It is without a doubt that the Dodge Challenger is getting quite old, but it is aging gracefully, especially with the bonkers Hellcat being produced. But if you actually consider how long the Challenger has been with us in current guise, it’s akin to being your great-great grandparents, expect in the car world. But despite being your great-great, they can still run a four-minute mile, meaning the current Challenger is still decent enough to run with the latest pack. But it won’t be for long.
When compared to its arch enemies, the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang, both of which have been revealed in next-generation form over the last year or so, the Challenger is a DVD in a world of Blu-Rays.
So that said, it should be no surprise that Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles is working on a new model.
Due sometime in 2019, Automobile Magazine reports the next Challenger could ditch the old, dated Mercedes-based platform for a newer, lighter rear-wheel drive on sourced from the Alfa Romeo Giulia. The supposed benefit here is that the new Challenger could get much improved handling dynamics.
Of course, being a Challenger, you can expect the usual use of Chrysler’s HEMI V8 and the latest and greatest Pentastar V6. Speculation also suggests the use of a new turbocharged four-banger to match the Camaro EcoTec and Mustang EcoBoost models. Though one thing’s for sure, confirmation was supposedly given for a next-gen Challenger Hellcat with at least 750hp, which is more than the current model’s 707hp.
Given how the Challenger is being given a completely new slate, rumors also suggest that a new Barracuda model could be spawned from the second-gen Challenger, which would basically take the role as a Challenger convertible, but with a shorter length and much more unique bodywork.
All in all, sounds like things are all healthy and well for one of FCA’s most important halo cars. The new Barracuda too should be enough to garner some extra attention as well. Though fans are surly to be a little upset that the Barracuda name won’t come from the long since been defunct, Plymouth brand, since that’s where the name and car originated. But, beggers can’t be choosers.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: Automobile Magazine
Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/29x1Nrx
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