As some of you may know, I recently sold my 08 G8 GT. It was (is) a great car and I just decided it was the right time. I wasn't planning on putting any additional money into it since I know it would likely compromise driveability and wouldn't add value to the car. Plus, I clearly have a project car sitting right next to it to remain my endless money pit.
I've actually been considering a new car for a while now and nothing really jumped out at me except for some of the more costly options. I have a love for quick 4 door sedans so I checked out the usual suspects and a few other cars.
These included:
- Chevrolet SS - Nice car but tough to justify a car payment for a "nicer" G8.
- Audi S4 - Good all around car but it didn't get me too excited.
- BMW M3 - I like the styling, interior is nice but I couldn't get over the engine note. I'm sure its blissful on a race track but call me silly, but it didn't do much for me.
- C63 AMG - Considerably beyond what I was looking to spend. I test drove this car and man, it is nice, REAL NICE. Great exhaust note and race mode was ****. Very quick as well. When it came to #'s, the damn thing loses value worse than most cars I've seen (3 years, its down 51%). Even if I had the coin, its a "more" terrible way to spend money.
- Mustang 5.0 - I really like the styling but the 5.0 didn't have enough IMO. Sure the GT350 would be pretty cool and similar in price to what I bought but this thing belongs on a track, not a daily commute to work.
- 16 Camaro SS - Great car, some styling queues I don't love but it drove great and was compelling from many angles.
- Corvette C7 Z51 - Another great car but I think a vette should have a stick even though the 8spd auto is very nice. It can do it all but it just wasn't enough. I also wanted a Z06 but honestly could drive myself to spend that kind of money.
- Cadillac ATS-V - I never got to drive this car but I think it would have fallen a bit into the M3 category. Not thrilling enough, especially since I won't be hitting a curvy road or road course much.
- Cadillac CTS-V - Same as the Z06, more than I can afford pal.
- Charger SRT392 - On the right track. Big car, very nice amount of power, noisy exhaust, comfortable, etc.
So after way too much thinking, I ended up with a '16 Charger Hellcat. The car has ticked all the right boxes for me for a long time. Tons of power, big, comfortable, loaded with electronic features, generally versatile, sounds right and looks good. The car has many standard features which were options on the prior year. I selected the Sepia color interior, Brass Monkey wheels and Ivory Tri-Coat paint.
To make a very long story as short as possible, I actually had an order in for one since January 2015 locally. Many folks were and are still asking for ADM over sticker on these and the Challengers. I simply wouldn't entertain paying over sticker. 2015 orders were kind of like a lottery, anyone could order a car but no guarantees on getting an "allocation" (order goes to a VIN). Dealer said they would get one....never did. Others played the game and ordered with multiple dealers. Dodge's system simply didn't work. Too many orders, not building enough of them led to issues. My wife got sick earlier this year so hunting for the car was not a priority.
Since 2015 was a bust, I decided to toss my hat in the ring for 2016. Same dealer, same deal. Dodge modified the allocation process so a dealer could only order a car IF they had a confirmed allocation. Only catch was the dealers didn't know exactly when the allocations would hit, just if they would have a certain quantity of cars. After a bunch of BS and misinformation, no allocation, no car. I decided to hunt a bit and had a good time doing it. I spoke to many folks asking $20k over sticker for the car. No thanks.
I ended up chatting with a nice salesman from Keller Bros Dodge in Lititz, PA. Straight shooter, straight deal and no empty promises. He ended up calling me while I was in SEMA to order the car. It showed up early this past Tuesday and I picked it up today. I didn't say much to anyone since I don't like to be the kind of guy to talk about something and it never happens. My dad and wife came with me this morning and I took delivery. Process was smooth and I got a pretty smoking deal on the interest rate. I forgot to mention Dodge provided a voucher for failed 2015 orders so I got $4k off the car as well.
All in all it really worked out. The drive back was fantastic and this is truly a wonderful car. Now let's hope it doesn't break! Below are a few pics and keep in mind, I didn't ask the dealer to clean the car. Next week it should have Xpel Ultimate installed on the front end.
Wowwwww!! Congrats Brian, that car is gorgeous! I didn't know they made a charger hellcat. Best of luck with it, that's got to be a wild ride Dodge has hit a home run with that car.
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2000 Z28 red auto 3.23 gears lid and filter, cut-out and a tune, Vig3200, LS6 intake, ftra, baby cam,headers. best et 11.49@117.29 1.57 60ft. with skinnies. sold 6/16.
You got my favorite color/rim/interior combo. I've driven many hellcats and the auto charger is by far my favorite. My most recent role at FCA has been monitoring transmission shift quality(so shift feel) of the hellcats, if you have any questions feel free to message me.
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Vinnie -
00 SS A4- LQ9/LS3/Stalled/3.42s 1.48/11.10/121 mph<-6spd swap in progress.
13 Silverado Z71- Sold 11/16
99 Z28 M6- -H/C/9in - sold 1/13
99 Silverado Z71- The DD - Sold 7/13
03 CBR 600RR - Sold 8/13
Baffles in the exhaust are open on cold starts. Gina definitely didn't get to sleep in today.
