I can only imagine how the numbers will improve when the Charger SRT8 adds the benefit of Chrysler's eight-speed transmission to replace the ancient five-speed automatic.

The eight-speed transmission will also help deliver better fuel mileage. With EPA numbers of 14 city, 23 highway, the Charger SRT8 will never be confused with a Toyota Prius. On the highway, I eked out 24.5 miles per gallon with the standard-equipment cruise control set to 65 miles per hour. Yet I was lucky to see 15 miles per gallon around town. The eight-speed automatic transmission, when offered, is expected to improve fuel mileage by two miles per gallon. Such a significant improvement should help the Charger SRT8 escape the punitive penalty and stigma of the $1,000 gas-guzzler tax.

To meet impending fuel-efficiency standards, even over the next five years, we will again see cars being downsized, reminiscent of the Seventies when the 1973 OPEC oil embargo forced Americans into smaller cars. With the next generation of Chrysler's large cars already in development, I expect we'll see them shed between 300 and 500 pounds.

I also expect that the next-generation SRT-version Dodge Charger SRT will be powered by a high-performance supercharged V6 engine, most likely featuring Fiat's MultiAir technology, backed with advanced nine-speed transmission to improve fuel economy. Chrysler is already working on such an engine for the upcoming Maserati SUV built off the Grand Cherokee's architecture. This uprated engine, with at least 450 horsepower, is also likely to be found under the hood of a high-performance Alfa Romeo sedan. It wouldn't surprise me if this rear-wheel-drive Alfa Romeo (or possibly a Maserati) shares its underpinning with the next-gen Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.

Although it will look much like today's version, a 2016 Dodge Charger SRT6 will be smaller on the outside, about the same size on the inside, and lighter overall. It will offer performance similar to today's version. And, like everything else, it will be more expensive, even adjusted for inflation, than today's car, owing to the extensive use of such high-tech, weight-saving materials as aluminum and carbon fiber. This future platform will leverage Chrysler's expertise in the large-car segment, something promised by Marchionne when he assumed command of Chrysler in 2009.

In the short term, I have a suggestion for the Dodge Boys for 2013. Offer a stripped-down special edition (one per dealer) of the Charger SRT8, sans the Super Bee graphics. Replace the expensive alloy wheels with the steel wheels from the cop-car-edition Charger. Ditch the standard six-way power driver's seat and offer the car with a very limited color pallet (non-metallic white or black only for the base model). And find a way to get the base price down to $39,995. Now that would be a truly compelling package. Ralph Gilles, are you listening?