Concensus on 06 Charger RT

[Chargen69]

What does the 06 Charger RT sell for? 

$30,000 would buy a real nice "Real" Charger, even off of ebag

[HDCharger]

There are more variables than just waiting for the Challenger.  Do you have a family?  Will this be your first car?  Second Car?  What will your financial situation be in 3 years when and IF we get the challenger?  The Charger is NOT a bad car, I just wish they had named the D*&^ thing something else.  I personally am waiting on the Challenger but I am 41 and single without a bunch of kids to tote around.  If I did have that luggage I'd probably go for the 4 Door Charger.

[bull]

There are more variables than just waiting for the Challenger.   Do you have a family?   Will this be your first car?   Second Car?   What will your financial situation be in 3 years when and IF we get the challenger?   The Charger is NOT a bad car, I just wish they had named the D*&^ thing something else.  

For the most part. However I still think it's aesthetically challenged.

I personally am waiting on the Challenger but I am 41 and single without a bunch of kids to tote around.   If I did have that luggage I'd probably go for the 4 Door Charger.

As a guy with a wife and two kids I'd be more likely to buy an SUV or some other four door car that isn't confused with its identity, out of spite more than anything.

[69Charger500]

Ok, having spent the past 5 years working on the LX platform from protoype through production, I feel obliged to share my thoughts on this.  I've owned and driven Chargers and Challengers for the past 28 years, and I must say when I stood next to the first 2006 Charger Pilot we built several years ago, I was a little confused.  It was, nonetheless, my job to make sure the car launched successfully, so I, and many others, poured our hearts and souls into the car to make it the best it could be.

It did not take long before those of us who were closely involved with the car became really excited with it.  It only takes one time behind the wheel on a test track to really appreciate the car, especially, of course, the R/T.  When the car launched early last year, we immediately began building the first Daytona Pilots, and that really turned up the excitement for the car.  Instead of shipping the first 18 cars to the conversion center, I had them sent to our shops at the headquarters, so Chrysler employees would be the first to build the Daytonas, and hopefully begin sharing in the excitement.

Although the car is still the subject of some controversy over the four door styling, I challenge the true Mopar enthusiasts to get behind the wheel of a 2006 R/T, Daytona, or better yet, an SRT Charger.  Just try to keep that same grin off your face that you get when you drive your vintage Charger or Challenger, and the same pride of driving a truly unique and exciting vehicle.

I'm a few years older than when I bought my first Mopar back in 1977, and I've got four young daughters.  They, and I, have just as much fun in a Daytona or an SRT as we do in my '69 500 (I must admit, the 500 would be their first choice for cruising around in ("in nice weather").  The technological and safety advances, and creature comforts of the new Charger are nothing short of amazing.  If you can get over the four doors, and I'm sure some may never, it is a great car that you will thoroughly enjoy driving EVERYDAY.  And it is available in some really cool colors!

Now that the Challenger concept is out, I think we all have something new to look forward to.  And by the way, the last time I checked with my friends at the Brampton Assembly Plant, Charger production is still maxed out, with no incentives whatsoever, not even Employee Choice is available on it!

The new Charger is way closer to what we have all wanted than I had ever thought possible.  It is a decent sized car, with RWD, 4 engines available, including two Hemis, and fantastic performance in all categories; safety, perfomance, braking, steering & handling, etc etc.

I didn't really care about the Mustang back then, and I don't really care about it now.  I've driven the new Mustang, and thought the retro styling was really cool, it is just not the car for me.  It was in a different market than the Charger back then, just as it is now.  You want a "Mustang-like" retro 2-Door Mopar, then let's cross our fingers for the new Challenger!!!!!

Mike

[phat69charger]

69Charger500, I'm sure most of us all agree with what you stated, the new Charger's main problem is the extra doors and if it didn't have those extra doors, I think a lot of the classic charger owners and people in gerenal would recieve it a lot better than it has been recieved.

Your inside perspective and insight is something that alot us would never know about, so thank you for that.

I'm sure that the little man was speaking loud and clear to the heads of DCX about four doors, and they probably are listening a little more than they did when he was talking about four doors on the charger.

I think DCX kinda missed the advertising boat with the remake of the dukes of hazzard coming out, I don't know what type of car class you would classify the older chargers as but, it didn't come with four doors.

I think no one associates a sports car, a cool car, or a muscle car with four doors, and I think that DCX realizes that now and for a car to be appealing or what ever you would call it, two doors seem to be more appealing, I associate 4 doors with a family car.

Let us all cross our fingers and hope that DCX now stays on track with what they have surely realized we want, Two doors.

