Brief info on the Challenger's gearbox

[klamathpro]

I just picked up the pilot issue of Moper Enthusiast magazine, and it says inside that the Challenger is unlikey to come with a 5 or 6 speed manual. However, my cousin's husband test drives the mules for Chrysler and he said a 6 speed manual has already being developed and that he's test driven it, and says it's smooth as silk. He also said that the 2008 5.7 Hemi will most likely have the 6 speed option while the SRT 6.1 and/or 7.0 Hemi will get a 6 speed in 2010.

Just FYI

 

[GuitarSteve]

Very interesting news. One would think most buyers for this type of car want a manual transmission. Or at least if you get the SRT version if they do one, is ONLY available with a stick...Like the SRT4 Caliber/Neon, and even Mustang SVT Cobras.

 

[Matt M PA]

I would agree 100% that a manual must at least be available.

I liked the fact that my '03 Cobra only came with a manual...like the Viper.

And...I don;t want to hear that you can have it both ways with video-game style paddle shifters. I'm old school...if there's no clutch on the floor...it's an automatic. And yes, I do understand how fast the paddle shifters work, and how rally guys use 'em...etc. If you ever heard Ronnie Sox row a 4 speed with a nasty old Inland or Hurst shifter....you'd know it's all about technique.

In my opinion, the Challenger needs to be offered like Ford does the Mustangs. A 6 cylinder (or lower end V8) to start, a V-8 "GT" type model, then the hi-zoot SRT or Cobra type models. While we enthusiasts may all only want a V8 version...there are too many sales opportunities to ignore by not making more "pedestrian" versions.

If the Challenger is automatic only...I wouldn't even have a passing interest.