NEW YORK -- The Chrysler group thinks it has created a viable business case for turning the Dodge Challenger concept into reality. The plan relies on niche volume, V-8 power and pricing above the Ford Mustang.

Gasoline prices are "a factor in a lot of our discussions," said Joe Eberhardt,… with Challenger because that is going to be a car probably for the enthusiast - probably a second or third car, probably not competing with everyday transportation."

That strategy would imply total or near total reliance on V-8 engines. That would be a striking contrast to Ford's Mustang, a mass-market vehicle offered with a range of models and powertrains - vehicles intended for everyday transportation. Last year Ford sold 160,975 Mustangs, of which only 30 percent had V-8s.

"I think we are fairly comfortable now that we have found a formula where we think we can sustain it" profitably for several years, said Eberhardt, who was interviewed at the New York auto show this month.

Said Eberhardt, the Challenger "is a larger car, and I think it will be (priced) a little above" the Mustang.