[Charger_Fan]

Personally, from a new car standppoint, I don't mind the look of the car overall. It's got some styling cues that look much better than most of the other mundane offerings out there, same with the 300 & the Magnum...I really like both those cars too. I'm also happy that these cars have some strong drivetrains available too, makes them as tough as they look.
My only problem is with the haphazard decision to slap the Charger name on it. No matter which pair of rose-colored glasses you're viewing it though, it's still NOT a Charger!
If they decided to slap a Challenger badge on it, the feeling would remain the same & you'd have people up in arms over that name too. The Charger name should have never been something that they figured they could just "recycle" without so much as another passing thought.

This new Challenger however (& you must agree) really does signify an appropriate use of the Challenger name. However, if they put this new Chally into production...and decided to instead call it an Aries for example, it would be equally as asinine as slapping the Charger name on the 4-door, like they did.

From a purely 'car guy' standpoint, the '06 in SRT trim is a car that someone with a need for speed would be happy with...it's just no Charger.

[694spdRT]

While shopping around for another truck for work I had the opportunity to ask about the new Charger last week. I had no interest in buying one and told them that flat out. After a little talking the three dealers I went to all gave me an honest opinion. The Charger's, and to a lesser extent the Magnum's, have not been selling very good....the 300's are doing great.

One dealer in a smaller city has 9 Charger's on the lot...most are Hemi's and one is a Daytona. They regretted way over estimating the demand and would have sold me any one, including the Daytona, for cost. Another had to cut a deal on floorplanning with Chrysler to get a black Hemi R/T and now over 4 months later it is still sitting on the lot. I asked him if he was keeping it around to generate orders...he laughingly said "NO, I want it gone".

It may be my area or the rather poor car market now but, the 300's are still selling and the Charger's are not. Like other's have said it is not a bad car and to be honest I don't care a whole lot about it anymore....it simply just did not live up to all the expectations generated from the hype.

[Shakey]

There's one born every minute!   

[Nacho-RT74]

I didn't read all the replys and won't do it, but after read ( well just overlook ) this:

Because the said template was 35 years old. Cars that sold well 35 years ago do not necissarlily sell well now.

   
"2005 Mustang is Hottest Selling Car in the US

Author: 2005 Mustang (more...)

FORD TO INCREASE MUSTANG PRODUCTION TO MEET RUNAWAY CONSUMER DEMAND


* Ford will increase Mustang production to 192,000 in 2005 â€" 80,000
more than in 2004

* 2005 Mustang is the hottest-selling car in the industry

* Nearly one out of every two sports cars sold in U.S. is a Mustang "

http://www.carmemories.com/cgi-bin/viewexperience.cgi?experience_id=957


"Ford recently announced that to meet consumer demand for the 2005 Ford Mustang, it will take production to more than 192,000 units in 2005 - an increase of more than 58 percent, or 80,000 units, from the previous year."

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/artman/publish/2005_Mustang_Pulls_With_All_Its_Muscle.shtml

HA!! AND THEY   SAID THERE WEREN'T MARKET FOR TWO DOORS


Guys EVEN DOWN HERE I have seen several imported Mustangs on severals cities( the aren't being assemblied here ) and we are is a critical economical situation... still no Chargers ( although a cousin told me that saw one JUST ONE )... just a Magnum and still is on a dealer.

BTW the way New mustangs are being sold on an "used" market website very popular here ( www.tucarro.com ). Of course they are not used, just bought by some importer and selling inmediatly. I have seen mustang for shorts time periods there.

AH!!! and the Magnum is also on the website, SINCE 6 MONTHS or maybe more. I know where is that dealer and pass in front of it frequently... DO YOU THINK I HAVE HAD AT LEAST CURIOSITY TO SEE IT ?... maybe some day.

Hummers ( H2 and H3 ), laters Mercedes, BMWs, etc... are being sold and Magnum is still there.

[Nacho-RT74]

2 notes more...

1- I have seen people everyday posing at a side of my car and taking pics, same attitud when they see maybe a new mustang... DO YOU THINK THEY WOULD DO IT AT A SIDE OF A SEDAN ? yes, maybe is is an oldie 40s or 50s car or a limo...

2-I saw a Chrysler dealer here selling the last generation T-Bird convertable... HELLOOOOOOO!!! A HOT PHORD ON A CHRYSLER DEALEEEEER.  Maybe because Chrysler doesn't have a hot car ? do you think ?

[Nacho-RT74]

sorry the continuos reply, but ideas come into my mind continuouslly because the furious:

Have you noticed that:

1-Mustang, GT40 and rest of new Phords are being desinged by young and on mostly of cases foreigner people ? ( a ricer on the mustang team, and a Serbian or something like that on the GT40 ).

2-Only pics of Chrysler desiners team is old people and from USA... anyway not complete sure about this last.