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Originally Posted by WildBillyT
Looks awesome!
What's the over/under for months until you mod it to 1000 at the fly?
Thanks Bill. Sad to say but I will prob leave this alone sans a few things. I really don't need this thing grenading the engine and I need to foot the bill for replacement. I expect to toss a set of DRs and a driveshaft at it next year. Working on getting the front end protected with Xpel Ultimate for now. Tint and other cosmetic things will come over time.
Baffles in the exhaust are open on cold starts. Gina definitely didn't get to sleep in today.
Thanks Bill. Sad to say but I will prob leave this alone sans a few things. I really don't need this thing grenading the engine and I need to foot the bill for replacement. I expect to toss a set of DRs and a driveshaft at it next year. Working on getting the front end protected with Xpel Ultimate for now. Tint and other cosmetic things will come over time.
I figured as much. Maybe an appearance at RW next year?
Did you find a place for the clear protectant? My dad just had it done by a place in Flemington
Plenty of other folks willing to offer up their warranties.
Quote:
Originally Posted by WildBillyT
I figured as much. Maybe an appearance at RW next year?
Did you find a place for the clear protectant? My dad just had it done by a place in Flemington
If the bird is not in running order, this will be the substitute. I messaged a place in Hillsborough (recommended by Paul) but they went cold after a few emails back and forth. There is another place recommend by Beggs as well. If you have a good recommendation, I would appreciate the info.
damn!!!!! very awesome. Congratulations on an awesome purchase
Thanks! Gave her a first wash today. Paint is easy to keep clean but the brake dust is going to be pretty heavy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MDSheds_SS
Edison tint shop on rt1 did my truck years ago just did my brothers new Denali. Tint and clear bra. Came out 100 % perfect.
Thanks for the tip. I called around so we will see who gives me the warm/fuzzy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by elle
Wheels and interior make the whole car.
The color combo makes it low key, classy and bad a$$. (I'm not even sure that makes sense?????)
Any whooo......LOVE IT!
Thanks! I'm really happy with the color options (I better be). The alternative is the black Laguna leather and matte black wheels. Dodge allows you to downgrade to the suede/leather seats if you prefer that (gray inner suede or red).
I'm curious to hear your short term review of the car as a daily driver. I was talking with a buddy yesterday about these cars and we were discussing whether that much power would spoil the relaxing feel of a daily driver. He's a very practical guy, and I'm sure you know which position I took...
I'm curious to hear your short term review of the car as a daily driver. I was talking with a buddy yesterday about these cars and we were discussing whether that much power would spoil the relaxing feel of a daily driver. He's a very practical guy, and I'm sure you know which position I took...
I will post a short review after the next couple weeks. The car was delivered with 1 mile and so far I have about 350 lol. My initial impressions are the car is more than I thought it would be in a number of ways. I expected it to be on edge with a hair trigger throttle. It can be depending on the settings you choose but I will say this car is more comfortable than my G8 GT. In street mode, it's really a relaxed cruiser with a soft pedal. The seats are supportive and I'd bet there would be no comfort issues sitting in them for hours on end. The weight of the car gives it a very planted feeling. It does not waver and instills a lot of confidence. If you put your foot down a little, it will kick down a gear quickly and accelerate with little drama. Keep in mind I have not gone WOT throttle yet (being a good boy for break in - 500 miles). The brakes have a strong initial bite and feel like they have a lot of power behind them.
Today after the BOA meet, I decided to toss the car into sport mode on the way home. The suspension tightened up and it shifted at higher revs/quicker with a sharper throttle response. It would kick down gears when slowing through a corner or stop. Pun intended but it felt like a cat ready to pounce. I expect race mode to be a bit nuttier. Handling is more competent than one would think. You feel the weight but the limits are high with very minimal body roll in street mode.
To me, this car is exactly what I wanted but it does every thing better than expected. You can tool around with a soft touch and it's a "normal" car with a slightly louder exhaust note and a whine coming from the front end every now and again. Hit the gas or put her through a long sweeper and it is very competent. The only difference to me with the car is that it does tempt you to drive faster. Cruising along at 70-80mph feels like nothing.
I will say I didn't expect many to recognize the car. Driving around this weekend, there were folks honking horns and giving a thumbs up, taking pics, etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by WayFast84
That interior is sexy as hell. Not what I was expecting from a charger. Good luck with it!
Thanks! I'm really happy with the contrasting colors. It's very comfortable/plush and hope it holds up to use.
Brian, let me know if you get a lot of brake dust and some other cleaning things so I can get you the products you are going to need to keep it looking good...
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1984 Camaro: 350 Auto, Global West Suspension, Baer Brakes, CTW Wheels
1989 GTA: Bolt-on L98. Global West Suspension, full Magnaflow exhaust, Wilwood Brakes, CTW Wheels
Brian, let me know if you get a lot of brake dust and some other cleaning things so I can get you the products you are going to need to keep it looking good...
Thanks. I will probably need to grab the white light and jet seal from you.
