Early Pony Car Demand Strong

The success of the retro Ford Mustang has other builders entering the pony car segment.

Dodge's $40K Challenger hemi-powered SRT8 muscle car has been shown only as a concept, but dealers are taking eBay orders for the unseen production version, at up to $20K over MSRP.

Chrysler anticipated building about 4,500 2008 Challenger SRT8s, but more than 6,000 buyers have lined up in the first few days since dealers were allowed to take orders.

The real production car will be revealed at the Chicago Auto Show on February 6, and is scheduled for delivery in late spring.

Apparently the $2,000 gas guzzler tax wasn't a sufficient deterrent.

But Chryslers 6.1-liter Hemi V8 engine only makes about 425 horsepower.

General Motors Chevrolet Camaro is also coming for 2008. And Ford is upping the ante, adding 40 hp to the Shelby GT500 to make the 540-horsepower Shelby GT500KR.

Saleen Mustangs are available at some dealers with over 600 hp.

I remain skeptical about the pony car revival once the initial surge of baby boom nostalgia buyers is done. I don't see the volume for all these players and the 2009 rear drive V8 Hyundai Genesis Coupe as well.

And this is very bad news for Ford, where Mustang is a bright spot.

Microsoft Internet Explorer users, please use form below to bookmark site:

Firefox and other browser users, please consider manually bookmarking.