I think USA Cars market is losting his identity and hardly keeped by foreigner ppl. Althought is also true that USA was built with foreigner ppl, but they ( you ) went step by step making the USA identity. Is not a political idea, becarefull, is just something to keep in mind.

[DodgeDan]

So..... you based your decision on the opinions of just 6 members?  You only gave the thread an hour and a half...  Either you already had your mind made up, and were looking to stir the pot a little, or you could be from the LX forums.  They like coming over here to troll a little from time to time....  Something smells fishy about this post.

no troll - i was really under the impression that the community was more positive for the new charger... from reading this group(and not only this post) and some others, i am beginning to see real Charger enthusiasts will not buy the new Charger.. i just wanted to confirm your thoughts... and anyway, this car (challenger) will be 100% for weekend and fun time usage. Something I would own for 30+ years.

[chargerboy69]

While shopping around for another truck for work I had the opportunity to ask about the new Charger last week. I had no interest in buying one and told them that flat out. After a little talking the three dealers I went to all gave me an honest opinion. The Charger's, and to a lesser extent the Magnum's, have not been selling very good....the 300's are doing great.

One dealer in a smaller city has 9 Charger's on the lot...most are Hemi's and one is a Daytona. They regretted way over estimating the demand and would have sold me any one, including the Daytona, for cost. Another had to cut a deal on floorplanning with Chrysler to get a black Hemi R/T and now over 4 months later it is still sitting on the lot. I asked him if he was keeping it around to generate orders...he laughingly said "NO, I want it gone".

It may be my area or the rather poor car market now but, the 300's are still selling and the Charger's are not. Like other's have said it is not a bad car and to be honest I don't care a whole lot about it anymore....it simply just did not live up to all the expectations generated from the hype.

I agree. My best friend owns a Dodge Chrysler dealer. I spoke with him this week. He has a dozen Chargers sitting on his lot. People are not even looking at them. They are selling the $%!# out of the Ram trucks and the 300's. All are local Dodge lots are the same way. They can not sell the new Charger.

As a side not he also owns a Ford dealership. It is right across the street from his Dodge dealer. He cannot keep the new Mustangs in stock.

[bull]

Although the car is still the subject of some controversy over the four door styling, I challenge the true Mopar enthusiasts to get behind the wheel of a 2006 R/T, Daytona, or better yet, an SRT Charger.   Just try to keep that same grin off your face that you get when you drive your vintage Charger or Challenger, and the same pride of driving a truly unique and exciting vehicle.

That's fine but much the same can be said about most new performance cars today. The fact remains that until now Dodge never made a four-door Charger and those of us who know what a Charger is don't recognize trhis car as being one. All you guys had to do was name it something else and there wouldn't be any controversy at all. If it was a Coronet it would be fine, but as it stands I consider the car an ugly POS no matter how fast it is.

The technological and safety advances, and creature comforts of the new Charger are nothing short of amazing.   If you can get over the four doors, and I'm sure some may never, it is a great car that you will thoroughly enjoy driving EVERYDAY.   And it is available in some really cool colors!

Same with my buddy's Supra. Big deal.

Now that the Challenger concept is out, I think we all have something new to look forward to.   And by the way, the last time I checked with my friends at the Brampton Assembly Plant, Charger production is still maxed out, with no incentives whatsoever, not even Employee Choice is available on it!

That's BS. They are offering incentives on the Charger, according to the radio commercials.

The new Charger is way closer to what we have all wanted than I had ever thought possible.   It is a decent sized car, with RWD, 4 engines available, including two Hemis, and fantastic performance in all categories; safety, perfomance, braking, steering & handling, etc etc.

And ugly, don't forget ugly. Man, you've really bit off a big chunk of company BS. Oh well, do or die I guess.

[472 R/T SE]

Welcome to the forum DodgeDan. 

I would say it matters what you plan on doing with the car.  Do you have a  family and need the extra doors?

If you planning on using the car to tote your family around, I'd say it's a great family rig for the hot rod Dad.  My mom has a black RT for a demo and it was a nice little car when we were there at Christmas.  She says they're not selling a lot of the Charger's and that the 300's are still selling real well.  Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to test drive the Charger. 
I wish they wouldn't have named it a Charger but I'm not gonna make a big deal out of it.  I don't go out of my way to look at the name badge on a daily driver before I get in it. 
I'd rather have a 300 but since the Charger's aren't selling very well, I'd try to acquire a smokin' deal on a Charger.  When springtime rolls around, by then the dealer's will have been tired of them sitting on their lots and I'm sure the deals will follow.

Problem is no matter how appealing it is or isn't to some, there's no residual value on them if you ever decide to sell or trade.   That could put you upside down right off the bat.

