc., but you can at least see that the styling queues are there. Think about it this way though, take that new Camaro design and add two more doors. How much more howling cries of pain would we be hearing? In essence that is what has happened with the new Charger. Not only did Chrysler completely ignore ANY styling queues, they added two extra doors. The only thing the new one shares with the old one is that it can be identified as an automobile made by Dodge. That's it.

[OneofNoneRT]

HOLD IT! Bull this is for you!!

[bull]

HOLD IT! Bull this is for you!!

What? A Polar bear in a snow storm?

[OneofNoneRT]

Bull..I Agree with you on 1 thing that is the 2nd gen charger is one of the most popular cars in history.. Its design was like none had seen before and wowed the masses.. It does not resemble the 66/67 does it mean it should not wear the badge? Same goes for the 08. Performance wise stock r/t or srt will run with r/t of yore. Thru the Turns it will leave it in the dust.. Germans have some excellent engineers. They put there technology into it in places it needed. Just drive it and you will see..
I own Both a 1968 R/T I have had since 1980.. I love this car, My heart races when I think about driving her again.. No I do not get that passion with the 08, but I enjoy driving it and getting the compliments,,My Wife loves this car she gets compliments on it all the time. I dont think you could by it from her..
IMO.. the 1968 is a Supercar..one that will go down in history as one. the Late models will NEVER wear that badge
But I am telling you this.. After driving /owning this car.. I DO NOT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR WEARING THIS BADGE,,!!
Hear that Bull..

[bull]

I hear you. What I also hear by reading between the lines is that you don't necessarily think the new version honors the legacy of the Charger name, or at the very least, you can understand why many people have a problems accepting that it does. Right? Let me put it this way, even the guys who love the new Charger don't necessarily believe it has much at all in common with the classic version except maybe in the area of performance.

[OneofNoneRT]

Did the Cordoba Version? How bout the SHELBY 2+2 version?? This is a way more honorable version.. FOR us it would have to be one hell of a car to top or equal the 68, so maybe they screwed up when they did not badge the VIPER as a CHARGER.. I do not think they realized the potential of the retro when they designed this car.. like they did with the stang,, so again they played catch up with the chally..

[ChgrSteve67]

"Coronet"

If I bought a Dodge LX sedan I would have to change the badge.

Steve (Owner of a Chrysler 300C)

[OneofNoneRT]

 

Coronet
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
A coronet of a British earl

A coronet is a small crown consisting of ornaments fixed on a metal ring. Unlike a crown, a coronet never has arches.

Charger
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Charger may refer to:
A medieval war horse, such as the destrier, courser or rouncey.

Which would you prefer??

[bull]

Did the Cordoba Version? How bout the SHELBY 2+2 version?? This is a way more honorable version.. FOR us it would have to be one hell of a car to top or equal the 68, so maybe they screwed up when they did not badge the VIPER as a CHARGER.. I do not think they realized the potential of the retro when they designed this car.. like they did with the stang,, so again they played catch up with the chally..

No, those cars didn't honor the name either. And I don't think anyone has argued that they did. But that's like pointing the finger at your brother's mischief in defense of your own. IMO two (or three or four) wrongs don't make a right. Still, I would have appreciated at least some effort to emulate the 2nd gen.

And I agree with the rest of what you said. In fact I'll go one further by saying they eventually DID realize the potential for a retro and we now have the Challenger because of that realization.

[jb666]

Dude, that's Bull.

Ok, ok, bad joke.. I just wanted to say that 

[SFRT]

2nd generation Charger possible the most iconic american Musclecar ever made. fairly sparse on the ground as well. struggle to find fix and own one for most people. no matter what your prefrence is, a 2nd gen cannot be denied, its unique.

that 4 door thing is an ok car, but in no way or shape deserves to sully the name. the new Charger is ersatz in the lamest possible way. Might as well make a 4 door Probe and call it a Mustang Cobra. it is just freakin lame.

[b5blue]

Can't we all just get along! Gladly NO! Until I stumbled across this sight by following Mike's link on eBay (after drooling over one of his restored instrument clusters) I thought I was alone and probably nuts. Since then I've seen more guys put more work time and money into these cars than anything else ever...having cut my teeth on restoring Jags and other sports cars that's saying something...some of these guys put any standard to shame! Every detail is cross examined, referenced, documented and debated openly. At the same time anyone with any question will get help quickly. The forum is open to all opinions and I like that honesty. If someone likes or dislikes anything they are free to state so...it's just THEIR opinion. Bottom line I've seen here is if you have a problem...someone here will try to help (even if it has nothing to do with a Charger). You can't get that mix without conflicting opinions. Now I think I remember reading years ago Chrysler bought Renault who intern had bought AMC and had developed a "platform" that could be easily made into a 2 or 4 door...2 or 4 wheel drive chassis. I'm thinking Puget (sp?) may be in there too somewhere(?) Anyway that's the chassis under the new Charger and Challenger NOT a German product. All the Germans did from what I can tell is raid Chrysler for all the R/D of that chassis and kill a cash cow by breaking all of Lee's rules that had returned them to profit by having tons of cars produced (there bonus was on production not sales) with no where to go. My OPINION...I like all Chrysler's...just some more than others. PS If anyone remembers anything different PLEASE chime in, I can't recall where I read what I wrote!           

[BB1]

Freedom of thought and expression, what a concept, we must stamp it out!   

[mauve66]

whats a vette??

[b5blue]

Someone who was in the armed forces!

[mikepmcs]

 
I giggled a little..

On another note, I've had a couple newer vettes.  I like em' and always have, but I only like the looks of certain years.  I actually like the newer style better than any old style, how's that for 180ing this thread.  
Jeff's is sweet!
Beer has a nice one as well.... and it's on crack.

[Ranger Max]

 

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/a-four-door-corvette-ar36290/picture172014.html

[jb666]

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/a-four-door-corvette-ar36290/picture172014.html

that's quite disturbing.

[Ranger Max]

 

that's quite disturbing

Care to expond on that?