The Automotive News Editorial Board last week called on Fiat Chrysler to keep its 840-hp Dodge Challenger SRT Demon off U.S. roadways, calling it "inherently dangerous" and "unsafe at any speed."
Most readers, who supplied plenty of online comments and wrote pointed letters to the editor, disagreed.
Here are a few of those letters.
TO THE EDITOR:
Regarding “If it’s too fast for the track, then keep it off our roads,” April 24: The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is in fact a supercar. It does run 840 hp and have 770 pounds-feet of torque. This car is not to just be sold to the public, and Dodge understands that. There will only be 3,300 made, and Dodge will pay for a day of tuition at a school to learn to drive the car. The National Hot Rod Association has said that drivers need to add certain safety equipment, such as a full roll cage and racing harnesses, just like for any other car that runs under a 10-second quarter mile.
CARAROSE BUTLER, Rotonda West, Fla.
TO THE EDITOR:
Really? “Unsafe at any speed,” even sitting completely still with the engine turned off? (“If it’s too fast for the track, then keep it off our roads,” April 24.) My compliments on proving your membership in the over-the-top spewers of sensationalized effects with no justifiable causes. Somehow, I doubt Automotive News is as strongly opposed to the sale of cellphones or alcohol, even though they are involved in many serious accidents. Note that I did not say “the cause of” many serious accidents. The cause is almost always bad judgment by a person regarding the use of some product, not the mere presence of the product.
LARRY S. ENGLE, Newville, Pa.
TO THE EDITOR:
Your editorial about the Dodge Demon is completely off base and without merit (“If it’s too fast for the track, then keep it off our roads,” April 24). The consumer and the marketplace determine which cars will be built and sold, not people who do not manufacture vehicles for a living.
Obviously, you would have us not eating meat if you decided that meat wasn’t good for society. Perhaps if you had to compete in the world of manufacturing, you would be able to offer a different product at a better price. As it is, your opinions are just more political tripe.
TIM CURRY, Tucson, Ariz.
TO THE EDITOR:
I think Automotive News is way off base (“If it’s too fast for the track, then keep it off our roads,” April 24). You deal with a lot of Euro cars that are also over-powered, but I have never heard such a comment from you guys.
Is it OK for the Germans or Italians to build over-powered rockets but never let a Yank even think twice about it?
Maybe Automotive News is the one that needs to be taken off the road.
DOUG SHERROD, New Orleans. The writer is a classic car restorer.
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