A 'Cuda in your Garage?

[Cuda340]

Yesterday, information about a possible 'Cuda model appeared in the following blog: http://www.autoblog.com/category/new-york-auto-show/

"The interweb is atwitter today thanks to a piece published by the Detroit News that hints Chrysler may revive the storied Cuda nameplate. Such a car would obviously share a platform with the upcoming Challenger, though would be sold as a Chrysler model since its original parent brand, Plymouth, is long since shuttered. The rumor was started by an interview given by famed hot rod tuner Chip Foose at the 2007 New York Auto Show earlier this month in which he mentioned the possibility of such a car.

We think the rumor has pretty weak legs to stand on, considering it originated from a guy who doesn't even work for Chrysler. Though Foose has partnered with DCX on a number of projects, there's no reason they would release such sensitive information to him. It could be the case that Foose wants a Chrysler Cuda to be developed and sold, but that's an entirely different story.

Plus, the New York Auto Show has been done and over for about three weeks. The possibility of a new Cuda is pretty hot info, so as a fellow publisher we're boggled why The Detroit News would sit on it for so long. As for the rendering that appears with the source article, while tastefully done by our friend George Achorn, is clearly just a tweaked version of a Challenger pic with a new color and different wheels. If Chrysler ever did decide to build the Cuda again, hopefully it would be differentiated by more than that."


If they offered a 'Cuda (a big IF), I would definitely buy it over a Challenger. Would you?

I wonder, however, how DCX would market it so as not to siphon sales away from the Challenger?

I suspect that it may appear as a limited edition (high cost) 6.4 Hemi.

[XJameson]

Originally Posted by Cuda340

I suspect that it may appear as a limited edition (high cost) 6.4 Hemi.

As much as I love this idea, I think that the previous discussions about "SRT" being the top label for any Chrysler model will trump this (not to beat a dead horse or anything). However, might they consider a "CUDA SRT"? With a 6.4 (or larger), I would buy it in a nanosecond.

~XJameson

[Ragamuffin]

[quote=Cuda340]Yesterday, information about a possible 'Cuda model appeared in the following blog: http://www.autoblog.com/category/new-york-auto-show/

"The interweb is atwitter today thanks to a piece published by the Detroit News that hints Chrysler may revive the storied Cuda nameplate. Such a car would obviously quote]
Atwitter ? If that's a real word, then that's the only thing new about this subject : which I believe may have been discussed here first at Challengertalk !

[JonW]

I'd buy a 'Cuda if it had the right look.

But, in reality, I don't expect it to happen, at least not for a couple of years. If Challenger sales start to drop in a couple of years, a 'Cuda would be a good way to prop them back up. But right now, I don't see the need for the extra expense involved in tooling for a 'Cuda version when Dodge is going to sell every Challenger it can build.

[Cuda340]

Originally Posted by JonW

I'd buy a 'Cuda if it had the right look.

But, in reality, I don't expect it to happen, at least not for a couple of years. If Challenger sales start to drop in a couple of years, a 'Cuda would be a good way to prop them back up. But right now, I don't see the need for the extra expense involved in tooling for a 'Cuda version when Dodge is going to sell every Challenger it can build.

Unless the make the 'Cuda into a limited production version of the Super Stock Challenger with 500+ horsepower. I can see DCX selling it for $50-60,000...and some will buy it for that price.

[Ragamuffin]

Originally Posted by Cuda340

Unless they make the 'Cuda into a limited production version of the Super Stock Challenger with 500+ horsepower. I can see DCX selling it for $50-60,000...and some will buy it for that price.

Well, y-ahh ,me too ...especially when a few of the rare 70's models are selling [have sold] for more than 10 times this amount & add today's updated technology . Also you get that new car smell ! !!!!!!

[crispiegee]

Well, for me, I don't feel any blind loyalty for Chrysler, I hate the scumbag Daimler guys for running the company into the ground. Plus they stupidly eliminated Plymouth - an ill-advised move for a number of reasons, and it shows the Germans' incredible ignorance of the U.S. market.

The reason I mention that is this: I would probably trade in my 300C on a reasonably priced 6.1 'Cuda because I've always loved the '71 Cuda. The Challenger never did as much for me, so right now, I am probably more likely to buy an '08 Pontiac G8 with a 6-speed and a 6.0 V8.

Do you all hate me yet? Sorry... I like the European lines of the G8. The Challenger is cool, but it's more a summer-only vehicle (I live in Buffalo). And I already own a motorcycle for summer.

The 'Cuda, on the other had, is so pretty that I'd have to just learn to live with it in the winter.

[Challenger09]

How could we hate you?! You are a car enthusiast. I would JUMP on the 'Cuda in a heart beat!! Even if it meant a second mortgage on the house!

[Ragamuffin]

Originally Posted by crispiegee

Well, for me, I don't feel any blind loyalty for Chrysler, I hate the scumbag Daimler guys for running the company into the ground. Plus they stupidly eliminated Plymouth - an ill-advised move for a number of reasons, and it shows the Germans' incredible ignorance of the U.S. market.
The Challenger is cool, but it's more a summer-only vehicle (I live in Buffalo). And I already own a motorcycle for summer.

The 'Cuda, on the other had, is so pretty that I'd have to just learn to live with it in the winter.

Heck yeah; just keep her locked in the barn with a heated blankee and snuggle. ..and watch the blizzard howl !! !!!!!!! P.S. Welcome to Challengertalk !

[JonW]

Originally Posted by crispiegee

Sorry... I like the European lines of the G8. The Challenger is cool, but it's more a summer-only vehicle (I live in Buffalo).

The G8 is rear wheel drive. How does that make it a winter car as opposed to the Challenger and 'Cuda?