Chrysler files for bankrupt...which cars are gonna get the axe?

[Evilways]

Well, it' only a matter of time, now, what with the filing today and the upcoming 35mpg rule to adheare to quicky appraching. I was wondering, what cars to you see dying off first from Chrysler/Dodge? I foresee, unfortunately, the SRT8 versions of Charger and 300C leaving soon. The Charger more specifically, since there has been zero confirmed concepts of a new generation of this car. I also feel the Caliber SRT4 will bite the dust and possibly, within a year or two, the Viper and SRT8 Challenger will be gone. The Viper will probally be sold off to a company, similar to Shelby, that makes kit-cars. The SRT8, while popular, just, no matter what they do , will not fit within the mpg guidlines and pulls the overall mpg average of the line down too low. I also see the big-heavy cummings diesels dying off quickly, to be replaced possibly with a less powerful diesel engine. Hell, 90% of all the buyers of the giant trucks and suvs in this country never haul anything or take them off road, so why have a 10,000 lb + towing compacity? Anyways, this has been a totally sad week in the auto world. Pontiac is dead, Chrysler gives in, words leak out that the Vette may go the way of the cowboy. Just sucks...ya know.

[paxton]

I really don't know what to say about all this stuff happening with the big 3 automakers. Sounds like alot of cars and brands are getting or going to get the axe shortly. Keep your hotrods guys...cause it seems they're going away slowly, but shortly.

[Evilways]

I agree about holding onto the cars we have at this point. A local used car/muscle car dealer just upped the price of a 2002 Collector's Edt. Trans Am covertable w/ low miles from $19,999.00 to $24,999.00 after the announcement that Pontiac was getting the axe. I'd say we could see $100K used Vipers from this last gen within the year, if the announcement to kill them is made.

[HEMISFEAR]

I'm totally hating this all. I hate all the shitbox vehicles that are fuel-efficient and I hate those that tout them.

[ChargerOnDavins]

Goodbye nitro (afterall it looks 90% like 2-3 jeep models) goodbye several jeep models, goodbye most chrysler SUVs, goodbye one of the minivan models (town and country or caravan), goodbye one of the LX platforms remaining likely the 300 since it's sales are down more than the charger, (they will want one full-size sedan available), goodbye most of the SRT-line most likely. That's my guess.

Let's see how close I am.

I called pacifica, pt cruiser, durango, aspen, and magnum. I also thought the nitro would be gone then, now it's definitely going to be axed.

[markus]

good thing we all (except milan) gave them all that money to go tits up anyway.

[cheatek]

ALL performance models guys, they're all going. First here at Chry and then once the gov't getd the same deal set up with GM's bankruptcy and gets control of them just like Chry they'll all go too. Ford will be our last stop for any American production performance cars ... and even that may not last. This is really the beginning of the end ...

[markus]

if you guys will recall, muscle cars have died off once before

[ChargerOnDavins]

if you guys will recall, muscle cars have died off once before

so very true.

[goats]

I'm totally hating this all. I hate all the shitbox vehicles that are fuel-efficient and I hate those that tout them.

Soooo u must hate my car that gets like 30 mpg and damn near 400hp

[Evilways]

Hell, my modded vette averages 26mpg, with alot of track time thrown into the mix. At hwy speeds, I get 30-31mpg, it's the city driving, all the start and stop, that brings it down as low as it is. That's with 450rwhp and 405 rwtq. I think so many of the American car manufacturers missed to boat on something performance fans have known all along...lighter is better. Could you guys imagine what a carbon-fibered body Charger, at say, 3400lbs, would be like? I'd say at least 5-9mpg better than as it is now. How about how quick would a 3900lb SRT8 Jeep be? Alot of the performance cars that are gonna be killed off probally could've met the mpg criteria with alot of weight loss. Look at the GT500...it's a piggy-brick, gets 12.5 1/4 miles stock with even the best drivers, but gets less than 20mpg unless driven exclusively like a grandma on the open hwy. There's no reason, when most of the performance cars are over $45,000 anyways, that they couldn't have invested in lighter weight materials. It could've helped keep the higher HP cars around a bit longer IMO.

[SRTDOUG]

Well if everyone's predictions are true and the SRT line goes along with the Hemi line etc..Cummins etc....it looks like I will be driving a Mustang or a BMW something....or other import something...

[paxton]

Well if everyone's predictions are true and the SRT line goes along with the Hemi line etc..Cummins etc....it looks like I will be driving a Mustang or a BMW something....or other import something...

No you won't....you'll be driving that sexy ass Maggy of yours!!! Can't be jumping ship like that...unless your talking about a DD or a POS beater car.:D

[ChargerOnDavins]

Soooo u must hate my car that gets like 30 mpg and damn near 400hp

I don't hate them, I can respect that it's a new(er) car, but I still believe 4 cyl are not meant to be fast, but economy boxes.

SRT 4 in a straight line can be quick, seen some impressive ones.

I'd still rather have my DD slow explorer than an easter egg, though.

[SRTDOUG]

No you won't....you'll be driving that sexy ass Maggy of yours!!! Can't be jumping ship like that...unless your talking about a DD or a POS beater car.:D

Oh don't worry there sexy. I will have this car a long time. I love it too much. But I am a car guy and I just like cars...regardless of where they are from. I do however like my Dodge MORE. :D

[RezMSRT8]

This is not a bankruptcy - its a takeover. I will miss the SRT-8 line, glad I got one while I could.

[cheatek]

You guys are missing the point. It's not a market driven thing or even an economy thing this time that's killing muscle cars ... it's the greenies. They've gotten their pot of gold at the end of the rainbow thanks to the economy tanking and Chry (and GM soon) going under and they're gonna run with it.

The enviromentalists FINALLY have the power to actually change the automible industry at it's core. With the gov't in control of Chry now (and GM soon) don't you guys think they're gonna be all over the White House?!?! Of course they are, they normally are, they're salivating at the bit on this one!! There's millions of gearheads like us out here and we have a strong aftermarket and lots of support BUT .... when compared to the environmental lobby we're a drop in the bucket. No make that ocean. Muscle cars will soon be dead.