Rented a "new" Challenger RT last week...

I didn't check the air filter and it was hot from at least an hour on the road and an hour in traffic. I didn't air the tires down any.

It was a rental so I'm sure it gets like zero maintenance.

I did let it cool off with the hood up for a half hour before the 14.0 pass. It did run 100 mph exactly, and a 2+ 60' sucks, so its making power and there's definitely more in it with traction.

I think the Ford/Chevy comparison is perfectly valid. I don't want the Mopar bringing up the rear (unless you're talking about price), but that's the way it is right now. The 392 SRT8 runs about on par with the 5.0 GT (presumably the GT500 is faster still, but I honestly don't know). Its a shame that the Ford is the only one of the three that comes with a real axle in it (but those geniuses are changing that on the next redesign if the rumors are true).

The new Challenger is an awesome car. I hope one day I can swing getting one.