CHRYSLER

Dodge replots bullitt

Dodge's iconic sports car gets SRT dose in a limited run to chase the Ford Mustang. And even though it is sold out for 2008, the more basic versions will still be up for grabs



New five-spoke alloys hide Brembo brakes.

Filler cap is one of many areas using alloy surfaces.

Tail pipes should give classic American muscle sound.

SRT8 costs B4m if it comes to Thailand.

- C'mon, is the Challenger really gonna make it to Thailand?

The Chrysler group of brands which includes Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge is now separated from Mercedes-Benz and is under the guidance of Cerebus. As we know of today, nobody has acquired import rights for Chrysler yet in Thailand, despite the attractive, weak dollar.

- But would the grey market even bother with a left-hooker?

Okay, we get your point. But don't forget that this Challenger is a classic American muscle car reviving the old days of the Charger (which is now the four-door variation of the Challenger), the other famous ponies being the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. Enthusiasts don't actually mind which side the steering is on, as long as the car is nostalgic. Look, even Ford's ultra rare GT40 supercar was once sitting in a Pattaya car showroom along with so many other exotics. Of course, right-hand drive would be great, but there are no production plans for it.

- And if I want one now...

The wait's gonna really be long, as already some 6,000 Americans have snapped up orders for the SRT8. That means you either must approach one of those early buyers for the deposits, or be satisfied with the more basic versions of Challenger that will roll off production lines in Canada by mid-2008. Oh, the SRT8 costs $38,000 in the US, translating into a Thai retail price of some B4m including taxes.

- Hey, that doesn't sound bad...

Nostalgic grille harks back to original Challenger.

Quite right, especially when you consider the performance you get for that money spent. The SRT8 gets the 425hp 6.1-litre V8 engine that easily puts the car in the five-second bracket of the 0-100kph category. Although not at exact rival, the B4.95m Nissan 350Z is a comparable match for the SRT8, which comes in black, silver or orange colour with the carbonfibre hood strips harking back to the original model.

- And for the lesser versions?

Chrysler hasn't discussed any details yet until the production version is officially revealed next year. But the car is basically the same as the concept version you see here. The accompanying details for the SRT8, however, are real and are official handouts from Chrysler. Expect a less powerful V6 displacing and producing power less than half the SRT8's. But the basic formula remains: rear-wheel drive, classic 2+2 body and melancholy interior design and trim.

- You know what?

You've had me tempted... One can only hope that there will be a new Chrysler representative in Thailand. Despite the slowdown in the car market, acquiring import rights and establishing new presences in the country - Hyundai, Proton and Tata - is now the rage. Even Mitsuoka, arguably the queerest brand ever to reach to Thai shores, is now officially sold in the country.