Challenger Smack Talk: Chrysler takes shots at Mustang, Porsche and BMW

Posted: Feb 08, 2008
 Email 4 Comments
Challenger Smack Talk: Chrysler takes shots at Mustang, Porsche and BMW

Should we? Yes, I think we should definitely file this under our Funny Friday for today. Don’t get us wrong, we’re really impressed with the Dodge Challenger SRT8; it’s a great car. With power coming from a 6.1 liter HEMI V8 producing 425hp giving it the ability to do 0-60 in the low 5 second range, who wouldn’t be impressed by this retro muscle car.

But we can’t get enough of basic auto makers comparing themselves to ultimate luxuries like Porsche or BMW, or even classic cars like the Ford Mustang.

“We’d rather run like a thoroughbred than ride like a pony,” Frank Klegon, Chrysler vice president of product development, said at the unveiling of the Dodge Challenger SRT8 at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, taking a cheap shot at the Ford Mustang.

He also pointed out that the Challenger SRT8 has a top speed of 170mph, which is faster than the 500hp BMW M5 and that the 6.1 liter HEMI V8 produces more torque than a $126,200 Porsche 911 turbo. Now is that supposed to make us pick the Challenger over the M5 or the 911 turbo?

“When you sit inside, it makes you feel younger and richer than you are,” Jim Press said. Nope, still not working Press.

Can’t wait until the day Hyundai starts comparing itself to Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Gallery:

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challeger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challeger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challeger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challeger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2008_dodge_challenger_srt8_press_image030.jpg 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

 

Source: Detroit Free Press

[tags]Cars, Car, Auto, Automobile, Vehicles, Technology, Auto News, News, Automotive, Dodge[/tags]


Share |  Email  Print |

Tags:




Subscribe & Connect

Connect with us on any of our social profiles below.

Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter to receive updates.

  • Allen

    Lol, the only reason the Challenger is has a HIGHER TOP SPEED (not faster) is because it doesn’t have its limiter set to 155 like the M5. The M5, unlimited, has been proven to do up to 200mph, a much higher speed than the Challengers non-limited 170 mph.

    Also, in a drag race, despite the Chrysler 300C SRT-8s higher torque, the 507 hp of the M5 means it beats the 300C SRT8 in a drag race, and the (as heavy if not heavier) Challenger as well.

    Tough luck, but the Challenger looses to the Champ.

    And I agree with that statement about Hyundai comparing itself to a Ferrari. Its not a E Class beater, yet, but the Genesis definitely places with the Infiniti M on what we know now. I expect it to really be more of G8 executioner, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it is an effective M35/M45 fighter.

  • GunMetal

    Let’s wait to see what the Challenger can do on the track!

  • boo

    what’s with the bland interior?

  • Darkstar

    To be fair, I (like most) haven’t driven a Challenger, yet. However, having owned & driven a 911 and an M5, I can honestly say I never particularly found either, much fun to drive.
    The M5 was so easy to handle, my teenage daughter loved it… but, I hound it a bore.
    The 911 was fun… but, way too many problems to be worth the bother.
    A Mustang, despite it’s good looks… is antiquated mechanically, with lousy handling and a live axle. (Better for drag racing, I s’pose.) The Mustang is better left to the kids.
    The Challenger MAY NOT be a better car than some of what Chrysler chose to compare it to… but, then again, it IS better than some… and a helluva bargain compared to the others.
    Besides, it just looks so-o-o-oo much better !!!!