Straightline

"We're creating a new global American car company that does one thing well," said Chrysler Vice Chairman and President Jim Press to the gathering at the Dodge stand. "It puts customers first."



Statements like that always sound good, but the company's effort to drive the point home during the unveiling of the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T and SE felt a bit forced.

First, we heard from "Jack," a classic muscle car enthusiast, who says he would "pay any price" to see his muscle car dream come true. He'll be getting a Challenger SRT8. "It's the best of everything he remembers, but with the blistering performance and technology you could only dream of in the '70s," Press noted.

Then, we listened in on "Carlos" and "Isabel," who are on a tight budget. "Why can't there be a cool-looking car with a kicking stereo?" Carlos asked. "And it's got to be really fun to drive," said Isabel. For these two, there's the 2009 Dodge Challenger SE, which Press said will be priced in the "very low $20Ks."



The blue Challenger SE on the stand actually looked pretty good with its five-spoke 18-inch wheels, but we weren't too impressed with the poly-blend cloth in the cabin.





Finally, "Bob" and "Susan" got their turn. They have kids, and Bob started making a list of must-haves: "power, space, coolness, yeah, coolness, you gotta have the look. . ."

Barely listening to her husband, Susan offered this gem: "I don't care what anybody thinks. I want to get looks at the stoplights."



Then, they suddenly "realized" that everybody was listening in on their bedtime conversation. Mock outrage was feigned for about 5 seconds, and then everybody began looking at the bright orange 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T in the center of the stand.



"It's a purchase you'd feel irresponsible about if it weren't such a great buy," said Press. We're guessing the Challenger R/T will start in the low $30Ks when it goes on sale this fall. --Erin Riches, Senior Editor







One addition -- a photo of the Challenger R/T interior: