General DiscussionThis section contains general discussion about the new Dodge Challenger concept. If it does not fit into a more specific area, it probably belongs in here. (Dodge Challenger General Discussion)
The Chrysler Group is on the outside - Unlike embattled GM and Ford, Chrysler is not losing market share and has no plans to close factories. Moreover, Chrysler seems more relaxed and confident than the other domestics — and more willing to take design chances. The company had a good Detroit show, unveiling the new Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass crossovers, the Challenger and even the big Chrysler Aspen SUV. Chrysler's decision to dump the lowly Neon in favor of the much more stylish Caliber looks pretty smart right now. Rather than take on the Japanese in small-car segments they dominate, Chrysler opted for a different, less traveled path.
The crowd wasn't much smaller for the equally fabulous Dodge Challenger concept...emotion, power and style — classic qualities that Asian manufacturers have struggled to achieve...
[quote=Mr.DJ]By TERRY BOX , The Dallas Morning News
Date of Publication: February 01, 2006
The Chrysler Group is on the outside - Unlike embattled GM and Ford, Chrysler is not losing market share and has no plans to close factories. Moreover, Chrysler seems more relaxed and confident than the other domestics — and more willing to take design chances. The company had a good Detroit show, unveiling the new Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass crossovers, the Challenger and even the big Chrysler Aspen SUV. Chrysler's decision to dump the lowly Neon in favor of the much more stylish Caliber looks pretty smart right now. Rather than take on the Japanese in small-car segments they dominate, Chrysler opted for a different, less traveled path.
i think your right, they are the only of the big three that doesnt seem like they will lose their place in the big three.
I think your right, they are the only of the big three that doesnt seem like they will lose their place in the big three.
Chrysler's building the cars America really wants right now. They are building true AMERICAN cars that the Japanese, Koreans and the others dont make. They have taken big chances with agressive styling and re-introducing the Hemi and that has paid off big time.
I remember people freaking out about the new Ram pickup when it was introduced (I live in pickup country). Some hated it while others loved those big truck looks. And now you have every other truck maker tying to clone it. I doubt you'd see the Tundra, Avalanche, Ridgeline or the (ugly) F-350 "tonka" concept without the Dodge Ram's influence.
GM and Ford have stuck with making mostly bland, boring and conservative family cars and trucks for decades, and I think thats finally caught up with them. They were really dumb to think that just SUV sales would keep them afloat.
Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep gave car buyers agressive looks, powerful Hemi engines and a bad ass attitude, even for the cheaper cars. I think the Chrysler Group is trying to become the Harley-Davidson of car makers, and thats cool with me!
It seems to me that when Chrysler tries to copy the direction of the other car companies they fail. What Chrysler is now doing is what they do best. When they forget about what everyone else is doing they are successful.
When Chrysler introduced the Aspen during the Detroit Auto Show, some in the press questioned why anyone would bring out a new production SUV at this time. I looked at it as part of their plan for major growth.
It seems to me that when Chrysler tries to copy the direction of the other car companies they fail. What Chrysler is now doing is what they do best. When they forget about what everyone else is doing they are successful.
They needed to do something different, for a time (early 90's) they stuck to Lee Iaccoa's plan bulding cheap K-Cars and Minivans. The Truck division was severely outdated. Jeep's only new model was the ZJ Grand Cherokee, and most of the design work was done when they were still owned by AMC.
The Chrysler Group has recapured the high performance image that they had in the 60's and early 70's. The new Challenger will reinforce that image even more. It's a big middle finger to other automakers that DCX is going to continue to do thier own thing. The Japanese have no clue on how to build a V-8 musclecar. And if GM doesnt build a new Camaro or Firebird they will really be in trouble.
I hope they ignore all the complaints from the Europeans that the Challenger is "too retro" - when those same Euros have heaped tons of praise on the new VW Bug and the new Mini. Don't knock a car until you drive it.
Last edited by WildBillTX : 02-01-2006 at 02:18 PM.
Yup yup! When DCX dares to be different, is the time they truly succeed... As someone else mentioned, look at GM & Ford's recent cars.... They look like every other boring car on the road... Heck, the "New" Impala (for 2006) looks JUST like an Accord! Someone just played a prank & glued a bowtie on the grill! How freakin boring is THAT?! At least the Impalas from 2000-05 had SOME style... And don't even get me started on Ford... LOL
It's amazing how well the Chrysler group has emerged into a top contender for the title. recently, I was at the auto show in Salt Lake City,where all of the new models of vehicles were out on display. you wouldn't believe how crowded the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge section was, compared to all of the others. they brought out some killer concepts like the Jeep Rescue (Cummins powered Jeep monster SUV), the Chrysler V-12 (Ferrari smoker) and some sweet vipers, Chargers and kick ass new Rams. I love it, keep it going DCX!!!
. Heck, the "New" Impala (for 2006) looks JUST like an Accord! Someone just played a prank & glued a bowtie on the grill! How freakin boring is THAT?! At least the Impalas from 2000-05 had SOME style... And don't even get me started on Ford... LOL
GM pissed off a lot of Chevy owners by going to front wheel drive. A lot of Americans still associate front wheel drive with imports. The "we're trying to copy Toyota" looks didnt help sales either!
America hadn't seen a car like the 300 in decades. It had balls. People still want big cars with powerful V-8's and rear wheel drive. They gave it bold and expensive looks and kept the V-6 base models affordable. And they were damn smart to port it over to Dodge as the Charger and Magnum wagon. I dont know who is doing market research for DCX, but whoever's doing it deserves a huge raise!!
GM pissed off a lot of Chevy owners by going to front wheel drive. A lot of Americans still associate front wheel drive with imports. The "we're trying to copy Toyota" looks didnt help sales either!
America hadn't seen a car like the 300 in decades. It had balls. People still want big cars with powerful V-8's and rear wheel drive. They gave it bold and expensive looks and kept the V-6 base models affordable. And they were damn smart to port it over to Dodge as the Charger and Magnum wagon. I dont know who is doing market research for DCX, but whoever's doing it deserves a huge raise!!
Couldn't agree more. DCX nailed it on the head with their new body styles. US automakers take note, American men still love MUSCLE CARS!
GM pissed off a lot of Chevy owners by going to front wheel drive. A lot of Americans still associate front wheel drive with imports. The "we're trying to copy Toyota" looks didnt help sales either!
America hadn't seen a car like the 300 in decades. It had balls. People still want big cars with powerful V-8's and rear wheel drive. They gave it bold and expensive looks and kept the V-6 base models affordable. And they were damn smart to port it over to Dodge as the Charger and Magnum wagon. I dont know who is doing market research for DCX, but whoever's doing it deserves a huge raise!!
And people don't forget!!!
__________________ David 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 (Yeah, It's Got A HEMI!)
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