The sad part is that the Fatherland half of this beloved corporation will actually be selling a retarded form of transportation disturbingly similar to Schill's fevered vision: a 6.3L 510HP AMG mini-van costing nearly $200K.
Hey Miguel, ask your boss if he wants to hire someone who actually gives a shit about cars and the preservation of the domestic auto industry. I'm availiable in May.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark O
Yo, Miguel, where are you? Don't you love us anymore???????
Hello there guys,
I really wish that I had a better opportunity to communicate with you all on a more regular basis. I have been out of the office for a few days now. For that, I apologize.
First things first, Craig, you're going to owe me those $100 you were talking about.
I finally got a chance to test drive the Charger a couple of days ago. Specifically, I took a ride in the Dodge Charger R/T and let me tell you, the car's handling is snug and the acceleration was right on cue. The car is roomy and has that "look" that just kept turning people's heads (people from EVERY age group). In all honesty, you get this feeling of dominance while driving AT the speed limit!
Here's something to consider: all vehicles, as with everything else in this world, have to change to meet the needs of the times. No matter how necessary or popular a certain vehicle with certain features may be for X amount of years, customer's needs will always evolve and thus, shift the market demand accordingly. Keeping this in mind, car companies that can best accommodate these changes, will flourish prominently, and those who don't will unfortunately begin to see a valley in their sales for that segment and sadly, fall subject to foreign influence. This is not to say that past successful vehicles will be forgotten and simply fade into obscurity. There will always be niche markets for legends and the type of engineering and styling that goes along with them. Much like yourselves, I too, am a big fan of the muscle car era. Dodge Challenger, Plymouth Satellite, the Cuda, the Barracuda (convertible), Dodge Super Bee, Dodge Dart Swinger and several others will remain ingrained in the minds of muscle enthusiasts. It's undeniable that these among other vehicles embody what enables the creation of a "buzz".
However, the need for a two-door is simply not as strong as it used to be. Nor is the need for a manual transmission (even though fuel mileage for manuals is usually better, many people in metropolitan areas have chosen convenience). As you all have noticed, in the last few years, these two features have not been representative of significant sales increases. Combine this with the current ridiculously high gas prices – that will probably never go down – and you well understand that something had to be done to compensate for the poor fuel mileage that muscle has been associated with. Henceforth, the MDS cylinder deactivation feature.
You also have to remember, that as populations increase, so does the need for utility-inclined characteristics, thus, the increased popularity of roomy 4-door vehicles. What Dodge has done is keep adaptable features that made the cars legends in the first place - that still hold a place in the mass market today - and integrated them with features that meet the evolved needs/demands of our current consumers. This is the auto industry’s manifestation of “Natural Selection” if you will. Keep what you need and nurture it; replace what has weakened. Strength is found in numbers and if “Only the strong survive”, then Dodge, together with the rest of the domestic auto industry will have to adapt to what is most highly marketable today. All while having the foresight to encounter market changes and accommodate accordingly.
There is no way around it, car companies MUST evolve or run the risk of becoming merely the topics of debates on "where they went wrong" conversations. Of course, one can speculate and say that the Charger will not do well, attributing this to Dodge’s “bastardization” and “usurpation” of a legendary name, but only time will tell. And as I mentioned previously, only those who can adapt and do it well, will be able to progress.
Thanks for the feedback guys,
Miguel M.
P.S. Have any of you guys - aside from viper spray - driven the '06 Charger?
I really wish that I had a better opportunity to communicate with you all on a more regular basis. I have been out of the office for a few days now. For that, I apologize.
First things first, Craig, you're going to owe me those $100 you were talking about.
I finally got a chance to test drive the Charger a couple of days ago. Specifically, I took a ride in the Dodge Charger R/T and let me tell you, the car's handling is snug and the acceleration was right on cue. The car is roomy and has that "look" that just kept turning people's heads (people from EVERY age group). In all honesty, you get this feeling of dominance while driving AT the speed limit!
Ugh, so prior to this post you had still yet to sit your ass behind the wheel of the new charger???? Talk about working "by the book". Tell me, are you allowed to stray from the PR binder whatsoever???
Quote:
Here's something to consider: all vehicles, as with everything else in this world, have to change to meet the needs of the times. No matter how necessary or popular a certain vehicle with certain features may be for X amount of years, customer's needs will always evolve and thus, shift the market demand accordingly. Keeping this in mind, car companies that can best accommodate these changes, will flourish prominently, and those who don't will unfortunately begin to see a valley in their sales for that segment and sadly, fall subject to foreign influence. This is not to say that past successful vehicles will be forgotten and simply fade into obscurity. There will always be niche markets for legends and the type of engineering and styling that goes along with them. Much like yourselves, I too, am a big fan of the muscle car era. Dodge Challenger, Plymouth Satellite, the Cuda, the Barracuda (convertible), Dodge Super Bee, Dodge Dart Swinger and several others will remain ingrained in the minds of muscle enthusiasts. It's undeniable that these among other vehicles embody what enables the creation of a "buzz".
