DETROIT -- Dodge harnessed styling cues from the pony car era for its new Challenger concept.

The Hemi-powered, rear-drive coupe draws on design themes first seen on the 1970 Challenger. The Challenger competed against the Ford Mustang in the 1970-74 model years.

The new Challenger concept debuts this month at the Detroit auto show.

The concept is interesting in two respects.

First, under Wolfgang Bernhard's era as the Chrysler group's COO, the design team was told to avoid retro themes for future vehicles, with the possible exception of the next-generation PT Cruiser.

Second, as recently as a year ago, Chrysler executives were saying that the coupe market was dead. Future car-based vehicles would be sedans, convertibles and crossovers.

But the overwhelming success of the Ford Mustang prompted those executives to reconsider.

The Challenger concept is based on a shortened version of the Chrysler group's LX platform. That platform is shared by the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum and Charger.

But the Challenger's wheelbase is expected to be several inches shorter.

The automaker will watch reaction to the Challenger concept carefully.

If reaction is extremely positive, the Challenger could be on the street in about three years -- maybe sooner.



-Matt-

 

Just an inside tip: They are looking at 18 to 24 months until they are at the dealerships

 

That seems about right. The rumors were 2007-09 latest. Dodge could pull it off in two



-Matt-

 

Well, I don't want them to rush it...

 

Me either, cause we are considering one...

~Amanda

 

Here at the dealership and talking with our Chrysler Rep rumor mill has it that we may be able to order as soon as the end of this year . Probably more realistically at the begining of 07.[8D]

 

yea let them take there time until i can make some money.

 

For me, I want them to do it right and not have any signifigant problems when it debuts to the public...plus it also gives me time to pay off my Liberty and Ram.

 

I never wanted to wait for something like this before, but that was when I didn't have to pay off a new car. Now I hope it waits until '08 - '09, so the SRT-4 will be close to paid off and then I can get the Challenger.

 

I know I'm planning on being debt free when these become available. 18 months is perfect! And I've already told the dealer I'm first in line!