Dodge 'Challenger' to be revived in 2008, Chrysler confirms - Dodge Challenger Forum: Challenger & SRT8 Forums

Mr.DJ · #1 (**permalink**) 07-01-2006, 10:20 PM

Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda waves the green flag to introduce the 2008 Dodge Challenger during an unveiling in Daytona Beach, Fla. Saturday. The announcement drew kudos from passers-by who watched as Chrysler executives wheeled out in the concept car."We haven't seen this kind of spontaneous, passionate response to a car since we unveiled the Dodge Viper concept in 1989," LaSorda said in a release.

Dodge Challenger to be revived in 2008, Chrysler confirms

DAYTONA BEACH -- After pleas from muscle-car enthusiasts and favorable media reviews, Chrysler Group has given in and announced it will build the iconic Dodge Challenger as a 2008 production model.

The news was released Saturday in Daytona Beach, Fla., where Chrysler executives including CEO Tom LaSorda and DaimlerChrysler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche were attending the Pepsi 400 NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway.

The announcement drew kudos from passers-by who watched as Chrysler executives wheeled out in the concept car."We haven't seen this kind of spontaneous, passionate response to a car since we unveiled the Dodge Viper concept in 1989," LaSorda said in a release.

The two-door coupe design, which LaSorda said the production model will resemble, even got a nod from race car legend Richard Petty.

"The two-door is the only way to go with the Challenger," he said. "When you see it, you know it's a Challenger."

Chrysler's move signals a new-age war among the pony cars.

Ford Motor Co. has had much success with its retro-designed Mustang, introduced in for the 2005 model. General Motors Corp. is expected to roll out a production version of the Chevrolet Camaro. The Camaro went out production in 2002 but was unveiled as a concept earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

No price yet has been announced for the Challenger, which makes a comeback after 35 years and will have a retro design including the long hood and two-door coupe body style, said Eric Ridenour, Chrysler's chief operating officer.

But Erich Merkle, an auto analyst with IRN Inc. in Grand Rapids who has closely followed the Challenger program, said it will start at about $30,000 and will only be offered with a V-8 engine.

He said although there doesn't appear to be plans for a V-6 engine model that could compete with Ford's Mustang, it "still makes a lot of sense because you can leverage the LX platform."

J.R. Brown, a Florida resident and a NASCAR fan who was among a crowd of spectators at the Dodge Challenger reveal today, said a V-8 engine is the only way to go for the Challenger.

"In that vehicle, it matters," said Brown, who added that he was impressed with the Challenger concept vehicle.

Dodge produced the Challenger from 1970 to 1974 as both a hardtop and convertible.

The company is expected to announce in the next two months specifics on where the vehicle, which shares the same rear-wheel drive LX platform as the Chrysler 300C, will be assembled, Ridenour said. The 300C is made at Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario with the Dodge Charger and Magnum.

The new Challenger is based on the 1970 model. The concept model sits on a 116-inch wheelbase, six inches longer than the original. It's also two inches wider.

The Challenger will have a long hood and a short deck. Ridenour said the vehicle offers roomier rear seats, making it a "much more practical car." Ridenour said although it's financially feasible for Chrysler to build the Challenger coupe, the company will take a wait-and-see approach before determining whether the sports car market also can handle a convertible version.

"We could have a next generation (Challenger) or nothing at all," Ridenour said. "What will come next depends on the marketplace."

Chrysler executives have not disclosed whether the new Challenger will be equipped with its Hemi V8 engine.
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Source: The Detroit News
by Josee Valcourt / The Detroit News
Saturday, July 01, 2006

Ragamuffin · #2 (**permalink**) 07-01-2006, 10:42 PM

This is one of the better 'write ups' I've read , but this quote from COO Eric Ridenour , "We could have a next generation (Challenger) or nothing at all,"

Ridenour said. "What will come next depends on the marketplace." ...leaves me with a very baffled and /or puzzling impression !

Dang it, Dr. Deiter please put me in charge ...of something ?

xs29j8 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-01-2006, 11:09 PM

Originally Posted by Ragamuffin

This is one of the better 'write ups' I've read , but this quote from COO Eric Ridenour , "We could have a next generation (Challenger) or nothing at all," Ridenour said. "What will come next depends on the marketplace."

Sounds like an honest answer... with the price of gas in the future being uncertain, I am sure DCX believes it is going out on a limb a bit by bringing out another "gas guzzler" car instead of a hybrid roller skate.

I believe that DCX is taking us on our word... "build it, price it like comparable cars, & I'll buy it!!!". Hopefully it won't be a case of calling our "bluff"...

As my new sig picture states, I WILL buy the Challenger! The only caveat being the assumption it is priced as comparable cars are, ie. Charger, Mustang, Etc. ... not like a Viper, Z06 Vette, Etc.

XS

V Point · #4 (**permalink**) 07-01-2006, 11:37 PM

I do not care what the price of gas is, I WILL BUY A NEW Challenger

71 bee · #5 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 12:09 AM

FINALLY! we can now put to rest the previous undying question:

what if DCX doesn't build it?

Sublime 340 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 01:12 AM

2008 model?
Sooo, Will i be able to pick one up by about this time next year?
OOooh, this is good !!!

Sublime 340 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 01:14 AM

5.7 ?
6.1 ?
6.4 ?
Mtx ?

allhemi · #8 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 07:04 AM

Originally Posted by V Point

I do not care what the price of gas is, I WILL BUY A NEW Challenger

Start saving your money because your going to need it!

**tbyrne** · #9 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 10:13 AM

It will be interesting to see what it weights. The 300C/Charger tip the scales at about 4100-4200lbs. Fastest stock 300C that I know of ran 12.7 @ 111 (yes... stock!). 3600-3700 lbs wouldn't be to bad and that will really make this a street terror!

rcaponong · #10 (**permalink**) 07-02-2006, 10:56 AM

Well Mr. DJ, this is what we’ve been waiting for since late last year when we all saw those two hazy photos of what looked to be a Dodge Challenger parked on someone’s ranch in Northern California. It was the most excitement I had ever felt over a concept car and we all cried out to build it. DCX has stepped up to the plate and delivered what we’ve been salivating over for months. Now it’s time for us to put up or shut up.

Thank you Mike Castiglione and Alan Barrington for visualizing a car that makes this musclecar enthusiast quiver in his seat every time he sees a picture of it. I cannot wait to see and hear those beauties rolling through the streets of SoCal. The way I calculate it, I will have about two years to save, which should be enough time so I don’t have to finance it. After that, all bets are off. I WILL have one in my garage. Bring on the noise!