Rumor: FCA to drop base 5.7L Hemi for turbo power

[kevm14]

http://www.trucktrend.com/news/1705-rum ... ca-lineup/

This is terrible if true. I think this is the danger of being a niche manufacturer. When conditions change, and their one thing goes away, what's left?

I don't think I'm alone in saying the appeal of the base Hemi is that it is available in reasonably affordable vehicles. Just because the replacement has more horsepower doesn't make it equivalent, or cool. They all sound like crap, for one thing.

[kevm14]

If I drop the Bill hat, I don't actually care about this because I wouldn't buy a vehicle with a base Hemi. As I said in the Charger R/T review, I'd get something with the 392 or better. But the trend is quite concerning.

[bill25]

After riding in Rob's car, I think that would be an awesome daily for 5-7K down the road. If I am going to have a Camaro that I really focus on performance with, I don't need a SRT/Hellcat daily too. Currently my daily is a base Mazda3. Rob's car is way better. I don't think a turbo version will be as cheap used as the 5.7 (cuz the 5.7 isn't the bigger V8), unless it is totally unreliable in which case I don't really want it.

Used, older base V8 chargers are pretty affordable/cheap right now especially compared to a G8, GTO, CTS-V, or 2010 Camaro. Some are cheaper than decent/good 4th gen F-Bodies... Rob said the Charger stats are better than his Trans Am. Basically I am saying if these follow the trend, they will be cheaper than competitors, and still have pretty decent performance. I think the turbo breaks this pipeline of cheap V8 power. Also, Rob said the higher trim Chargers were substantially more, so this cheap 5.7 is the way to go for bottom market V8 dollars.

[kevm14]

I agree a cheap Charger R/T would be a nice daily driver and legitimate family vehicle. On the other hand, the other options will also have continued to depreciate. What will a V2 cost in 7 years?

[bill25]

I doubt you will find a V2 this cheap:

https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/d ... 27730.html
https://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/cto/d ... 81537.html


Questionable:
https://providence.craigslist.org/cto/d ... 08416.html
https://worcester.craigslist.org/cto/d/ ... 53302.html

[kevm14]

It's a Pareto curve. The Charger R/T likely falls on it. So do other things. The Charger R/T is not the cheapest fullsize sedan with a V8 (that would be a used Crown Vic, which is easily 1/3rd the price of that bottom of market Charger, the $4500 one). It is also not the best performing or most expensive. You can pay less and get less. And you can pay more and get more. It may happen to fall in a price range that is very attractive as a second vehicle and I don't disagree with that part.

But for me, and this is probably why I don't have one, I'd rather spend that $5k on something else. Or pay less (Roadmaster). Or pay more (CTS-V?). In fact, I did spend that $5k on something else (STS). And I prefer it to an ~07 Charger even though it is slower. Shit, my STS does some not insignificant things better than a 2018 Charger R/T (if Bob would ever write his review we could get some alternate opinions other than my own). It sure as hell drives way better than an 07.

Again, you can define a set of requirements that would lead you to an 07 Charger R/T. But they won't be "cheapest V8 sedan." Because it's not. You'd have to write quite a few requirements like "cheapest sedan over 325 hp that is not older than an 05 that doesn't have more than 150k" or some very specific set like that. I mean...ok?

If you can get a V1 for $10k, is a $5k Charger an outrageous deal? That is a trick question - it doesn't have an objective answer.

[kevm14]

The Charger R/T is not the cheapest fullsize sedan with a V8 (that would be a used Crown Vic, which is easily 1/3rd the price of that bottom of market Charger, the $4500 one).

Wow, I nailed it before I even looked.
https://providence.craigslist.org/ctd/d ... 10755.html

This is even really clean.

There's your cheapest V8 sedan in a condition that is more than presentable. Cheap to operate/service, too. You'll notice I also don't have one of those.

[kevm14]

Holy shit.

This should go in the other thread but I'll deal with that later.

https://worcester.craigslist.org/cto/d/ ... 08029.html

2004 Cadillac CTS-V - $$$ REDUCED AGAIN!! $$$$ - $7999 (Hudson)
Up for sale is my 2004 CTS-V. It has 201K miles but is still in terrific shape. LS6 engine with a T56 6 speed manual. 405 HP when new.

It has been meticulously maintained. The car has been kept nearly completely stock except for upgrading motor mounts, trans mounts, suspension bushings, etc. to polyurethane over the years (Creative Steel). It has received a lot of new parts (all GM OEM) in the last few years including an LS7 clutch at 180K miles as well as all shocks, wheel bearings, and more. It has new General AS-03 tires. I'm happy to share all the service history, though it hasn't needed much - it's been the most reliable car I've ever owned. The reason I'm selling it is because I just bought a 2014 CTS-V.

It also comes with a set of Mille Miglia rims with winter tires.

There are a few scratches and the paint on the front bumper has some issues, but overall it's in very good shape. The headlights are crystal clear and the leather is in terrific shape. It has the wooden shift knob from the regular CTS along with the center console (more space). It also has the factory OEM trunk spoiler. I replaced the yellow lense front foglights with clear foglight assemblies for looks.

No joy rides - I will accompany all test drives.

I will post the pictures later but it is actually in near mint condition. Lots of miles yes. But $8k. And tons of maintenance. Unlike the Japanese car with 200k which will need everything pretty soon.

[kevm14]

Maybe the point is, despite the few offerings, there are enough GM V8s at all relevant price points that I don't need to do anything drastic like buy a Chrysler product...yes I am biased.

[bill25]

You didn't actually list any GM vehicles between 5-7K . You listed a Ford, which I agree should be in the discussion, and would probably lose to the Charger, and a car that looks great, but is out of the budget with over 200K miles. I am not buying a daily with 200K miles for 8 grand.

405 HP when new.

What does that mean???