Classic lines, modern touches for new Challenger
Thu, February 28 2008
Dodge-Challenger-Concept-SA-TopFew cars in recent memory have stirred the kind of emotion that the new Dodge Challenger has, despite the fact that most people have only seen photos of the resurrected '70s muscle car classic.

In fact, Canadian dealers have hundreds of names on waiting lists for the car due to arrive this spring, something that only happens once or twice a decade in the auto business.

Patrick Lumley from Toronto in some ways may be the most typical buyer: His first car was a '69 Challenger, one he bought used and which he still regrets selling to this day. He put his name on a list last August for a silver-on-black 2008 Challenger out of pure nostalgia.

Dodge-Challenger-Concept-Inter"The lines are really smart on the new car – the details look good. I was immediately drawn to it," says Lumley.

The Challenger on display last week at the Toronto auto show is a brand-new version of the classic '70s-era muscle car and is the latest resurrection by Chrysler following the success of the Charger just three years ago.

The two-door Challenger has some close connections with Canada.

First, it will be built in Brampton, but it was also designed, in part, by Montreal-born lead designer Ralph Gilles. Gilles is also responsible for the Chrysler 300 and for the newest version of the Ram pickup truck unveiled just last month at the Detroit auto show, two high-profile successes.

"We wanted to make the car as sweet now as it was then using the classic proportions – the hood and belt lines – but as a modern car," said Gilles.

Few would disagree with his vision of the car, but he also commented on some criticism that has come his way: the suggestion that the car is too much a copy of the original.

"That makes me angry, because frankly it's not possible to design a car the way they did in 1970. Bumper laws have changed, safety requirements are completely different and customer expectations are much higher," said Gilles.

Proof of what he says can be seen in a photograph of a new version nose-to-nose with a vintage '70s Challenger, which shows just how different the cars are.

While various versions of the Challenger will be offered, the one at the auto show is a Challenger SRT8 with the 6.1 L Hemi V8. Only 6,400 SRT8 Challengers will be produced.

Frank Fusillo was too young to appreciate the original, but he has ordered a new orange model. Fusillo is also a collector of '70s-era muscle cars, including Chargers, Barracudas and Challengers, but what he is looking forward to in his new version is a car that's fast but also handles well.

The original Challenger had drum brakes, no power steering and poor suspension.

In contrast, the new Challenger has Brembo disc brakes on all four wheels, ABS, traction control, Electronic Stability Control, Brake Assist, and it rides on 20-inch wheels.

While prices in Canada have not been set yet, the American pricing is around $40,000.