[TK73]

Personally I like the new Magnum sedans... still waiting on DCX to build a Charger

[phat69charger]

Tell them like it is Bull

I just sent DCX a link to this post, I hope that someone that's running things see's this, so they really get the picture instead of some BS sales report, here's what people really think.

[69Charger500]

I guess nobody remembers these???  We do build a sports car for those who want something different than a Mustang, and don't want four doors!

[hemihead]

The 06 Creed is a product of a failed abortion,and that's all I have to say about that 

[Dave22443]

A Viper?   I don't know about you guys, but a Viper is way outside my budget.   Besides, I look at a Viper as being a de-tuned race car thats been made street legal.   The Mustang is the common mans performance pony.   Vipers are for the Rich and Famous only.   

Personally, I think most of you guys are giving the new Charger a bad rap.   I've checked one out at my local dealer and was pretty impressed.   Yes, it has four doors, but as big as the interior is and with two children, I don't really mind.   I mean, lets see...   I can drive a new 4 door high performance family sedan that just happens to have the same name as the classic '68 sitting in my garage, or I can drive the Town&Country mini-van.   The Charger still has plenty of room for my family of four, is a heck of lot better looking then my mini-van, a hell of a lot more fun to drive and the Hemi powered Charger (no, not the SRT) gets better gas milage to boot!

Okay, maybe Charger isn't the name they should have stuck on the car, but it won't stop me from buying one (which until I saw the Challenger, was practically a done deal).   Personally, I don't understand why they didn't name the new station wagon the "Polara" or "Manaco" and named the new Charger "Magnum" instead?

Besides, I can't help but wonder about the new Charger after seeing the new Challenger.   With a little sheet metal work, a new grill and some retro tail lights... Maybe we could have a retro-Charger after all?   Even in two door?   Maybe its not too late?   Is it?

What say DCX?   

[ChargerBill]

Bull, you said man..

• Incentives ARE being offered to consumers on Chargers, and we have already heard from Andy who actually SELLS for Dodge that the dealers are offered discounts if they order more inventory, and I have read about it in a couple different places online. This is done to ARTIFICIALLY boost the production figures that corporate publishes. So, yes...the statement about no incentives WAS BS.

• Also, it's NOT a 4 door thing for everyone...it's an UGLY thing. The Creeder is NOT a Charger..it's a soccer mom sedan. I could buy a Galant and get the same amount of doors AND ugly for a lower price, or ANY other sedan on the market for that matter. The Charger doesn't really stand out except that it shamefully bastardizes a legendary nameplate...proof that the Gernmans know nearly NOTHING about American nostalgia.

Those corporate memos MUST come with monetary incentives, I mean it's almost like the nazi movement all over again...seriously. Every time I read DCX apologists they're chanting the same brainwashed mantra over and over again...almost verbatim. maybe they're being threatened that they BETTER defend DCX or else - why else would anyone willingly regurgitate all this lame DCX propaganda BS?

[Ghoste]

69charger500, when you started working on the car 5 years ago, did you know then that it was to be a replacement for the Charger?  Or was it just a four door mid size Intrepid replacement without a name at the time?  I ask because I wonder A) if you were initially put off by the styling and B) if they created the car first and then decided to cash in on the name that marketing said most people in shopping mall surveys recognized?
Not being sarcastic, my questions are serious even though I am firmly NOT a fan of the Euro-charger.

[ChargerBill]

I'm curious too, but we may not get a straight answer...he does have to keep his job afterall.   loose lips sink ships...

I tend to believe that this was the case:

B) if they created the car first and then decided to cash in on the name that marketing said most people in shopping mall surveys recognized?

Because not much else makes sense...

[69Charger500]

Let's just say that in the design/development process of a vehicle, there are a lot of things up in the air which do not affect testing and early development.   Later, when a car begins to take on an "identity," it is further tuned and developed to match that identity and market.

OK. I'll clarify (not worried about my job).  Brand and name recognition are a huge part of this business, and this business is VERY competitive right now.  Targeting the right market is crucial to keeping a plant running at capacity.  If the powers-that-be thought a two-door Charger would have done that (and maybe it would have), then a two door Charger it would have been.  My job, along with the rest of the engineering community, is to execute whatever program is given to us in as professional and successful a manner as possible.  The Team that was responsible for that is very happy with the car, and there are many, many enthusiasts among us.

Not everybody likes everything.  Would I have liked a real retro Charger??  You bet I would.  Do I like the new Charger??  Very much...  It is a fantastic car, and I look forward to getting one, hopefully soon...  Make mine an SRT in Sublime...

[Ghoste]

Fair enough.  Thanks.