More on the impending announcement...

[HEMEEE]

From AutoBlog:

Dodge Challenger approved for production!
Posted Jun 30th 2006 10:39AM by Alex Nunez

Multiple media sources are reporting that the Dodge Challenger coupe is a go, and that Chrysler will make the official announcement tomorrow at Daytona before this weekend's NASCAR Pepsi 400 Nextel Cup race.

The announcement is coming earlier than expected. Word is that Chrysler will promote Challenger all summer to create buzz (that won't be hard) and drive traffic into its showrooms. This announcement comes the same weekend that the automaker is revealing a new ad campaign and fresh discounts for customers.

The Detroit news reports that the car should be in production by 2008, with a price slightly above that of the current Mustang. Only a V8 will be offered.

The Challenger Concept made its debut at this year's Detroit show, and is powered by a 6.1L 425-horsepower HEMI V8.

Mopar fans, your wish has been granted. Now, let's see if GM holds up its part of the deal and greenlights the Camaro (the pressure to do so will be huge now with the Challenger announcement). As things stand, it looks like the ponycar wars are quickly moving from the show floor to the showroom.

Let the stoplight showdowns begin!

[Source: Detroit News]
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From CNNMoney.com:

Dodge Challenger back for another spin
Move comes as Big Three look to muscle cars for edge over Japanese imports.
June 30 2006: 12:42 PM EDT

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The Chrysler division of DaimlerChrysler AG is expected to announce on Saturday production plans for a new Dodge Challenger coupe styled and named after the automaker's classic muscle car, newspapers reported.

The V8-powered Challenger will go on sale in 2007, but Chrysler will promote the car this summer to try to pull customers into showrooms, The Wall Street Journal and Detroit News reported, citing people familiar with the company's plans.

Chrysler's announcement of the new Challenger tomorrow at a Nascar race in Daytona Beach, Florida, was moved forward by several months in hopes it will create some buzz for the automaker, the newspapers' sources said.
The two-door Challenger, based closely on the 1970 model of the muscle car, will boast a 425-horsepower V-8 engine. Chrysler plans to build the car on the vehicle platform used for its Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.

The Challenger's faithful redesign comes after Chrysler was assailed by critics for bringing back the 1960s muscle car name "Charger" on a four door sedan.

Industry watchers expect the Challenger to be priced to compete with the Ford Mustang which runs from $19,000 to $26,000, depending on the engine and other options.

The news comes as the Big Three automakers harken back to the golden age of muscle cars. The reborn Mustang has been a hit for Ford since its 2005 redesign. Struggling General Motors is expecting to relaunch the Chevrolet Camaro within the next few years. A concept version of that car was also introduced at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, the same show at which the Challenger concept was unveiled.

"The historical significance of the Challenger takes it back to the days when the Big Three dominated the highways," said Erich Merkle, an analyst with IRN Inc. of Grand Rapids told Detroit News. "The design represents a place were the Japanese can't follow."

Reuters contributed to this report.

[Mike Penner]

There has been one question lingering in mind since word of the weekend announcement broke. Is this car still slated to be produced on the LY platform because it is sounding more and more like they're pushing hard to market. The proposed dimensions of the LY were much better overall for a muscle car, the LX unmodified is just too big IMHO. Anyone have any ideas?

This is just a general question and not meant to rain on what otherwise is fan-freaking-tastic news.

[BigDaddyWiz]

Originally Posted by Mike Penner

There has been one question lingering in mind since word of the weekend announcement broke. Is this car still slated to be produced on the LY platform because it is sounding more and more like they're pushing hard to market. The proposed dimensions of the LY were much better overall for a muscle car, the LX unmodified is just too big IMHO. Anyone have any ideas?

From what I've been reading and understand, it will be on the LY platform.

[ErikM3]

OMFG OMFG OMFG OMFG OMFG OMFG OMFG OMFG FINALLLLLLLLLYYYYYY!!


I will be leaving to goto the 400 so I will be the challengertalk on the spot reporter.
oh and Italy just scored again, the UKR couldnt kick their way out of a paper bag.

[firstmethod]

from autoblog the one interesting post amidst the idiocy about mullets and the general lee came from you know who. what ever do you mean by this:

There is another reason of announcing at NASCAR by the CEO himself. - hemidakota.

[RamRon]

Okay, let's see? Is it "Should be in production by 2008" or is it "Will go on sale in 2007"???? Pretty big difference there, guys. The sources still can't get their stories straight. The waiting continues.

[ekool]

Did you guys doubt it? Never a doubt in my mind

[ekool]

Originally Posted by RamRon

Okay, let's see? Is it "Should be in production by 2008" or is it "Will go on sale in 2007"???? Pretty big difference there, guys. The sources still can't get their stories straight. The waiting continues.

We will probably have to wait for the official announcement for the details.

[ekool]

As Hemi pointed out, it probably relates to this article here:

Dodge Challenger to be basis for Busch series?

Originally Posted by firstmethod

from autoblog the one interesting post amidst the idiocy about mullets and the general lee came from you know who. what ever do you mean by this:

There is another reason of announcing at NASCAR by the CEO himself. - hemidakota.

[Vanishing Point]

Thanks for the info HEMEEE!! Can you say Christmas in July?!!!!!!!!!!! Best news I've heard in a looooong time!!!!