Wild Colors Live On… Introducing Furious Fuchsia! |
 
|
Posted on February 11, 2010
Debuting at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, Dodge celebrates the memory of one of the wildest OEM paint codes in history and the 40th birthday of the fearsome Challenger with the addition of “Furious Fuchsia” to the ordering sheet. Significantly darker (though no less ostentatious) than the original hue, Furious Fuchsia calls upon the rich – if not short-lived – legacy of Panther Pink combined with innovations in paint technology to create its own unique place in the Challenger’s history books. Furious Fuchsia further distinguishes itself from the older, brighter tone with its limited availability, as it will be offered exclusively on Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and only 400 Challenger SRT8 models.
In addition to the fierce exterior presence, each Furious Fuchsia model will also feature complimenting interior accents including Pearl White performance seats with Furious Fuchsia accented stripe and, in SRT8 models, an exclusive dash-mounted plated distinguishing the vehicle as only one of 400. Despite the extensive aesthetic overhaul, powertrains for both models will remain unchanged and as such, the R/T Classic will continue to boast a 376 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine while the SRT8 will sport its fabled 425-horsepower 6.1-liter HEMI V-8. Pricing for the sharp new models will be $35,140 and $45,150, respectively, and as mentioned above, both editions will be available for order at dealerships across the U.S. in March.
Apr 23, 2010 @ 22:42:42
Sublime, what do you think about all the no responces to our questions. I read alot of really good questions but never do I see an answer from the Boys. Do ya think if a certain smart $ss on this blog knew about a Govt. businees that WASN”T buying DODGE do you think they might want to talk to me then. And I do know who it is and no they don’t buy Dodge.
Apr 23, 2010 @ 23:26:05
Tracy, I just read an article that they want to make the Sebring in Italy and ship it to the US. I don’t trust these FIAT boys. They are going to be looking out for their country and use Chrysler and spit them out like Daimler did. We are loyal mopar fans, however, if all the cars are going to be made outside the country then I really am going to have to buy vintage mopar muscle and quit buying the new stuff. They better make some announcements that show they are still trying to help Chrysler, however, I have seen nothing which means they are up to something. They are probably going to try and make it look good and then sell Chrysler to someone else or just take over their plants and dealerships. The secrecy about everything is a real bad thing and you know they are up to something. They have not shared anything about their master plan except that they are going to make Fiat 500s in Mexico which are mainly going to be sold in Brazil. They may upgrade the Charger and the 300 but all we have seen is a present day Charger covered in black leather. I really don’t see much difference then the one they currently have. I hope to God they are not up to something but it sure is looking bad, real bad.
Apr 23, 2010 @ 23:35:22
Tracy, Fiat means junk in America and they are going to have a hard time pedaling their crap. That Fiat 500 looks like a piece of flimsy sh@t that won’t hold up in any crash test. I think the Smart car looks safer. Fiat left a horrible impression when they brought the worst made cars in the world to the US and everyone remembers that. They better realize that they need to focus on improving the Chrysler/Dodge lineup and forget trying to pedal those funny European looking things. I like the idea of fuel efficient engines but their designs look funky. It will be interesting to see if people will buy them. I just hope that they are not up to something. Hopefully, they will see the big picture in that they need to help each other so they can make a profit. Sharing is good, unlike the Daimler total control method which wasn’t good for either car maker in the long term. Don’t let us down Sergio, do the right thing and both companies will be very profitable.
Apr 24, 2010 @ 00:37:43
Sublime you’re right, Fiat wasn’t making good cars for the U.S. market 30 yrs ago do we really think it has changed? They should concentrate on Dodge/ Chrysler and not worry about selling Fiat’s here in the States. GM owns Saab and what a pile of crap those things are. The US cars CO’s just don’t get it I’m afraid, at least Ford didn’t get a bailout. It’s a shame they won’t listen to our idea’s or at least answer our questions. we seem to go over this all the time here and it’s still the same. What happened to the Chrysler family, did they all die or did they sell? If they are alive why can’t they get control again and build some great cars for the U.S. market. I just hate it when a foriegn Co. ownes an American Co. The profits have to be leaving the U.S. I would think.
Apr 24, 2010 @ 10:21:02
Geez, I step away to drive my car for a few days and there is a million posts to read! I’ll comment, once I get caught up!
