Today, via live webcast from Daytona Beach, Florida at 1244 hrs EDT/0944 hrs PST, during the press conference, Mr. Tom LaSorda of DCX, with green flag in-hand and accompanied by Richard Petty and Kasey Kahne, announced that the 'Challenger Project' is 'a definite go'! Although no additional information was released, it was announced that the 'Challenger' will be available in 2008 as a 2008 model, and yes, according to Chrysler Group's Chief Operating Officer Eric Ridenour...the 'Challenger' will definitely be a two-door coupe.
(webcast screenshot captured by
ChallengerTalk.com member
xs29j8)
Additional information to follow as soon as it's released...
Update:
It's a Go: Dodge Challenger Will Debut in 2008
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The Dodge Challenger Concept, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, will go into production in calendar 2008 as an '08 model.
The announcement was made before the Pepsi 400 NASCAR race here at Daytona International Speedway by Chrysler Group President Tom LaSorda and Chief Operating Officer Eric Ridenour.
The concept vehicle was inspired by the 1970 Dodge Challenger, a companion to the Plymouth Barracuda and one of the last of Detroit's original muscle cars. In its heyday, Challenger went toe to toe with the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang — a battle that is sure to be re-enacted with the latter-day
Mustang and the just-as-eagerly awaited reincarnation of the
Chevy Camaro.
While Chrysler declined to reveal many more details, it is expected that the production '08 Challenger will be built on a shortened version of the rear-wheel-drive LX platform that underpins the
Dodge Charger and the
Chrysler 300. A Hemi V8 will be stuffed under the hood, and there is almost certain to be a performance-oriented SRT8 edition with a large-displacement, high-output Hemi.
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Source: Edmunds.com - Inside Line
Saturday, July 01, 2006
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Press Release:
"We drew on the rich heritage of the Dodge Challenger, but with contemporary forms and technologies," said Ridenour. "It's not just a re- creation; it's a reinterpretation."
Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda Says Dodge Challenger is a 'Go'
Nearly 35 years later, Dodge Challenger returns as the ultimate modern American muscle coupe
~ Unprecedented public response to Challenger concept leads to 'green light' decision for production * Chrysler Group COO Eric Ridenour says concept-to-production success story highlights focus on speed-to-market ~
/ -- Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda today announced that Dodge Challenger will return to production after a nearly 35-year hiatus. The all-new Dodge Challenger will debut as a 2008 model in calendar-year 2008.
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.
"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 Dodge 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 Dodge Challenger will feature the long hood, short deck, wide stance and two-door coupe body style that distinguished the iconic Challengers of the 1970s.
"We drew on the rich heritage of the Dodge Challenger, but with contemporary forms and technologies," said Ridenour. "It's not just a re- creation; it's a reinterpretation."
Read more
here
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Source: Chrysler Group