Dodge Challenger concept car

By Brad Jamieson

all it the scoop no one could stop. With an appearance that draws from the muscle cars of the '70s, the Dodge Challenger concept car premiered at Detroit’s Auto Show, displaying a sleek interpretation of the classic car, with tentative production plan to build by 2009.

To sanctify the muscle car enthusiasts, the 2009 Challenger shares an updated version of the LX platform with the Dodge Charger and the Chrysler 300. Styled primarily by Michael Castiglione, based on people’s fond memories of the original Challenger - a car with a very long hood and a very short rear deck - current design is more practical for both cornering and space usage. Both hood and the deck lid will be higher than the ‘70’s version in order to accommodate the front and rear themes. The front end features the Dodge crossbar grille and four headlamps recessed into the car-wide horizontal cavity.

This car is instantly recognizable as a Challenger. Like the original, it has a deep-set grille, a squat greenhouse, and full-width rear taillights. Powered by Chrysler's 6.1-litre HEMI engine (313 kW, 546Nm) the Challenger does the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 280km/h.

The easy-grip leather-wrapped steering wheel reminds of the original car’s Tuff wheel, as does the steering column ribbing. The floor console, its centre surface tipped toward the driver, is fitted with a proper “pistol grip” shifter shaped to master the quick shifts possible with the six-speed manual 'box. And while the flat bucket seats of the original Challenger didn’t offer much support for aggressive driving, the front seats in this Challenger boast hefty support much like those found on Dodge’s SRT cars.

Exterior details - like a racing-type gas cap, hood tie-down pins and louvered backlight - didn’t make the cut; designers felt such trinkets would detract from the purity of the body form. Most characteristically, the sides have a character line that runs the length of the car just below the windows with a kick upward just aft of the door - like the old Challenger.

While the Challenger was an exciting project for the Chrysler design team, the need was felt to keep the design as true to the original as possible to appease fans. The 1970 model was always the most sought after by collectors; the model has always had a higher profile, due to engine options like the 440 Six-Pak and 426 Hemi, igniting more dreams than it did sales. Or maybe it's just because it was so drop-dead beautiful. From the '70 through the '74 model years, Dodge produced 157,735 Challengers. Not a lot, considering that Ford sold 559,451 Mustangs in 1965 alone. But to many, no pony car was a greater muscle car than the Challenger and its big brother, the Barracuda.

While popularity at the auto show doesn't necessarily translate into sales on dealer lots, Dodge must tread carefully in order to make their 21st Century baby work. Unlike the new Charger that looks nothing like any of the old Chargers, this is must definitely be a Challenger.