1. Cars and Design
  2. »Concept Cars
  3. »Dodge Challenger Concept 2006

Dodge Challenger Concept

Dodge Challenger Concept
Dodge Challenger Concept
For the past 10 years, Chrysler has always impacted the public with prototypes of super sports cars or models deeply rooted in its history, such as the 300C, Prowlerand Vipermodels. The 2006 Detroit Motor Show surprised the American public with an unexpected redesign: the Dodge Challenger Concept. And the truth is, because of its emotional and historical value in America, it moved many.

While the prototype aims to be a sample of retro design, with no real production plans, acceptance was so immediate and criticism so favorable, that American enthusiasts keep their hopes of seeing it on the streets...

Of course, this is yet another sign of the misunderstanding of those people in the world they live in. The lines of the car are very beautiful... but sports vehicles that large (in size and performance) are not lacking... in a world where the effects of pollution are critical, spaces are reduced and the price of fuel increases. Once again, the so-called “first world” does not set a good example and shows that money can more than reason.

Returning to the Challenger Concept, all the aesthetic details are reminiscent of the original 1970 Challenger Trans Am. The design was basically outlined by Michael Castiglione, who skillfully managed to equip the car with old-looking features. The original Challenger was characterized as a car with a large hood, a medium compartment and a short trunk.

But these proportions are no longer in force, because they run counter to the dynamic performance of cars and do not allow the use of spaces. It is then that with ingenuity, Castiglione represented these characteristics in a more insinuated way than in person. Well-crafted overhangs, tail-facing side windows, and rear-view mirrors located close to the driver to create a longer feel on the front. And it is worth noting that the hood is made of carbon fiber.

Dimensions and Performance

Dodge Challenger Concept
Dodge Challenger Concept
The prototype presented by Chrysler was manufactured by its usual supplier of concepts, the company Metalcrafters, belonging to Argentine John Gaffoglio. The 1970 Challenger was 4.851 mm long and 2.794 mm between axles, while the presented Concept was 5.029 mm long, 2.946 mm between axles and 50 mm wider.

The 1970 model had a V8 HEMI engine of 7,000 cm3, and of course this prototype would be no less than the mythical model of the 1970s. The new car has a 6.100 cm3 V8 and 425 horsepower. The power is transmitted through a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Tests revealed that it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, runs the quarter mile in 13 seconds and its top speed is close to 280 km/h. Of course, these numbers are not entirely sincere, since the prototype has silencers but not catalytic converters in its exhaust system. With this legally binding addition, your benefits will see a safe decline.

© Adrián Blanco 2006 — Prohibited the total or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —

por Adrian Blanco