'Update 2' - Looking into the Dodge Challenger Crystal Ball

HEMISPHERICAL BLOG | AUBURN HILLS MI - - Recently while watching Barrett-Jackson auction show, retro cars are at a growing popularity among collection owners and no wonder, they are vintage, powerful, and look classy. Even though most of the people collecting them are mostly baby-boomers and have a cash flow to spare. Even aftermarket companies still make them and boy do they look good with the exception of the sticker shocker.

The upcoming production Dodge Challenger R/T, 5.7-Liter / 6.1-Liter Hemi powertrains and you will know what I am talking about, on why muscle cars are in. The car was on this display at this year's auto show circuit and the first impressions were very enormous; you can tell that the guys at DaimlerChrysler were working hard on this model in bringing back muscle nostalgia. Now that the circuit is finally over, the team returned back to the assembling drawing board to figure out how to produce this great car with various limited run models.

What? Various limited models? As told by our famous insider, LD23 coupe [Dodge version] will be followed by several models but not built for the masses as other manufactures have done with a retro theme vehicle. I will say again, limited run means limited numbers. Chrysler Group intentions is not to build this platform with large numbers as it revivals cousins on the LX platform. Chrysler's flexable manufacturing method with multi-designs vehicles based on a single platform [LX soon to be the shortened LY] , the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, and the Dodge Charger will help to reduce the platform initial production costs.

Beside the initial production of the 2008 Dodge Challenger R/T, what other models could we expect?

First - let us clear up something. We had been hearing rumors of its "evil twin-sister" [LC23 -Chrysler version], awaits in the wing that was co-developed along with the Challenger at the Chrysler Advance Design Studio in Carlsbad California. Though, not to be undone as told, this car will bring back the retro Plymouth Barracuda design. For the muscle car collector, this is one car that is most sought after these days. Already told before, the Plymouth nameplate will "NOT" be resurrected and the model name will be shortened and labeled under the Chrysler brand for a limited historical production run. Remember the Plymouth Prowler? Man that was a short run for an awesome roadster. This lil-caper reminds me of our insider remarks: "WHEN THE THREE C's COME TOGETHER."

Second - initial production will begin with a 30,000 or a possible 50,000 maximum units production at the Canadian Brampton plant. The plant will be in full swing in April and could face a possible overtime. A leaked memo to the local Canadian Newspaper did tell us that if production is running at maximum assembly, the extra Chrysler 300s vehicles will be moved to the St.Louis plant.

Following this, 3,000 to 4,000 copies of an SRT8 model will appear shortly there after and will sport the next SRT's top Hemi brand hot engine. Currently, this new powertrain, coupled with the latest Viper 6-Speed manual tranny is under going testing in other modified SRT8 mules. Though, I was told "MUM" is the word on this powertrain; being silent means for the Shelby fans. SRT rather surprise them with an embarrassing moment at the track then give them edge.

Third - SRT and members of the SkunkWerks Engineering team, will attempt a "Unique Model" above the SRT version. As told by our friend, something that will be inline with performance cars north of 80,000 dollars range but affordable. What will be the negative aspect of this model? You are looking at a limited production run about a year or so. That being the case, this HO model will require a hefty down deposit and adding your name to a waiting list months prior to production. I am sure that this will arise the curiosity of the age old question -"How much horsepower are we expecting?" Remember the dollar range I spoken about to figure out what level of performance to expect.

Fourth - What about a convertible version? The answer is YES! It can be done and expect something within 24-months of initial production. There is already a drawing of a hard folding top convertible that looks like a real coupe when attached.

Fifth - last is the myriad of options from power train to optional gearing will follow these variations to help beef up MOPAR SPEED Shop pockets.

Dodge is very eager to make the car as fast as possible and as told earlier, there is unexpected release to help with sales. The two door Dodge Challenger looks great and drives like a dream, yet the price and production difficulties may limit many eager collection owners from purchasing the initial product.