Apr 24, 2010 @ 16:53:13
Hi I’m Richard Petty and this is my son Kyle Petty, we’re here to invite you all down to your nearest Dodge dealer to have a look at the new Dodges. Right now Dodge is offering some great deals on all of their cars and trucks, so come on down and take a test drive today. For every dollar put down up to $3000.00 Dodge will match, and this money will go to The Victory Junction Gang in your name as a tax deduction. Now why can’t we see a commercial like this on TV, and why can’t their advertising agency come up with an easy idea like this. Wow it wasn’t that hard, and I didn’t even have too go to collage to come up with that idea. Tracy
Apr 24, 2010 @ 17:17:54
Hello my name is Ralph Gilles and I’m the CEO of Dodge. I would like to extend an invitation to everyone to come down to your nearest Dodge dealer and see what is new and exciting. We have the new Challenger which was just voted the best car that people would buy again and recommmend to their friends and family. The Texas truck of the year in the new Dodge Ram 2500? We are building a better vehicle and we want you to come on by and take a look. We at Dodge know our vehicles are being built with the future in mind and that means you won’t have to worry about your Dodge even after your warranty expirers in fact if you have a problem with your car, van or truck after it expirers we’ll replace the part for free for the next 12 month’s see dealer for details. Customer could pay labor. Theres another idea boys, have fun. Tracy
Apr 24, 2010 @ 18:48:59
Tracy & Sublime !
Well, come on now – Fiat manufauctures exellent automobiles – not to be compared to what they did 30 years ago !
The big difference in US and European automaking are development – The European makers have continiously developed and adapted to the market demands – The US makers continued to manufacture trucks because it was easy – lowtech – and profitable !
As we all know now small fuelefficient automobiles are the future and you should thank Mr. Macchione & Fiat Automobile that they actually want to save a US maker that they otherwise could have buried with their products. i have driven US- built vehicles since 1975 and I’m currently driving the only good thing that came out of The DC marriage – The 300C – allthough in a European version with a 3 litre M-B derived diesel. In this configuration the 300 delivers – with ease 35+ mpg on highways and performs almost as a 5.7.litre HEMI – you could ask why it is not sold in the US – personally I think that Daimler has banned it since it would compete with their E- class. I wrote Mr. Gilles that he should stuff the diesel in The Challenger – this would make it competitive abroad – and would probably boost sales in The US too – if it was to deliver 35 mpg and bigblock power. I am confident that Mr. Macchione is up to the the task – I mean nobody has been able to make money running Chrysler for past couple of decades so give the man a break – The Fiat 500 is a cute wellengineered little car with a lot of attitude – so just wait and see !
Swedane
Apr 24, 2010 @ 21:50:22
SweDane, you are correct. I think they do build a much better car today, however, Fiat needs to overcome their last attempt at the American market. It may be difficult because it is hard to change peoples perceptions. At any rate, I think the Fiat 500 looks a lot racier than the VW bug and the Smart car so maybe it wil have a chance if it isn’t overpriced. The cheap Korean cars are taking over the market so they may be getting in too late with the Fiats. We shall see. I hope not for Chrysler’s sake.
Apr 24, 2010 @ 23:09:42
Hello guys, was reading in Muscle Car Review May 2010, and according to Galen Govier in 1970 Plum Crazy was the single most popular color for the 70 R/T Challengers at 22.2%. Now if these numbers are correct then why wouldn’t Dodge not want to build the Challenger for longer periods in the high impact colors, and build them on all models, SE, R/T and SRT8. I know that a small % of cars built in these colors will help keep their resale value high, so build the R/T and SRT8 in the limited numbers and build more of the SE models for the customer who can’t aford the freight on an R/T or SRT8. Tracy
Apr 24, 2010 @ 23:35:36
Tracy, Mopars will always be worth money 20 or 30 years from now because they have always been overpriced and therefore are made in limited numbers. They should wait until next year to offer the SEs in cool colors because it will have a better motor with more horsepower and they may offer it with a turbo and get over 300 horsepower. If you are going to charge more than you better have a better car than the competition.
