End of V8s?

Discussion in 'Dodge Challenger General Discussions' started by SRT-Tom, Jan 19, 2019.

  1. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    Mike Manley, Fiat Chrysler CEO has stated that the clock is ticking for its Hemi V8s. Specifically, he said, "I think that electrification will certainly be part of the formula that says what is American muscle in the future...What it isn’t going to be is a V-8, supercharged, 700-horsepower engine."

    https://amp.detroitnews.com/amp/2602054002
     
  2. Eagle1450

    Eagle1450 Full Access Member

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    Glad I won't be around to "enjoy" the new era of electric cars. I was in HS and College during the late 60's right in the middle of the original muscle car era. Could not believe it when the all the muscle cars returned better than ever. The array of great muscle cars available now is almost unbelievable. IMO, there is nothing like the sound and feel of a V8. I will admit that there are cars with smaller engines that perform very well but they just do not light my fire. For example, my wife's 2017 BMW has a smooth and surprisingly strong performing 4 Cyl turbo. I like the car but it does nothing to generate excitement for me. On the other hand, it is like Christmas every time I drive my Scat Pack. As for FCAs "workhorse" Pentastar V-6, there is nothing wrong with the basic motor but FCA has ruined it with their POS ESS system. I purchased a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the V-6 in Mar 2018. My wife and I hated the ESS system so much, we traded the POS in on a 2018 GC with the 5.7L V-8 after just 3 months and only 1,800 miles. Difference is like night and day. We both love our new GC with the V8.
     
    Tillman7777 and oldgeezer like this.
  3. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    The ESS system is supposed to save you gas. If you didn't like it, why didn't you just deactivate it every time you drove it by pressing the button?
     
  4. Eagle1450

    Eagle1450 Full Access Member

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    The amount of gas saved by the system in miniscule at best. The MDS is far superior. Regardless, there are other issues with the system that I did not mention. A lot of owner's, including me, had issues with the "robust" starter associated with the system. Many of the starters demonstrate an intermittent clunk, loud click, or buzz on start up. Since the problem is intermittent, dealers have a hard time duplicating the problem. It got to the point that I dreaded starting the Jeep anticipating what I would hear.

    I also do not like the complex 2 battery setup associated with the ESS.

    Both my wife and I would frequently forget to turn off the system every time we started the car and the engine would shut off at the first stop. Supremely irritating at least for us. If the system could be set to default to off as it does on my wife's BMW, then it would not be an issue.

    There is an aftermarket device that will deactivate the system that I probably would have installed had it not been for the starter issues.

    https://www.smartstopstart.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp7uMiZz83wIVk47ICh0p_gYBEAAYASAAEgLx2_D_BwE
     
  5. Eagle1450

    Eagle1450 Full Access Member

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    Last edited: Jan 21, 2019
  6. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    Here are the new generation of Challenger owners.
    [​IMG]
     
  7. Eagle1450

    Eagle1450 Full Access Member

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    That is funny!
     
  8. synoptic12

    synoptic12 Full Access Member

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  9. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    Before ESS technology, in Europe where gas is extremely high, drivers would manually shut off their engines at traffic lights and road jams.
     
  10. Eagle1450

    Eagle1450 Full Access Member

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    I would and have done the same thing for major traffic jams. Makes no sense at all for a quick stop at a stop sign or when trying to ease your car into a garage. Tried to do that with the wife's BMW once with the ESS on. Was alarming and dangerous.