I agree, fun driving cars. Have you tried a R/T variant though, with the 5.7L engine? The Hemi 5.7 has cylinder deactivation (the 6.1 doesn't), so it gets much better highway mileage.
I test drove an '09 Charger R/T this past weekend. The '09 5.7 also has variable valve (cam) timing, and ups the hp from 340 to 370 while maintaining decent mileage. I also test drove the SRT Challenger in the Hemi orange color. That's also a great ride, was I getting looks as I drove down the road! But I want to flexibility of 4-doors.
I agree with the others here, the interior of the Charger and Challengers are not lush. In fact they are downright utilitarian, but they are very functional and clean. Also the seats in the R/T are more comfortable than the SRT IMHO. Though the R/T seats gives up lateral support for comfort. Despite the sparse interior, I actually much preferred the inside of the Charger to a fully-loaded CTS that I test drove. The inside of the CTS was like the inside of a missile command center, OK I suppose if you like cramming as many buttons as possible on the dash.
FYI, I explicitly told the dealer I test drove from that I was not looking to buy that day but we went in to talk numbers anyways. Without me even trying to negotiate on price, he told me that he could do a base R/T ($32k sticker) for $25.5k w/36mo 0% financing. Yeah I know there would be other ticky-tack fees involved, but I was impressed he came out of the gate so low.
I also test drove the 6L G8, and I have to say my buddy and I were very disappointed. They G8 seems to be very detuned for the hp rating it has. I read somewhere that even though it has a 6-speed transmission, unless you are under full acceleration, it will skip gears to maximize fuel rating. After test driving it, I believe it because it just feels weird under normal acceleration.
I test drove an '09 Charger R/T this past weekend. The '09 5.7 also has variable valve (cam) timing, and ups the hp from 340 to 370 while maintaining decent mileage. I also test drove the SRT Challenger in the Hemi orange color. That's also a great ride, was I getting looks as I drove down the road! But I want to flexibility of 4-doors.
I agree with the others here, the interior of the Charger and Challengers are not lush. In fact they are downright utilitarian, but they are very functional and clean. Also the seats in the R/T are more comfortable than the SRT IMHO. Though the R/T seats gives up lateral support for comfort. Despite the sparse interior, I actually much preferred the inside of the Charger to a fully-loaded CTS that I test drove. The inside of the CTS was like the inside of a missile command center, OK I suppose if you like cramming as many buttons as possible on the dash.
FYI, I explicitly told the dealer I test drove from that I was not looking to buy that day but we went in to talk numbers anyways. Without me even trying to negotiate on price, he told me that he could do a base R/T ($32k sticker) for $25.5k w/36mo 0% financing. Yeah I know there would be other ticky-tack fees involved, but I was impressed he came out of the gate so low.
I also test drove the 6L G8, and I have to say my buddy and I were very disappointed. They G8 seems to be very detuned for the hp rating it has. I read somewhere that even though it has a 6-speed transmission, unless you are under full acceleration, it will skip gears to maximize fuel rating. After test driving it, I believe it because it just feels weird under normal acceleration.