Apr 25, 2010 @ 00:10:55
Sublime, I have to agree,next year would be good as it seems alot of people want an SE but with the cool colors. Yes they do seem to always bring the big money when you see one for sale. I remember calling a guy in 1982-84? about a 1969 or 1968 Hemi Road Runner that he was selling for $2500.00 but he was keeping the Hemi. I passed because without the engine it didn’t seem like a good deal to me. I failed on that one now didn’t I.Oh well when you’re 22 -23 yrs old you don’t think about the future now do you. I knew it was a cool car but if it didn’t run I didn’t need it. Oh well, I find something cool some day that will make up for it in one way or another. The all important barn find ya know. Well good talking to you. Tracy
Apr 25, 2010 @ 00:27:00
Tracy, maybe they will upgrade the paint shop at Brampton by then. Maybe they will be able to paint more than 10 colors a year. Maybe they will just do something. There is never any new material for these blogs. I guess they have to wait until something new is just about to come out. If they don’t the other car makers are quicker to the gate. Have you noticed how they are flattening the roof of the new VW bug and the new Toyota Scion looks just like the Fiat 500. I can see why they are keeping a tight lip about everything.
Apr 25, 2010 @ 00:31:33
I don’t really pay to much attention to either or those cars. If I see one I look as it drives by but I don’t read much about the foreign stuff.
Apr 25, 2010 @ 00:35:39
Most of what I read is on old muscle cars and Corvettes. And the Challenger, I feel if your going to buy something you should reseach all you car before buying,if not then the saleman is going to be in control of your perchase and not you.
Apr 25, 2010 @ 00:40:34
Tracy, I don’t either I just can’t believe how badly the japs and nazis copy everything. I still can’t believe that no one remembers all of the people that died in WWII at the hands of these nations. Then we buy their cars and all the money goes to help their workers. Did you know that only 30% of the profits come back to America if you buy a Japanese car that was assembled in America when 60-80% of the profits come back to America if you buy one from the big three. For every manufacturing job lost in the US, 20 other support jobs are lost. People just don’t get it. We will never pay back our debt if we don’t support our people.
Apr 25, 2010 @ 00:52:44
Ya Sublime you are so right. But now we live (are we living )in a PC time and it plan sucks. I’m real big on buy American. I have been that way for a long time but having been in the Army for 5 yrs really made me look at things in the car buying world differently. They think that driving arould in a BMW makes you cool when if fact you have just wasted a big chunk of your money. It’s a shame that so much money goes back over sea’s when the work is done here but you can thank the politicos for that mess along with their lobbyiests. They all suck, and they’ll never understand the everyday man in this country.
Apr 25, 2010 @ 01:14:32
Indyrider, hey man nice pics on facebook of you and the car. Have you finished with your Mopar bucks? Hope you enjoy that challenger for a long time. Plum Crazy is a great color, sure wish I could get one but my time will come. Have fun. Tracy
Apr 25, 2010 @ 16:38:35
Well, guys aren’t we leaving the topic now ?
This is a color discussion – not politics !
And, please – Do not refer to the People Of Japan & Germany as ” Japs ” and ” Nazis ” – most of the population in these countries weren’t born during WWII !
The fact of the matter are that various brass in the former ” Big Three ” never took the Compact or Small car serious – Fiat has made small cars for allmost a century – and yes they have also made crappy cars – but the cars they make today can equal the makes from Korea & japan with ease – they do so in Europe ! If you – as an American – are in the market for a tiny car wouldn’t you rather buy a car where you knew that some of the money were reinvested in Chrysler ?
I am – within a few months – going to replace my 300 C with a new Challenger – I had the oppertunity to testdrive a Torred 2010 SRT-8 with a 6-speed Tremec – and I cannot recognize a poor quality paint job – I have later checked a couple of 2008 -9 Challys – they seem to have an okey paint job too !
I am biased to US-muscle and I see a lot of Beemers & Audis – I do not find the paintjobs better than the Challengers – so if the paintshop at Brampton are old and rundown – they do a good job hiding that fact !
I do now that 50G’s are a lot of money for a car – but if you compare to an S or RS Audi & AMG Benz – its a bargain ! A C-class AMG will set you back an additional 20-25G’s – not to mention the cost of maintenance og a German “Musclecar” !
Now, regarding ” American Ingenuity ” its my belief that AMC showed how far you could stretch the dollar – they were virtually bankrupt for decades but same up with amazing cars anyway – just think about The Pacer & The Eagle – The Pacer design were way ahead of its time but AMC did not have a driveline to match it – The Eagle – an AWD Station Wagon – imagine how much people pay for the ” 4Matic” logo on their E-class tailgate !
