In yet another retro-inspired effort, Dodge is showing a Challenger concept
at North American International Auto Show in January in Detroit. For those not old enough to remember, the Dodge Challenger was a 1970's-era answer to the Ford Mustang. Built on a shortened Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger chassis (116-inch wheelbase vs. 120 inches), the Challenger gets a 6.1-liter Hemi hooked to a six-speed manual transmission with a pistol grip shifter...
Maybe it's just me, but I just can't get excited by it, as I've never been a big fan of Detroit pony cars. I'm sure it will sell by the boatload, but it's just not my cup of tea.
carlisimo says:
04:09 AM, 11/27/05
How does a pistol grip shifter work? Like an SMG but with triggers instead of paddles?
ateixeira says:
12:44 PM, 11/28/05
Interesting, so they tease us with a Charger that doesn't have 2 doors, and then deliver a 2 door a year later. Pretty clever.
mopar053 says:
06:51 PM, 11/28/05
the pistol grip is a standard shifter just the grip is shaped like the one on a pistol it was featured in muscle cars back in the 70's and it shows dodge is trying to get in touch with its history.
herbielovebug says:
05:02 PM, 11/29/05
this is really exciting I mean i've seen some muscle car wars but this is shaping up to be a good one now if only mercury would jump in the game.
polara says:
12:54 PM, 12/31/05
well for a 2-door,front engine, manual trans the polara may be up for sale, and the new girl looks sweet to me
ravensong says:
02:15 PM, 01/10/06
Wow. Dodge hit a home run. I had a '73, and nursed it from a rusted out non-running hulk into a nice driver. I loved that car, and have often regreted parting with it. If they can pull off a production model that looks like that, I'll buy one. I sincerely appreciate that Dodge broke out of the 'herd mentality' that everyone else (except Ford's Mustang- kudos Ford!) and made a car of passion, that doesn't concern itself with aerodynamics, or that some people might be offended that it has more than 6 cylinders. It is bold, and it is VERY American. I love it.
Hat's off, Dodge! As long as you produce cars like this, you will have a glorious future. Did you want a check or cash?