While purists weren't overly pleased by the use of the Charger nameplate on a four-door sedan, the Challenger name should go
over quite well. Chrysler's Pacific design studios have created a vehicle that actually looks like a modernized Challenger, complete with long overhangs and kicked up fenders. The car is even accurate in the details, which include single-bar tail lamps, functional hood scoops and rectangular exhaust tips.
The concept's muscle component is fulfilled via the brand's 'Blueprinted' 425-horsepower 6.1-litre HEMI V8, also featured in the Chrysler 300C SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, Dodge Magnum SRT8 and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, and mated to a true 6-speed manual gearbox topped by a pistol-grip shifter.
But when it comes to market, DCX might up the ante in SRT8 form by dropping in its latest HEMI creation, a 510+hp 6.4-litre (392 cu in.) HEMI V8
which was recently displayed at the SEMA motor show in a 1970 Challenger R/T Convertible, no less. These two combinations show that DCX is in tune with North American car enthusiasts, and as usual will most likely commit the Challenger concept, 6.4-litre HEMI upgrade or not, to production.
And speaking of production, it's speculated that DaimlerChrysler will take a different approach to the Challenger than it has with the Magnum or Charger. While it would be built alongside other LX cars in Brampton, Ontario, Dodge's aim with the Challenger is to create a specialty product. When the car hits production sometime in 2007, expected yearly production would be between 5,000 and 10,000 units commanding a higher premium. If this is indeed true, there would be no need for a V6 variant; the Challenger would be all HEMI V8 through and through.
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| The concept's muscle component is fulfilled via the brand's 'Blueprinted' 425-horsepower 6.1-litre HEMI V8. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The concept's muscle component is fulfilled via the brand's 'Blueprinted' 425-horsepower 6.1-litre HEMI V8, also featured in the Chrysler 300C SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, Dodge Magnum SRT8 and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, and mated to a true 6-speed manual gearbox topped by a pistol-grip shifter.
But when it comes to market, DCX might up the ante in SRT8 form by dropping in its latest HEMI creation, a 510+hp 6.4-litre (392 cu in.) HEMI V8
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| Will DCX's new Challenger spur on Chevy to build a renewed Camaro? (Artist's Rendering) |
And speaking of production, it's speculated that DaimlerChrysler will take a different approach to the Challenger than it has with the Magnum or Charger. While it would be built alongside other LX cars in Brampton, Ontario, Dodge's aim with the Challenger is to create a specialty product. When the car hits production sometime in 2007, expected yearly production would be between 5,000 and 10,000 units commanding a higher premium. If this is indeed true, there would be no need for a V6 variant; the Challenger would be all HEMI V8 through and through.
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