Rest assured that Mr. Macchione are up to the job at hand – I’m convinced that he will do for Chrysler what he did for Fiat & Alfa Romeo in Europe !
SweDane
Apr 25, 2010 @ 17:58:06
SweDane, buy that Challeger now! This is my first purchase of an American car in awhile (full disclosure so folks know), and I have to say this car has renewed my faith in the US auto industry in general. Previous cars included, Porsche, Lexus, Nissan, and Ford, spanning 30 years.
I’m staying out of the politics, but I will say, give a hard look at everything, before making a decision on anything. I’m glad I bought my Challenger, glad I could contribute to Dodge, and hope to continue by purchasing more of them in the future!
sublime and tracy, keep the posts coming. I will never get caught up, but enjoy reading your comments. And Tracy keep dropping the ideas!
Where are those impact color t shirts, to match the cars?
Apr 26, 2010 @ 00:35:31
SweDane, I am just referring to Daimler and Toyota as Nazis and Japs because they want to get even and be the supreme rulers of the car industry. I apologize for offending anyone. At any rate, I do hope Fiat is not like Daimler and is willing to see the long term picture and make money with Chrysler. I think the companies can be a really good mix and can make it happen. We have been lied to so many times before that we are skeptical. The conversation has drifted off the color subject because we are going nowhere in that respect. It may be offered this year or next year. It seems like no one has made a decision yet. Doesn’t really matter unless you like pink. You need to go to the dealer and test drive a Challenger. They are a blast to drive, especially one with a wild color scheme. Maybe sublime will come out next year and then you have to trade in your 300. You are right in that the paint isn’t too bad, but it could be better. Much better paint job than the old days. The car does get more looks than a Mercedes or Audi so who cares.
Apr 27, 2010 @ 17:57:40
Indycar & Sublime,
I would like to see the 2011 Challenger before I decide – having been behind the steering wheel of my 300 for almost 4 years does not entice me to look at the same steering wheel for the next 4 years. I hope that the 2011 models will get an interior upgrade – the 300 looks far better than the Charger/Challenger does. I have to admit that it is the outside that counts and as one editor wrote ” Mr. Castiglione must be bursting with pride ” refferring to the Challengers fantastic bodylines – way beyond the Camaro & Mustang.
At any rate – I will be driving a Challenger before the end of 2010 !
Now – regarding US supremacy in the car manufacturing business its quite evident if you take a market share poll from 1970 to present day that all 3 makers has gone one way – downhill !
This is not the Germans nor the Japanese makers fault – the only people to blame are those who ran all 3 makers to the ground believing that everybody needed a big 4WD pickup !
If you take a look at Alfa’s latest creation the Gulietta – you will see what Mr. Macchione & crew are capable of – this is not the DC merger rerun, SweDane
Apr 27, 2010 @ 20:29:45
SweDane, I made the move due to the timing on the financing offers, as well as the 2k in Mopar stuff. That was the deal maker for me, in lieu of waiting any longer.
Now my summer is all set up for rolling easy by the beach. Check out my pics on the flickr link within this site.
I’m thinking Dodge is going to turn it around this time, yeah its off topic, but I had to write something.
As for fuchsia, I imagine it will hit the block soon. Cannot go wrong with the PC though!
Saw an Orange SRT8 this weekend, with the black wheels (look very similar to the ones above) Very nice!
Apr 27, 2010 @ 20:40:07
SweDane, I think you are right. No one can rape and pillage like Daimler…most real car makers are looking long term now and I think that is what Sergio is doing. I think he has a lot of common sense so he should turn things around at Chrysler. They are really short on common sense and listening skills. As for small cars, it can’t get any worse because the only small car Dodge has is the Caliber and well, enough said. Regarding the 300, you shouldn’t have to drive a new car with the same old steering wheel. Hopefully, the interior makeover will make the Challenger even better. It can’t hurt. Everything no matter how good it is starts looking old after awhile. I would really like to see a T/A version or even some fake side scoops that they had on the lower quarter panels of the 71 Challengers. What the heck, do a 1971 grille and taillights remake. Nothing drastic, just a little different so people will buy a new one.
Apr 29, 2010 @ 17:11:41
SUBLIME & IndyRIDER !
