Why would FCA put a manual in a charger when they offer it in the challenger? The entire point for not doing it is because charger hellcat/scat pack owners want a fast/powerful family sedan.. if you want a manual get the challenger..
btw where did you rent a scatpack?
Sedans and manual transmissions don't have to be mutually exclusive. I like to shift myself AND have my kids in the car while I do it. I think they would sell quite a bit.
Plus - FCA is willing to do just about anything to stretch out these platforms a little bit longer... so why not. Nothing to loose at this point (figuratively).
And you can get any kind of car as a rental in ATL. Budget had about 8 scat packs when I picked mine up (Charger + Challenger) . . . Plus two new 8 series and a few mercedes SUV's. I've even picked up manual Mustang GT's / Camaro SS's from there before. Just have to know where to look.