I am calling BULLSHIT on this quote simply in terms of the list of cars you mentioned. The response you have provided looks like nothing more than some impure attempt at trying to get us to think you are someone who "gets it" My point being that nobody would mention liking the Satellite before mentioning the GTX or Roadrunner. It may seem insignificant to you, but to the enthusiasts, we can smell bullshit from a mile away. Although due to your affinity with ugly 4-door cars maybe the satellite does turn your crank...
Quote:
However, the need for a two-door is simply not as strong as it used to be. Nor is the need for a manual transmission (even though fuel mileage for manuals is usually better, many people in metropolitan areas have chosen convenience). As you all have noticed, in the last few years, these two features have not been representative of significant sales increases. Combine this with the current ridiculously high gas prices – that will probably never go down – and you well understand that something had to be done to compensate for the poor fuel mileage that muscle has been associated with. Henceforth, the MDS cylinder deactivation feature.
While the "no need for a 2 door" is debatable this whole "no need for a manual transmission" is just flat out LAME. It's quite easy to understand, cars that appeal to true enthusiasts come with a gearbox and a clutch. Why this is so hard to comprehend is beyond me. They're cheaper and more reliable than an automatic transmission and a hell of a lot more fun to drive.... Can you even drive a stick???
Quote:
You also have to remember, that as populations increase, so does the need for utility-inclined characteristics, thus, the increased popularity of roomy 4-door vehicles. What Dodge has done is keep adaptable features that made the cars legends in the first place - that still hold a place in the mass market today - and integrated them with features that meet the evolved needs/demands of our current consumers. This is the auto industry’s manifestation of “Natural Selection” if you will. Keep what you need and nurture it; replace what has weakened. Strength is found in numbers and if “Only the strong survive”, then Dodge, together with the rest of the domestic auto industry will have to adapt to what is most highly marketable today. All while having the foresight to encounter market changes and accommodate accordingly.
This is not news. Nobody is asking for an all new car, a variant would have been nice to play into the enthusiasts as well as those who maybe only want a 2-door to begin with. Its a smallish segment yes and it would declared a Jihad on DC's economies of scale, however in order to keep the idea of the Charger "pure" it would have been nice.
Quote:
There is no way around it, car companies MUST evolve or run the risk of becoming merely the topics of debates on "where they went wrong" conversations. Of course, one can speculate and say that the Charger will not do well, attributing this to Dodge’s “bastardization” and “usurpation” of a legendary name, but only time will tell. And as I mentioned previously, only those who can adapt and do it well, will be able to progress.
No doubt DC has a winner on their hands, too bad everything is cyclical and they will all suffer from shitty resale value due to what will be tens of thousands ex-rental cars with 20K miles on them on the used market killing residuals and thusly, profit margins.
However, the need for a two-door is simply not as strong as it used to be. Nor is the need for a manual transmission (even though fuel mileage for manuals is usually better, many people in metropolitan areas have chosen convenience). As you all have noticed, in the last few years, these two features have not been representative of significant sales increases. Combine this with the current ridiculously high gas prices – that will probably never go down – and you well understand that something had to be done to compensate for the poor fuel mileage that muscle has been associated with. Henceforth, the MDS cylinder deactivation feature.
I'll agree with you that a 2 door is not as desirable, but take me as an example. I just purchased a new Acura TL a week and a half ago. I would have LOVED to give my business to Dodge, but Dodge simply doesn't produce anything that would compete with the TL. A fully loaded Charger would be about the same price, but it's not in the same league quality-wise whatsoever. When it comes to interior and exterior looks and appointments and features, the Acura wins hands down. Based on my own personal experience with all the Chrysler vehicles I have owned over the years, I guarantee that the Charger will have more problems than the Acura, plus like all domestic built vehicles, it will depreciate very, very quickly. The Acura has 270 hp gets me 31 mpg out of a 3.2 V6. The Charger with its larger engine will deliver more power, but who needs an everyday vehicle with a big powerful gas sucking engine?
My Chrysler loyalty, dating back to 1975, has gone down the drain over the past few years. I just want the best vehicle for my money these days & unfortunately, in my honest opinion, the imports have a major edge. I surrender.
Okay, fine--but what about the Dodge Grand Caravan SRT?
Hey there Schill and needaviper,
Regarding your question: Although the idea of a Dodge Grand Caravan SRT sounds interesting, we have yet to receive any information stating any plans to construct such a vehicle. The only thing that I can suggest is to stay posted with our website and perhaps, at some point in the future, if the necessity arises, Dodge may consider such a vehicle. The main reason why I don't believe that this vehicle would do well is obvious: constantly increasing gas prices.
