In the usual horsepower-hazed stupor that envelopes me every time I drive the Challenger, a thought crossed my torque-addled brain. I thought, "If the Challenger was a convertible, I could really hear that wonderful exhaust." So here's my photo-chopped version. Not very good, right? Somehow, the car looks even heavier and chunkier than it did with a roof. Then there's the issue of chassis strength. I have a feeling this bad boy would flex like the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. I suppose some things are best left untouched.
Mark Takahashi, Associate Editor @ 20,360 miles
santiagofdz says:
09:57 AM, 02/23/10
"Somehow, the car looks even heavier and chunkier than it did with a roof."
+1 The convertible car's "thighs and ass" look MASSIVE.
hybris says:
10:02 AM, 02/23/10
I wonder what it would do to the highway mileage?
ocramidajzj says:
10:18 AM, 02/23/10
The convertible looks plain and unattractive next to the hardtop. IMO
shaddai says:
10:19 AM, 02/23/10
Needs seats, but it still looks heavy.
jeepsrt says:
10:33 AM, 02/23/10
Chrysler made a few convertible's but decided not to make them due to the economy and they looked pretty good from what I saw.
zcalvert says:
10:34 AM, 02/23/10
Wow, they would have to do some serious body revisions to make that look decent.
The proportions actually look like a FWD car with no roof to balance things.
nasag03 says:
10:41 AM, 02/23/10
I'd like to see a photoshop of a 2-door wagon version with a large cargo load area and fold down rear facing seats.
felonious says:
10:57 AM, 02/23/10
The butt does look pretty big without the top, but I still like it. I think if you're familiar with classic convertibles, the look is pretty accurate. (I daily-drove a '65 Mustang convertible for almost a decade.)
stephen987 says:
11:15 AM, 02/23/10
I love it. Sure, the front and back look like they were drawn to different scales, but I think it's better than the coupe.
And +1 to nasag03--since Chevy won't build us a Nomad, why not Chrysler?
badblackrt says:
11:57 AM, 02/23/10
Well I believe there was a Chrysler plan to make a convertible but after the 08/09 auto industry meltdown it was scrapped.
I tell you what though the old school Challenger/Cuda looked bad-ass.
Remember that yellow cuda Don Johnson drove on that show Nash Bridges. That thing was sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!!!
ptcdawg says:
12:28 PM, 02/23/10
Give me the drop top all day long...and twice on Saturday's.
badblackrt says:
12:39 PM, 02/23/10
By the way add some seats, put some nicer rims, drop it, add chrome filler cap and trunk lid spoiler
and I bet it looks way better!
colorado kid says:
01:52 PM, 02/23/10
I like it. I would buy it before a Mustang GT convetible, which is currently at the top of my personal "My next car will be..." list. Especially in bright red with a white top.
firstwagon says:
04:52 PM, 02/23/10
All cars look better as convertibles... as long as the top is down.
plumcrazy2 says:
06:10 AM, 02/24/10
From what I understand Chrysler never intended to make a convertible Challenger. The reason they gave was that the car was already big and heavy, (something several people have expressed this very blog) and the weight they would have to add to strengthen the chassis would be considerable.
There are a few companies that will customize your Challenger for you, but they are heavy and the top never looks right to me. (Mr. Norms Garage will even turn your challenger into a Cuda if you like)
I like the idea of a convertible Challenger I wish they could make it work, but I have given up hope on it happening.