Well, its seems that we are on the same page and have roughly the same perception – eventhough – I live in Scandinavia & you in The USA !
And that’s good !
Keeping in touch with the color topic I will probably go for a PC – had i 1970 R/T – SE in PC with white roof – an odd combination of speed & luxury – so it will be a trip back to my twenties and the late seventies to drive a PC Chally !
I really don’t mind the color at all the bodylines are so good that any color gives the Challenger credit – I only hope that the guys at the Brampton Plant keep up the good work – they do indeed build a fantastic musclecar !
Regarding the idea of doing a ” 1971″ – I’m not too keen on that idea – in the past the only thing that came out of facelifts was usually a poorer looking car – so just an interior update and maybe a 6.4 with fuel saving tech from the 5.7 !
SweDane
Apr 29, 2010 @ 21:55:55
Swedane,
Regarding the PC color, I’ve seen the RT, and have the SRT8, both offerings look incredible. A worthy alternative to waiting….
May 02, 2010 @ 22:41:17
Hey guys, has anyone heard about Furious Fuchsia yet? I’m putting my money on the 2011 as this seems like the most reasonable time table. As far as the color I would get the car in what ever the color you desire but waiting might bring the cost down some?? I see some of you want some changes made to the Challenger both inside and out, I’d be careful for what you wish for as Ford messed up the looks of the Mustang at the rear end and inside on the dash. I’d hate to see this happen to an already great looking car. It would be cool if Dodge let out some pics of what a new dash or taillight section might look like and let us tell them what we think. I mean the only reason the Camaro is being sold is that there are die hard Chevy guys out there that have over looked how bad it looks and buy one any how. If the R/T was priced closer to the SS then more buyers would choose the Challenger as it looks sooo much nicer both inside an out. Tracy
May 03, 2010 @ 19:13:42
Ok here’s another idea for a ad/commercial. As the narrator is talking about how Dodge uses it’s past to build on the furture a Plum Crazy 1970 Challenger R/T comes into veiw as he keeps talking the Challenger keeps getting closer it morphs into a new Challenger same color and all. The narrator keeps talking about how great, cool , bitchin the new Challenger is and what you don’t know is the narrator is one of the Nascar drivers. He comes to a big smokin burn out kinda stop and gets out and invites everyone down to their local Dodge dealer for a test drive. Wow this is so easy way haven’t their ad agency thought of this stuff. Tracy
May 03, 2010 @ 23:04:52
Hello Dodge, glanced at the story at the top of the page and it still says that the two models for the Furious Fuchsia will be able to order from your dealerships in April. I would really consider changing this date as we all know by now that it is now happening. These type of glaring errors really make you look dumb, and you shouldn’t want to look dumb at this time. Dodge needs all the help it can get and you should want to hear from us your buyers and potential buyers. Gm’s CEO just made himself look like a idiot by saying that they have paid back their loan with interest, ops sorry no they still owe $46bil, and the Govt. owns 61% of GM. I really would suggest answering our questions, and yes I know that I’ve been a real smart ass on here and have run my mouth. But it pi$$es us off that you can’t or won’t even answer a few questions. Don’t forget that we are the ones who pick to buy and drive your product we could as easily buy a used Challenger and that would be one less NEW CAR YOU WOULD SELL. I’m still amazed that you have not asked for the contact info about where I used to work and their lack of buying Dodge vehicles. Oh well your lose not mine. Tracy
May 05, 2010 @ 23:38:17
Hey Dodge, sure is quite on the boards. All the silence is just out of control. Don’t forget that when you guys were polishing your leather chairs with your back side I helped out IndyRider fined his car and it only took me about 20 mins. Now Mark Mallie did say thanks to me and you are welcome. I know this wont get anwsered but it’s fun to dream ya know. Honestly the more you don’t say is a big indicator that you guys really don’t give a F**K. Sorry but thats the way it is. Well some day we aren’t going to give one either, and your cars well sit on the lots unsold because Dodge didn’t care about their customers and what was once a BIG name in auto making is nothing more then a memory. Think Plymouth,Pontiac, Oldsmobile. Tracy
May 13, 2010 @ 16:10:36
I like the new color. I wish I could get the paint code to paint my 74 this color. If not soon to be Panther Pink.
May 15, 2010 @ 18:50:19
Tracy, It’s good that you helped Indyrider in finding his new Challenger !
