After some 22 years without the Challenger
name plate, and 31 years without a high-performance
Dodge Challenger, rumors begin to travel about
the possible reincarnation of a Hemi-powered
rear wheel drive Pony car from Dodge, which
would carry the Challenger name. Magazines and
web pages alike discussed and speculated on
what could be the next legendary vehicle from
Dodge, shown in various artists renderings,
mostly lamenting what the recently released
Dodge Charger could have been, as so many people
were disappointed to see its new high performance
family sedan look. Late in 2005 photos surface
of what was believed to be the "Next Dodge Challenger".
Again, with these hazy, slightly blurry pictures
of what looked to be a vintage Challenger with
some body alterations to "modernize it", rumors
were flying, and the anticipation heightened
as several magazines released articles confirming
what the Dodge Faithful had hoped for some 31
years...this was the New Dodge Challenger. It
was real, with a real engine, the new 425 Hemi,
and it was to make its grand debut at the 2006
North American International Auto Show. Then
on January 8, 2006, the North American International
Auto Show opens, and pictures from every possible
news source debut the first moving pictures
of the Challenger, and on January 14, 2006,
the general public is introduced to the 'Dodge
Challenger Concept', as the public viewing days
begin at the North American International Auto
Show. Rave reviews come from both Dodge fans
young and old, as well as those who were faithful
GM and Ford owners. While this awesome new car
is but a concept as of early 2006, Dodge sources
indicate a 2006 or 2007 beginning of production,
which could put the car on the road, and in
peoples driveways as early as 2007. The Challenger
is back, and with the new 6.1L Hemi, as well
as a plethora of model technologies, this new
Dodge Challenger may prove to be better than
ever.
Read more about the Dodge Challenger Concept Car.
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