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Likely Challenger: Dodge prepping a rear-drive coupe to take on Ford's Mustang

RICK KRANZ | Automotive News

Posted Date: 6/13/05

DETROIT -- Watch out, Ford Mustang. Dodge is preparing a challenger.

In fact, it's likely to be called Challenger.

Chrysler plans to resurrect a respected name from the pony car era for a rear-wheel-drive Mustang fighter, industry sources say. The car is expected in 2009 on the LX platform, the basis of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum and Charger.

"It is a two-door, essentially a competitor for the Mustang," says Catherine Madden, a production analyst for industry research group Global Insight. "They are really excited about it."

Madden says the sport coupe is planned to debut in 2009, when the next-generation LX vehicles are scheduled to be re-engineered and restyled.

"They would be able to make some additional investment in the platform, make some adjustments for that product" at that time, she says.

"The enthusiasm for that product," Madden says, is "very big."

Chrysler hopes to sell 60,000 to 70,000 of the cars a year, she says. An assembly site was not identified. Production of the 300, Magnum and recently introduced Charger is expected to fill Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario, assembly plant.

Chrysler officials are not talking about the car, but industry analysts say they are familiar with the plans.

Jim Hall, vice president of industry analysis at AutoPacific Inc., says he isn't sure Chrysler can pull it off. "They have a lot of stuff that has to be cleared off the table before they start playing around with that car," he says.

The redesigned 2005 Mustang has exceeded initial sales estimates. Ford expects to build 192,000 Mustangs this year, and most retail units are selling at a price near the sticker.

The 1970-74 Challenger was Dodge's answer to the original Mustang, as well as the Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, Mercury Cougar and AMC Javelin.

And, yes, the original Challenger had a Hemi V-8.

Tony Stewart Fan

That's pretty cool. Maybe this will appease the people that are dying for a two door. I'll stick with the 4 door Charger for now.

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BleedDodge

If it's good enough to be as successful as that '05 Mustang is, I would consider buying one. That's just what we need already. Mopar hasn't made a 2 door rear wheel drive V8 car since the early eighties. What's the excuse? Just imagine how much money they can never have back just because they didn't make a car to compete with the Camaros, Firebirds, and Mustangs over the past 25+ years...

Oh wait, fuel is too expensive. Mopar really missed the boat. This car had better be good, because this is probably their last chance to build and sell a car like the Mustang before you have to go to the desert and get the fuel yourself. That's what it's coming down to...

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Jaguar D-Type

I think the new Challenger would create more interest in the original Challenger and drive prices of the really cool ones even higher.

This 1971 Dodge Challenger convertible originally had a 318 cubic inch V-8, but the car was restored and now has a 440 6-Pack, a shaker hood, and a hurst pistol grip.

dodge4Life

Thats on Ebag right now, correct???

Jaguar D-Type

Yes.

horse101

Hi, I have a 71' challenger.

horse101

My question is: Has anyone converted an automatic car to a 4-speed car? 1971 Challenger..

KACHINA321

I Owned A 70 Challenger Rt Se Back In Ny Great Car 383 Magnum. Sold It Went To Calif Bought A 68 Camaro 4 Speed 327 W Camel Hump Heads. 2 Barrel Another Great Car. Sold That To Get A Cuda Convertable 440 With Air. Came Back From Palm Springs One Weekend It Was Gone. Never To Be Seen Again. It Wasen't Regestered Yet Under My Name. I Can't Find It Anywhere. I Have Heard Of Vettes Being Stollen In The 60s And Recovered In The 90s All Fixed Up. I Am Hoping This Will Happen To Me. I Was Almost Finished With It. Just Needed Paint And Interia Work. If Anyone Has It Out There I Want It Back....now : :

Jaguar D-Type

The picture below is from Dodge



"Leaked pictures"





and yet this is the same Dodge that makes this...

a modern-looking Magnum R/T that will age well





Hot Magnum SRT8

Twenty inch forged aluminum wheels hide four-piston Brembo calipers clamping on 14.2 inch front rotors (13.8 inch at the rear wheels).

Jaguar D-Type

Any thoughts?

Jaguar D-Type

Bueller?

Jaguar D-Type

1970 Dodge Challenger from the Trans-Am Series

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check the link for new pictures

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2005/12/...enger-concept/

Jaguar D-Type