Now, having said that – it’s really not the manufacturers job to locate cars – that’s
what dealerships does for a living !
I do know that a lot of dealerships are unwilling and that you almost have to drag the sales person out of his office – this may have to do with the fact that many of those are beginning to get old and still remember ” the good old days ” !
As we all know those are long gone and Sergios productline are being upgraded to a standard unknown to ChryCorp before !
I do agree that it is odd that we don’t see anything on the 2011 Challenger – I would very much like to see the dash and the powerrating for the 6.4 !
This do not have much bearing in the paint dept. but I think it is important that The Dodge Boys knows that they do have true followers and prospects if they are up to their task.
SweDane
May 15, 2010 @ 20:21:27
SweDane, yes it would be nice if we knew anything about any of the new vechicles that Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep is releasing. I haven’t even heard anything about the new Grand Cherokee that is coming out to dealers in June. There are hardly any posts being released on this website. You would think Dodge is on the verge of bankruptcy again. At any rate, I finally broke in my car with over 1,500 miles and maybe Dodge programs the computers that control the engine so it won’t go fast until you break it in. The reason I say this is because it is a lot more responsive now and it redlines at a much higher RPM. Maybe it is something they did when they had that lifetime powertrain warranty. The more I drive the car the more I love it. The Plum Crazy purple Classic R/T turns heads everywhere I go and I am the only one in a town of over 100,000 that has one. The car just looks great sitting in the driveway. I would put it in the garage but all my neighbors love to stare at it when they drive by. You would not believe all the cars that slow down when they go by house. It has become so much safer for my kids to play outside since the cars don’t race by anymore. Pictures do not do the Challenger justice. It looks so much better in person and you can even admire the curved sides that look flat in the photos. I was never going to purchase one with a gray interior and then I got inside a new one and noticed that they have a “dark gray” interior which is really black if you see it in person. The car just feels right when you sit in it and drive it. The sound system is unbelieveable and stays crystall clear without any rattles at 300+ watts. Of course, the best thing is the sound of the motor when you get on it. The new Challenger is by far the best car, that can seat at least four, that has come out from Dodge since the early 70s. By the way, I saw a new RAM Bighorn commerical today and thought it looked good. I also liked the commercials for the minivans where they are getting chased and it shows that they have every feature known to mankind. I think Dodge is on the right track, we are just eager to see some new products. It has been a long time coming.
May 16, 2010 @ 00:21:55
SweDane, you are most likey correct,the deal should be helping out on these issues. The thing is that it’s so maddening that when someone posts a question/problem here all you get is silence. Read some of the post under Hemi Orange and super track pac by Alexander, he must have been on for a week or more before someone from RLD came on and had him contact them directly. Now here’s a guy that is super pissed off and noone seemed to care. The dealer lied to him and now he’s gone, he’ll tell everyone he knows what he thinks about Dodge and he’ll buy from GM or FORD from now on. I guess we are just not use to so much inaction by Dodge on this forum,ask a good question and all you get is nothing. Oh well thats the they want to do things fine. Tracy
May 16, 2010 @ 00:30:43
Tracy, I have watched these posts for the last two years and RLD rarely gets involved. They need to be more proactive if they want to keep and attract new customers. Fix whatever issues a customer has because over the long term you will retain customers. Dodge and most of its dealerships only think short term and once they sell you a car then you are on your own. That is not good for repeat business and before you know it your market share dwindles away to almost nothing. Sergio needs to have a directive come down from the corporate headquarters informing all of their dealers that they will fix almost anything unless it looks really suspicious. Even taking a loss for awhile will retain customers and attract new ones.
May 16, 2010 @ 08:55:12
As I posted on Alexander’s thread, I had a potential nightmare with my new car, but I was lucky enough to have folks who cared enough to help solve the problem. How about some independent auditing of the current dealers, to see how things are working from sales to service?
May 16, 2010 @ 11:49:49
Sublime & Tracy,
Well, the problem may be that the CJD dealers for many years did not know what was going to happen on the business day – who owned ChryCo !
