DEVIL: You're such a sissy, Angel. All those things you're complaining about are part of the car's character. The new Challenger is a near carbon copy of the original that terrorized the world in the early Seventies. And who needs a radio with the raging roar of the HEMI engine?

ANGEL: Seriously, what's the use of having a keyless start system if you still have to fish the key out of your pocket to unlock the doors? And you can't reach into the shallow trunk without getting dirty.

DEVIL: You don't have to have a PERFECT car, you know. I'm sure that Angel doesn't have any friends, since he complains so much. If he would have buddies, he would've noticed the Bluetooth hands-free connectivity for his cell phone. Even though it's a retro-car, there are some modern niceties to be found. Hey, the neighbour just stepped outside, stab the gas pedal and show him that this is one mean machine! His BMW will wet itself in fear! Fwahaha!

Feel the thrust of the SRT8 and its 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.0 seconds with the 6-speed manual.

Park it for the winter
ANGEL: How much do you think it will cost to put winter tires on the SRT8? Yeah, that's right; you better write off at least $1,500, and don't imagine they will last long. I hope you've learned your lesson by driving this car in -20 Celsius weather with those 20-inch run-flat summer tires. The traction control system is too permissive for driving in the snow.

DEVIL: Aw, does it really matter? It's only money after all, and a ride in the Challenger SRT8 at wide-open throttle is cheaper than a visit to the psychologist. Get your priorities straight!

Almost cheap thrills
ANGEL: What? You think $46,000 for this car is a good deal? I think you're losing it, buddy, and I don't know why I'm wasting so much time trying to make you think clearly. Don't listen to the Devil! You'll regret it once you call your insurance broker! At least a base Challenger SE is $24,995.

DEVIL: You know, you could get a 500-hp Shelby Mustang GT500 for $54,299, or wait for the 422-hp, $41,000 Camaro 2SS, but the Challenger is a better reincarnation of the original.

Conclusion
ANGEL: Do you really want to be considered as a careless polluter? At least a pickup truck is useful, but this? The original Challenger didn't sell all that well, and this new one probably won't either. You'd be better off buying a Prius, or wait for a Chevy Volt; that would be much more rational.

DEVIL: Treehuggers like the Angel make me sick. The SRT8 is a blast to drive and the perfect extension of your virility. Who cares if it's not a socially-accepted car; your neighbours will be jealous, and that's all that counts. Get this car before environmentalists force manufacturers to abandon great V8 engines like this one.

MD: Will you two just SHUT UP? I'm confused; I'm trying to decide whether I want to burn in hell or not!


Photo Credit : Matthieu Lambert