Dodge Challenger Design Chief Speaks Out.

[ekool]

Chrysler released a small podcast for us journalists in which Kevin Verduyn, the Design Chief at Chrysler’s Advance Product Design Studio in Pacifica, CA, speaks out on the Challenger Concept that will debut at the Detroit show in January. Verduyn claims that the design originally took inspiration from muscle cars in general of the era, although as these pictures illustrate it turned out to be all Charger. The concept does have a full back seat and if produced Verduyn says he’d vote to keep it two-door.

Speaking of production, Verduyn states there are no plans to produce the Challenger Concept, although a positive reaction at the Detroit show will bolster its business case. Quite frankly, we can’t imagine the Chrysler Group, of all automakers, would pass on this concept. The company pressed the Prowler into service with a much weaker business case and as we all know, the modern muscle car segment is begging for players.

Via: http://www.autoblog.com/

[Mr.DJ]

I as well as several other interested Dodge 'Challenger' enthusiasts have already expressed our thoughts regarding the proposed Dodge 'Challenger' concept (via e-mail) to DCX. The way I look at it, the more positive feedback that DCX receives from their 'end user', the better chance we'll all have actually seeing this 'baby' make it into production.

[blackarmy]

Originally Posted by Mr.DJ

I as well as several other interested Dodge 'Challenger' enthusiasts have already expressed our thoughts regarding the proposed Dodge 'Challenger' concept (via e-mail) to DCX. The way I look at it, the more positive feedback that DCX receives from their 'end user', the better chance we'll all have actually seeing this 'baby' make it into production.

i want in. how do i do the same?

[DFWDaytona]

Yes - we need to let DCX know so that they will bring this car back! I own a Daytona, but have wanted a Challenger or Cuda for years. If they do the Challenger right, it may impact the sales that Charger is now enjoying.

As much as I love my Charger - If they do anywhere close to the same quality job on the Challenger, I'd trade in a heartbeat. It would be nice if they included even more of the muscle car features as standard (read BIG Hemi!)

I didn't go for the SRT8, because I was rationalizing this great 4-door as more of a family car. (And I couldn't wait!) The (2 door), beefier Challenger would hopefully be an even stronger contender against the Ford and Chevy products.

I don't want another Mustang, Camaro, Vette, etc. I've had several over the years. The Charger is so close (even good enough!), but that Challenger concept car! Even a new Camaro would be more of what we've had for around 40 years. You bump into them all the time.

When was the last time you drove by a Charger? (Before 2005..)

A new and improved Challenger - with lessons learned from the very cool Charger? Count me in!

[Mr.DJ]

Well, it looks as if DCX has changed the link I actually utilized myself, so try and use this one, as it looks exactly like the format that I used to contact them.

http://www-5.dodge.com/wccsapp/unive...ull&category=N

[Vanishing Point]

Man, IMO if DCX doesn't make this car, they are fools!! The time is right! There's alot of us baby boomers as well as young guys,looking for a real cool retro "famous looking" muscle car looks and performance(with a manual tranny,pistol-grip no less)....and the new challenger falls right in this category. To me,they(dcx) have seen the sales of the new mustang and they are hopefully going to follow suit, with their own retro 2dr. muscle car(mustang beater!)....enter the new challenger. Line forms to the right...and I'm standing up front inline for one of these beasts!!

[Mr.DJ]

Originally Posted by Vanishing Point

Man, IMO if DCX doesn't make this car, they are fools!! The time is right! There's alot of us baby boomers as well as young guys,looking for a real cool retro "famous looking" muscle car looks and performance(with a manual tranny,pistol-grip no less)....and the new challenger falls right in this category. To me,they(dcx) have seen the sales of the new mustang and they are hopefully going to follow suit, with their own retro 2dr. muscle car(mustang beater!)....enter the new challenger. Line forms to the right...and I'm standing up front inline for one of these beasts!!

Well, while your standing at the front of the line, I'm already driving away from the dealership in mine...I'll make sure I wave to you.

[ChuckG]

Mr.DJ- Thanks for posting the link. DCX got my opinion.

Man I sure do like this car. When the 300 came out I was going to buy one of those. Then DCX announced the Charger and I thought why not. So I had every intention of ordering one in late January for a March/April delivery. Now we have the Challenger, which is what I really want.

If they start taking orders late next year, I'm going to wait. I've never bought a car without driving it first...so what. I'm willing to try something new and exciting.

[Vanishing Point]

Originally Posted by Mr.DJ

Well, while your standing at the front of the line, I'm already driving away from the dealership in mine...I'll make sure I wave to you.

You won't be waving long as the first one off the line,that you'll get will be a 6cyl. as I'm getting my 6.4(hopefully)or 6.1 version...don't blink.

[Mr.DJ]

Originally Posted by Vanishing Point

You won't be waving long as the first one off the line,that you'll get will be a 6cyl. as I'm getting my 6.4(hopefully)or 6.1 version...don't blink.

No 'six' for me this time around...thank you. Be it a 6.4L 'Super Duper HEMI', a 6.1L 'Super HEMI', or even a 5.7L HEMI, I'll be grinning all the way home.