I mean the DC years wasn’t ” primetime ” and the problem may be that the dealers are so used to ” daily survival ” that they simply has forgotten how to sell a quality product. The LX/LY platform and bodies may be among the best ever made i ChryCo history – but if you get used the sell ” PT Shit & Calibers ” the 300 – Charger – Challenger customers are a completely diffe rent breed – I simly don’t believe that ” The Dodge Boys ” understand this – on the other hand I am certian that Sergio will prevail and – as Fiat – have a bright future – what we see and par ticipate in as customers are a period of transition – going from selling 3rd grade automobiles
to ones that can compete with The Germans ! i work in the truck business and we are selling the most valued brand of trucks – Scania – a swedish truck manufacturer – the after market are extremely valued and we are compared to Toyota – meaning that every aspect of the deal must be topnotch – maybe Sergio need’s to do the same with ChryCo !
SweDane
May 16, 2010 @ 21:07:49
SweDane, why do we have to compete with the Germans. All their stuff is over enginered and Daimler gave it a shot at running Chrysler and they blew it. Until Chrysler does something to bring buyers back and keep them coming back they will always be the three in the big three. They’ve been there forever and they’ll stay there forever. Lots of people are brand loyal but I am not, I like American brands and when they build a great looking and proforming car and the research comes back on a positive note then thats the one to buy. I can’t figure out why anyone would buy a Toyota right now with the problems they have had, other then brand loyalty. Think of it another way, if Dodge or Chevy, started to have a problem with a car just burning up for no reason and you wanted to buy one, how long would you wait until doing so? Me I’d wait an awful long time, at least a year so as to be sure the problem has been ironed out. But people were going down and buying Toyotas during their problems, why because of brand loyalty. American car Co’s started to take a hit in the mid 70′s to early 80′s because they thought they could build junk cars and no matter what brand loyalty would keep people coming back. Well guess what happened, people started to look at what was coming out of Japan and said to themselves all I hear is good about these Jap cars so I’m going to buy one and find out for myself, and they have stayed with the Japanese ever since. Oh well thats my take on things. Tracy
May 16, 2010 @ 21:47:49
SUBLIME, I get exactly the same reaction with my PC R/T. Everyone wants to stop and look, in fact last week my wife and I were waiting to make a right turn at a red lite and this one chic was looking so hard at the car she blew the red lite…..fortunately no one was in the intersection ! I too just broke 1500 miles and it does seem that the car has really come alive.
ALL : FYI – Chrysler corp is now doing independent audits of every dealer with their new “customer care standards”- very tight guidelines and they tied money to it so ALL the dealers are paying attention…..ALSO
the word to keep upcoming product info very close to the vest came directly from Sergio, that is why no upcoming product info is leaking out…he wants people to see the stuff when it is available for sale, not ahead of time….different philosophy than we are used to, kinda like it was in the 50s and early 60s when they papered up the dealership front windows and had new car unveiling event and party….those were exciting times. I am told another reason is for last minute changes and updates ( to make sure they get it right the first time)
May 17, 2010 @ 18:13:30
Tracy,
Well, I don’t think that the US car corp’s have to compete withThe German’s – it’s only that they set the standard these days and others are eager to follow – just take a look at Audi and then take a look at a 10 year old Audi – they were not that appealing !
As far as the ” Big Three ” are concerned it’s easy to see that they have neglected the customers since the mid-seventies – just take a look at marketshare – GM used to own the US market – see where they are now !
My point is that all three makers were run by managements who were in for The Instant Kill moneywise – and eventually lost when John D. Public got tired of Suburbans !
All makers built trucks – easy money – low/no tech – and they did not see what hit them until too late – I only hope that the US motorcar industry will rise to former glory – I actually believe that Sergio can pull it off – allthough I not that sure with GM – The Camaro are not a very pleasing sight to behold – nor is The Mustang – The Challenger are a bullseye hit and with an interior to match the outside and a 500 hp 6.4 litre HEMI – it’s perfect !
Now if they stuffed a diesel in The Challenger …..!
SweDane
May 18, 2010 @ 19:50:53
I know when I picked up my Challenger the dealer said the new Grand Cherokee is in complete stealth mode, no information coming out, until the wrapped up cars show up at the lots.
If it looks as good as the challenger, its worth keeping it a secret.
Sublime and Flames said it best on the challenger compliments. Everyone I meet loves the car, and says the challenger is the coolest retro offering on the market.
On a different note, added the CAI recently, and the sound has gotten even better when applying a little pressure to the gas pedal.
