Quote:
Dodge rumble returns
June 30, 2006
BY MICHAEL ELLIS, JOE GUY COLLIER and MARK PHELAN
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITERS
The Dodge Challenger concept appeared at the auto show in January. (DaimlerChrysler)
Muscle car fans, a classic ride silenced since 1974 will roar back to life this weekend.
Chrysler Group is preparing to announce before the Pepsi 400 NASCAR race in Daytona Beach, Fla., on Saturday that it will build the Dodge Challenger, bringing to market as soon as next year a sports coupe to compete against the Ford Mustang.
Chrysler officials haven't announced details, but people familiar with the plans confirmed that the two-door, four-seat concept Challenger unveiled in January at the North American International Auto Show will go into production.
Chrysler built the Challenger for only a few years, 1970-74, but the car made a lasting impression.
The concept version's styling borrowed heavily from the classic 1970 Challenger muscle car, with twin hood scoops and a pistol-grip shifter. The concept is powered by a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 producing 425 horsepower through a six-speed manual transmission.
"Every NASCAR fan in the country will be drooling over that car," said Erich Merkle, an auto analyst with IRN Inc. in Grand Rapids.
KeithGT wrote:Rodimus Prime wrote:rednecks rejoice theres a new general!
wrong car slick...