[Mr.DJ]

02/10/06...

Back to the future - New era muscle cars rev retro revolution at Chicago Auto Show
Northwest Indiana Times

"American manufacturers have taken a new look at the 'retro' phenomenon sweeping the country over the past 10 years," said Robert Kocher, president of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. "This year's Chicago Auto Show resurrects a number of nameplates and concept car designs that come straight out of the 1960s muscle car era."

DaimlerChrysler has gained significant ground over the past three years with Chrysler Group's line of Hemi V-8 engine-powered cars and trucks that set the stage for some powerful new stars in the years to come.

At the Dodge display, enthusiasts can see the Hemi-powered 2006 Dodge Challenger concept car cloned from the 1970 Challenger. And with 425-horsepower, Challenger is the buzz at this year's show.

Back to the future - PITSTOP
Business Standard Motoring

The American automobile industry might be down and out today, but there was a time when it wasn’t like this. Way back in the sixties, Motown was in its heyday. Muscle cars ruled the streets and back then if you didn’t have a rumbling V8 you would be charged with indecency. However, if the recently concluded Detroit motorshow is anything to go by, then America is headed for better days, because two of the big three manufacturers are bringing back cars that were way too good to be left in motoring history books...

The classic comeback from Chrysler is the Dodge Challenger. The bad boy’s muscle car of the 1970s, the 21st century Challenger is based on the same platform as the Chrysler 300C, but it’s aggression personified. It features the classic crossbar Dodge grille and deeply recessed quad headlamps. Muscle power comes from a 425 hp 6100cc Hemi V8 monster that goes to the rear wheels. Though it’s longer and wider than the original, the overall proportions have been retained. And while we absolutely love these cars, we just can’t imagine how they could stop making them in the first place.

Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep are all still on a roll
Dundas Star News

One of the reasons why the North American International Auto Show in Detroit is a "must" is to see what DaimlerChrysler is going to do to wow the more than 6,000 journalists who annually attend. And this year, they didn't disappoint.

From sexy concept cars like the Dodge Challenger to the youth oriented Caliber to Chryslers first-ever SUV to a pair of go anywhere Jeeps, DaimlerChrysler is still very much on a roll.

Looking like it was one step away from production was the Dodge Challenger Concept, based on the same Bramalea-built LX rear-drive chassis used on the Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Charger.

The signature accent or Ïthrust line- runs the length of the body high up near the sills, making the concept look mean and tough.
Power comes from a 6.1-litre, SRT-8 version of the Hemi V8 that produces 425 hp and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 4.5 seconds.

The hood and the deck lid of the Challenger concept vehicle are higher than the 1970 version in order to lift and "present" the front and rear themes. The grille treatment has the signature Dodge crossbar grille and four headlamps deeply recessed into the iconic car-wide horizontal cavity. The hood reprises the original Challenger "performance hood" and its twin diagonal scoops, now with functional butterfly-valve intakes.

The Challenger concept is also capable of seating four adults thanks to a longer roofline. Like the original, the Challenger concept is a true hardtop with no B-pillar. Unlike the original, the glass is flush fitting, making the concept look even sleeker.
While the Challenger is aimed squarely at North American nostalgia, Dodge is taking on the world with the entry level Caliber that will be sold in more than 100 countries.

Challenger given a "go"
allpar.com

“As of yesterday (Feb. 9), Challenger was given a “go” by management. Model year unknown. 6.1 liter Hemi and 6-speed manual transmission only.” — “Der Spien,” a former engineer with DCX.