2010 Dodge Challenger: Back to the Future!

Blogs, car sites, and auto shows have been hyping upplatform currently used to run the Chrysler 300, Dodge
the concept Dodge Challenger to the point where youMagnum, and Dodge Charger then the LY platform will
would think that the car is almost ready to roll off of asuit you too. DCX is planning to modify the LX
DCX assembly line. To say that the prototype is beingplatform for its next generation of vehicles and the LY
well received is an understatement -- quite frankly ifbased Challenger will be one of many cars built upon it.
the Challenger was available for sale today the waitingSome have suggested that the LY will be the LX on
list would be many months long. Such is the demandsteroids, whatever that means.
for a retro car that takes its styling cues right from theDid Someone Say Hemi? -- Every Mopar product of
'71 Challenger.significance will have optional Hemi power and the
As it currently stands, the car will be built asChallenger is no exception. Expect a V6 to be
DaimlerChrysler has given its blessing to the newstandard with the optional Hemi V8 for performance
Challenger. Still, the Challenger is more than three yearsversions of the car. Some have suggested that the
from being manufactured as it is likely to be released425 h.p. SRT 6.1L V8 will also be made available for
some time during 2009 as a 2010 model. Yes, the waitthe Challenger.
will be hard for many, but if the hype equals theRagtop Regalia -- Chrysler says that the Sebring will
performance, then the wait will certainly be worth yourbe its only convertible offering, but that leaves Dodge
while.dealers without a soft top car to market [other than
Some people are against the whole retro carthe Viper, of course] . Despite this bit of information,
revolution. Citing that Detroit must reach back in time tolook for a Challenger convertible to show up one or
make relevant cars is a testimony to the eachtwo years after the car's debut. Heck, if DCX doesn't
automaker's woes. On the contrary, I believe the manywant to build one then aftermarket coach builders will
revived models currently being planned or already ondo the job for them. You can bet that Dodge dealers
our streets is a clear testimony to Detroit finallywill make these arrangements if DCX doesn't.
listening to its customers: we want cars that areYes, the Challenger won't be in new car showrooms
uniquely styled and we want them to perform exactlyany time soon. For those of us waiting with "baited
the way you will say they will perform. No fake hoodbreath" we'll have to console ourselves with the many
scoops, no heralded model name slapped on a carblogs, sites, and car shows hyping the car. Other than
that pales in comparison to the original. No, we don'tthat, just imagine your shiny new Challenger stopped at
want you to build the original model we want you toa traffic light with a Mustang on one side and a
build the original model better. Take the styling cuesCamaro on the other side...
and run with them and incorporate modern technologyCopyright 2006 - Matt Keegan is The Auto Writer
to improve upon the original design. That's all we ask.covering topics such as new cars, the classic, car
So, just what can enthusiasts expect when they takeparts, accessories, auto trends, and much more. Matt
delivery of their Challenger? Well, like I said the car isinvites you to visit the Speedy Performance Parts
still in the planning stages, but what I have gleanedstore for all the best parts and accessories for your
from various sites is the following information:hot wheels.
Modified Platform -- If you like the Mercedes based LX