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[tramp]

has anyone seen a production model yet because dodge has done this before
shown one version of a car only to produce another version
charger is a case in point

[Mr.DJ]

Originally Posted by tramp

has anyone seen a production model yet because dodge has done this before
shown one version of a car only to produce another version
charger is a case in point

A production model, let alone a pre-production model (besides the concept), is still a ways off yet.

[Cuda340]

Have faith...

The July 27, 2006 Detroit News quoted Tom Tremont as saying,

The Dodge Challenger that hits the road in 2008 will be nearly identical to the concept pony car that wowed crowds this year at the Detroit auto show, Chrysler officials said Wednesday.

"You're not going to be able to tell the difference," said Tom Tremont, Chrysler's vice president and top designer. "We're going to keep the Challenger as close as we can to the concept."

See the following to read the full press release:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060727/AUTO01/607270374/1148
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[DubleDex]

Originally Posted by tramp

has anyone seen a production model yet because dodge has done this before
shown one version of a car only to produce another version
charger is a case in point

I assume you're talking about the 1999 Charger concept (http://www.potomacweb.com/autoshow/charger.html). While I agree that was a great looking car - there's no way they could've used that design in 2006.

The look and direction of Dodge completely changed from when they made that concept and when the new Charger came out. Had they made that car, it would've been an "old" car before it even hit the showroom floor. Plus, it would've fit in with the old Intrepid and Stratus instead of their new line of cars - it just wouldn't have worked. (Not to mention the fact that they were monkeying around with compressed natural gas for the engine).

Basically, it would've been the GTO: A neat car but one that looked about 5 to 10 years old. Not to mention the fact that Dodge never really postured about that car becoming a reality (there was some talk and speculation... but nothing concrete that I can remember).

Like others have posted, all indicators point to us getting a Challenger that is nearly identical to the concept. I wouldn't worry too much.