May 18, 2010 @ 20:38:29
IndyRider, that cold air intake is wild. My God, when I hit it down it makes a howl like my six pack Superbird. The car used to be a little sluggish but that Mopar CAI really woke it up. Runs great! I had to drive it 600 miles to Tulsa and back to Dallas and it got great gas mileage with the MDS. It passes cars from 60 to 120 in a matter of seconds. You really have to watch it because it goes a lot faster than it feels. The 3.08 gears are really great on the highway. I now see why they put that gear in the automatics. For one thing it gives you a much higher top end without running too many RPMs and secondly it prevents the MDS from being too jerky. When the MDS kicks in and says ECONO MODE on the dash, you can feel a little jerk and it feels like you hit the brakes. It also makes the sound like my 4.10 gears do in the bird when I let off the gas. I know Alexander was bummed about his Challenger, but there was a reason why they put those gears in the automatics since they have one less gear then the manuals. My car seems faster by the day and I always look forward to driving it. I can’t get over how good the sound system is in the car either. I just hate getting out of the car. I am going to have to change my blog name to PlumCrazy. At first I didn’t think I liked the purple, but it really grows on you and everyone else loves the color, especially die hard mopar fans and cute girls. Heck, I picked up one of my kids at the high school the other day and the cheer leaders were out front waiting to get a ride home and they were chanting, ” pur-ple, pur-ple, pur-ple” when I drove up. The next day they kept telling my son how cool his dads car looked. If you want to get noticed, buy a plum crazy Challenger…that’s all I got to say.
May 18, 2010 @ 23:48:42
I can hear it now, hey Dad can I use the Challenger tonight I got a hot date with this cheer leader and well I thought we’d go out to the lake and watch the duck hunters. Tracy
May 18, 2010 @ 23:50:12
Indy and Sublime(aka Mr.Plum Crazy) yes the purple is a great color.
May 19, 2010 @ 20:53:02
I too admit the Purple has grown on me. Even though green will always be my favorite color on a car, the PC Challenger gets a lot of love from the onlookers, and of course me.
Everytime I go out and look at the car, I have to smile. The plum brings out the body lines, specifically the roof line, in my opinion. Dodge did this one good, and its a hit in my books.
Its hard getting out of the car, and yes the CAI adds a new dimension to the sound.
I find myself dialing in some classic 70s tunes, rolling down the windows, and just rumbling down the road, for awhile. Vanishing Point time!
(disclaimer: I like all music, and no I haven’t looked for the disco channel on the Sirius)
yet….
May 22, 2010 @ 16:25:35
Nice color as is the Plum Crazy Purple ,
Ralph Gilles It’s just too bad that the New Dodge still lets their dealers do the old tricks Cutter Dodge here in Hawaii needs to make 25 k off of every sales they do will not buy ZERO from them.
58 K for a SRT while offering 10k less for my trade .
May 23, 2010 @ 06:48:35
Hello All!!!
I was reading about being notice in a plum crazy Challenger. Any Challenger will do… When I take my 08 silver out for a drive it still stops traffic (this going on two years)…. The Challenger is a magic carpet and I wish Dodge would push the car to the public more. On Wednesday May 19, I was driving the Richmond,Va area on business from 6:30 am to 6:30 am the next morning I seen 6 Camaros and 1 Challenger… You do the math….
Tazallen
May 23, 2010 @ 10:56:47
I’m hearing rumors of a challenger commercial spotting, but have yet to see anything. Don’t see too many challengers on the road yet….
May 24, 2010 @ 08:18:45
IndyRider,
Rumors are correct – there is a new Challenger commercial that just started airing. We will have it up on the Dodge YouTube channel shortly.
-RLD Staff
May 24, 2010 @ 17:32:28
Hello All!!!
I seen the new Chally ad, it is short and sweet and it is a good Start!!!! I wish Dodge would make a commercial/ ad with what CAR AND DRIVER said about the Challenger in the May 2009 edition,” Dodge Challenger,SRT 8, 425 hp, a night out with a Bangkok Hooker.”
TAZALLEN
May 24, 2010 @ 21:32:07
RLD, cannot wait to see the commercial, and did I mention how much I love my Challenger?
May 25, 2010 @ 09:30:28
Here you go as promised:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOukB0_5sEs
There will be others to follow and we will likely have a post up with all of them soon.
Great to hear you are enjoying the ride and love the pictures you have been posting on Flickr and Facebook – keep them coming!