For those of you interested in winning an all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 through the Unleash Your Freak contest on the Dodge website, this is just a reminder that the final time to enter to win is tomorrow, October 18, 2005 at exactly 1pm ET . This - fifth - entry period begins at 1:00pm ET and ends at 2:00pm ET. Just remember, that if you don't win the Charger, you can still enter the Hemistar contest for your chance to star in one of Dodge's new ad campaigns for the Dodge Ram! All you need to do to win is prove, in one minute, that you have the HEMI-ability to be the new HEMI Guy/Gal #2! See the above link for full rules & eligibility.
Regarding your question: Although the idea of a Dodge Grand Caravan SRT sounds interesting, we have yet to receive any information stating any plans to construct such a vehicle. The only thing that I can suggest is to stay posted with our website and perhaps, at some point in the future, if the necessity arises, Dodge may consider such a vehicle. The main reason why I don't believe that this vehicle would do well is obvious: constantly increasing gas prices.
Talk to you soon,
Miguel M.
Edited by DodgeInfoCenter (Oct 17 2005 03:26 PM)
Quote:
Originally Posted by DodgeInfoCenter
Well guys,
For those of you interested in winning an all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 through the Unleash Your Freak contest on the Dodge website, this is just a reminder that the final time to enter to win is tomorrow, October 18, 2005 at exactly 1pm ET . This - fifth - entry period begins at 1:00pm ET and ends at 2:00pm ET. Just remember, that if you don't win the Charger, you can still enter the Hemistar contest for your chance to star in one of Dodge's new ad campaigns for the Dodge Ram! All you need to do to win is prove, in one minute, that you have the HEMI-ability to be the new HEMI Guy/Gal #2! See the above link for full rules & eligibility.
Good luck to all who participate!
Take care,
Miguel M.
Funny how you DODGEd the tough questions & opinions.
I finally got a chance to test drive the Charger a couple of days ago. Specifically, I took a ride in the Dodge Charger R/T and let me tell you, the car's handling is snug and the acceleration was right on cue.
Uh, where's the 'puke' Graemlin when you need him?
So you're marketing a CAR in which the only experience you've had with the vehicle is to have fucking rode in it? And you're trying to pass that off as acceptable enough knowledge to try to sell people on it? What kind of motherfucker says that "..the acceleration is right on cue.."? Uh, this is Viper Alley. Here, we talk in terms of violent, punchy, raw. Not "on cue". What the fuck is that? Right now I'd be seriously re-evaluating my position as a marketing representative for Dodge; you'd probably fare better selling Town Cars and Buick's to octogenarians who need "snug handling" and a "dominant" road-presence.
Your customer service sucks. And trying to force a substandard product down a bunch of enthusiasts throats by percolating your posts in party-line bullshit not only makes you look like an un-credable jackass, but is supremely insulting as well. Go hit some fucking Kia forums or maybe conduct another "Ayye lurve NAYASCAR" focus group to pick up some more product kudos, but don't come here and try to bullshit the bullshitters. It's more than transparent.
I still can't believe you referred to acceleration as 'on cue'. Conversely, what kind of acceleration is 'off cue'? What is wrong with you? Are you gay?
I hope that someone very soon tees up your job and line-drives it down the fairway into the hands of someone worlds more competent than you. At the very least, DC would save a little face after being completely embarrassed by their marketing rep on one of the most trafficked auto forums on the Internet. Do yourself a favor and come back when you have some sort of passion for the cars that you're hawking. I know the SRT group has it; so F.O. until you learn.
Best Regards,
Clint Sever
Dodge Marketing Rep Horseshit and Worthless Drivel Detector
What ever happened to the "Gen 2 " chargers I mean they were an awesome force I believe they were slightly more powerful than an Omni although they did have a 2.2L compared to the Omni's 2.5L. Miguel I can't believe you actually answered the question about the DGC Srt! I'll definately be watching the website for more information on that!
Yes! The DGC SRT will be the answer to Lutz's Blue Devil. Any ass can hire a tuner to create a bored out engine and shove it an a pedestrian Corvette--just ask Ryan. But it takes someone special to create a fast car for the masses. Miguel, you're a genius. I'm glad you thought of it.
I suspect it'll be a special Commemorative Edition Pentastar Five Wheel Drive.
(That IS what you meant by FWD, right?)
It'll take the industry by storm. Within months there will be a suspiciously similar five-wheel Honda Oddessey available for half the price, with a better interior. Six years later, Mercedes will release a 12,500 lb 900HP V12 TT AMG version and claim it's a bold new statement in soccer-oriented transportation.
Gentlemen, we are entering a new era, and Miguel is its king.
Miguel is busy in R&D designing the pentastar wheel drive system (PWDS) for the DGC SRT TT AMG a joint venture with mercedes to help lessen the reliability of mercedes products even further! He is also working on an automatic system to dodge important questions and to answer the more logical ones like the DGC SRT TT AMG and he is even finding time in his busy schedule to go for his second ride in the charger where his boss will even let him sit shotgun a big step from the last ride where he was in the trunk just to verify if the escape lever actually still glows in the dark when the trunk is shut.
