Challenger takes dare
Update of '70s Dodge to be built

Jul. 8, 2006. 01:00 AM
GERRY MALLOY


The Dodge Challenger concept, previewed at the Detroit auto show in January, is officially destined for production.

Chrysler Group boss Tom LaSorda made the announcement last Saturday shortly before the Pepsi 400 NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla.

After a hiatus approaching four decades, the all-new 2008 Challenger will debut in calendar year 2008.

Local speculation suggests that the big coupe could be produced in Chrysler's Brampton assembly plant, given that it will share the same architecture as the LX sedans built there.

For the Detroit show, designers shortened a Chrysler 300C sedan by 10 cm.

They then paired a 6.1-litre Hemi V8, rated at 425 hp, with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The exterior was done in Challenger orange, with black trim.

"We haven't seen this kind of spontaneous, passionate response to a car since we unveiled the Dodge Viper concept in 1989," said LaSorda.

The new car encompasses "the rich heritage of the Dodge Challenger, but with contemporary forms and technologies," said Chrysler Group COO Eric Ridenour.

"It's not just a re-creation; it's a reinterpretation."

The original Challenger bowed in the fall of 1969 as a 1970 model, sharing its E-body platform with the slightly smaller Plymouth Barracuda.

Although produced for just four years, it became one of the most desirable of the original "pony cars," in part because of a broad range of engine choices, including the legendary Hemi.

Ridenour cited the Challenger as the latest example of Chrysler's ability to bring concepts quickly to production.

Past examples include the Viper, Plymouth Prowler, Chrysler PT Cruiser and Jeep Compass.

 

Sounds good for the Challenger. Hopefully they will decide to make this line for a longer time than the original Challenger.