Chrysler has announced that it will produce the Dodge Challenger from the 2008 model year, following what it describes as an unprecedented public response to the Challenger concept unveiled last January at the Detroit motor show.
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Chrysler describes the Dodge Challenger as the ultimate modern American muscle coupe.
Inspired by the classic 1970s Challenger, the concept is based on the same platform as the Chrysler 300C but boasts very aggressive styling with the signature crossbar Dodge grille and four headlamps deeply recessed into the front of the car. A 6.1-litre Hemi V8 petrol engine delivers 425 hp.
The car will be launched during the 2008 calendar year.
The announcement was made shortly before the Pepsi 400 NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Driving out with the Dodge Challenger was Chrysler group chief operating officer Eric Ridenour.
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By GlobalData“We haven’t seen this kind of spontaneous, passionate response to a car since we unveiled the Dodge Viper concept in 1989,” said LaSorda. “But it’s easy to see what people like about the Challenger. It’s bold, powerful and capable. It’s a modern take on one of the most iconic muscle cars, and sets a new standard for pure ‘pony car’ performance.”
The Challenger will feature the long hood, short deck, wide stance and two-door coupe body styl. “We drew on the rich heritage, but with contemporary forms and technologies,” said Ridenour. “It’s not just a re-creation; it’s a re-interpretation.”
The Dodge Challenger made its debut in autumn 1969 as a 1970 model. While it shared the “E-body” platform with the Plymouth Barracuda, the wheelbase was two inches longer, creating more interior space.
The Challenger was originally offered as either a two-door hardtop or convertible. And, befitting the brand’s performance heritage, the car also went racing in its first year, competing most notably in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans-Am series and National Hot Rod Association’s Pro Stock class.
Although it was produced only from 1970 to 1974, the Challenger earned a reputation as one of the most desirable of the original “pony cars,” with meticulously restored and rare examples today selling for six-figure prices.
Chrysler is quick to point out that it is responding quickly to customer demand. “Our product development system allows us to quickly turn concepts into high-quality production vehicles,” said Ridenour. “We’re justifiably proud of our speed to market, and [this] is the latest example of our focus on getting gotta-have-it vehicles to our customers.”
