Dodge Challenger makes unexpected pit stop in Golden State
Either Dodge is prepping to officially announce production of the Challenger concept, or the brand's feeling dissed for not receiving 300 e-mails daily like rival Chevrolet for its Camaro concept. Whatever the reason, the retro-muscle car rumbled largely unannounced into SoCal last week, sending enthusiasts into a frenzy. Autoblog reader John and members of Challenger Talk snagged several pics at various spots in Orange County, while reader emulous1974 snared a surprising number of night shots (above) before his camera battery died. Thanks for the top-notch work, guys!
John's pics
Emulous pics
UPDATE: 'Emulous pics' were actually taken by Z63R. Both are members of the forum.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jugomugo 12:16PM (5/14/2006)
Where do I sign up? [fj]
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Tom Design 1:23PM (5/14/2006)
Oh goodness, it turned out to be really beautiful. The simpleness of the roof is just stunning, no creases or rain funnels, or weld seams showing. The paint job looks flawless in these great closeups, no orange peel just smooth high gloss lacquer looking. The interior is just the right amount of austere, retro and high tech at the same time, a hard thing to do. Not sure about the parking-ability of the plastic bumper covers, nor the crash protection at 5mph and under ($0 repair is always the ideal), but this is a gorgeous car.
I like chrome, and here, it isn't missing at all.
As was the intention, I'm sure, it makes the Mustang look a bit dowdy.
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iQuack 2:24PM (5/14/2006)
There was a Challenger shown at an auto show on Nob Hill (S.F.) a few weeks ago. Not many people surrounding it either. Bright red yawner and little more.
The car looks like a larger and fatter version of the 1970s Challenger which was never a thing of great beauty nor engineering superiority.
If/when this car is introduced, there will be strong interest among a few fans who will bid up prices to be the first in their neighborhoods to own one. Then sales will fall like a stone.
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Anonymous 2:34PM (5/14/2006)
CarTV.com spent some time last week with both the Challenger and the Imperial and will have videos up real soon (My guess is they will also include video in their weekly news cast). Both of these cars will blow your mind - and after seeing uneditted video of the Imperial, I'm ready to buy one! That's saying a lot from someone who only sticks with Luxury brands.
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iQuack 3:21PM (5/14/2006)
The Imperial was also at the auto show (above comment #2) and I think its chances of success are better than the Challenger's.
The Lincoln Town Car and Cadillac DTS are good vehicles but they're getting old. I can see limo buyers moving to a car like the Imperial. It's a bit over the top, but so are the people who like to ride in cars like that.
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Corey W. 3:26PM (5/14/2006)
Although I love this car, I think the design is a little different from the Camaro concept. The Camaro is more modern then retro where the Challenger is more retro. I still hope it makes production and does well, if not for automakers like DCX and GM, sticking their necks out these applications, we would never see affordable designs like this from any other maker.
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Max 3:38PM (5/14/2006)
Way To Pimp The Jet. :-)
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Cody Peterson 3:38PM (5/14/2006)
At first I liked the camaro concept better than the challenger.. but after seeing these photos, I think I'm going to put my money down and bet on the challenger cause that thing is bitchin...
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emulous1974 5:39PM (5/14/2006)
Sorry, those are not my pics, they are from www.focaljet.com and taking by a member there called Z63R. But I am a member there and saw the post and thought I'd share with the rest of the world.
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Gary D. 6:00PM (5/14/2006)
Retro Rocks....I think that Pontiac could take a cue from Ford and Dodge, and re-think the GTO (Gutless Touring Omelette).
Dodge should go a little more retro on the interior, looks wise and keep newer technology. Wasn't crazy about the Porsche Boxster wannabe shifter....give a Hurst flat sided gear grabber any day!!
I'd buy one in a Hemi-heartbeat!!
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whofan 8:27PM (5/14/2006)
This beauty is testiment to the great cars that were built by the big 3.
Who cares about Toyota?
Detroit bring it on!
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Fooman 8:29PM (5/14/2006)
IN response to 10...
how is a 400hp car a "Gutless Touring Omelette" Sure it is as boring looking as hell, but it moves like a bat out of hell.
As DMC, Ford specialty(LR, AM, Volvo, jag etc,) mazda, Toyota, Nissan and Hyundia all have major design studios here within 20 miles of each other, socal can be a car spotting mecca. I had a few friends spot the Challanger on the road last week ,and now I know why...
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Dodge Hater 10:22PM (5/14/2006)
This retro craze is going to burn Chrysler's ass when it has run it's course. There is - NOTHING - new about this car. It is almost as if they pulled out the molds from the 70s, enlarged them a bit, and made a "concept" car out of it.
And for #2, of course the paint is going to be flawless, what do you expect for a car show car. Wait until it hits production and I bet the paint will look like a fat lady's ass with cottage cheese sized orange peel.
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JJ 4:48AM (5/15/2006)
Yep Retro is horrible... i mean...just look at the Mustang..Garbage, PT Cruiser? Garbage, HHR? Garbage.
Why go retro muscle... when you can go new age green...Everyone buy a Prius or Hybrid.
Seriously DH...do you hate Dodge that much that you have to diss the PAINT COLOR? Come on.. now you're just stretching for reasons.
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Jake 5:09AM (5/15/2006)
This retro craze is going to burn Chrysler's ass when it has run it's course. There is - NOTHING - new about this car. It is almost as if they pulled out the molds from the 70s, enlarged them a bit, and made a "concept" car out of it.
Our troops are fighting for us, and this is what they get?
A car that gets mileage equavilent to the original.
Gas at perhaps four bucks a gallon?
This country needs some serious leadership.
And some manufactures that care.
Jake.
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tony belligerent 9:10AM (5/15/2006)
Jake,
What does this have to do with the troops?
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JJ 9:53AM (5/15/2006)
....what the heck do our troops have to do with any of this?
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km 12:12PM (5/15/2006)
retro sucks...
after driving nothing but amarican cars (1 mustang, 2 camaros, 1 trans am and 1 corvette) for the past 20 years, looks like i might be forced to get a nissan 350Z for my next car (even if its not as powerful).
fast american cars (except for the corvette which i cant afford) are all going with this silly retro craze, first the mustang, then the charger and camaro, what a shame.
BTW, all these cars will soon be available with with a mildew scented air freshner to give even more of that "old" flavor.
what a shame.
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Alex 12:25PM (5/15/2006)
Reagarding 15.
First off, don't know why you mentioning the troops.
You want them to drive around over there is a Toyota Prius? You Egg Head.
2nd. Have you ever seen an old 70, 71 Challenger, they do look similiar, but are different. The New Challenger is styled after the the 70 or 71 Challenger.
Its a Concept car!
As for # 13, your a Meatball short of a full pair. Go green and get lost!
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Takeo 1:50PM (5/15/2006)
18# you're missing the point. #15 is referring to the fact our troops are over there securing the oil supply ( No matter how you cut it, that's what the middle east is about, otherwise there's no reason to be there). The more oil we use, the longer we stay there, the more lives we lose. I think given the choice between a year in Iraq and driving a Prius, I'll take the Prius. At least I don't worry about coming home minus an arm, a leg or dead. Think about that Alex!
Carlos Ghosn is correct when he says "Companies do look to the past when they are afraid of the future". GM, DM, and Ford all do retro for that precise reason.
The only retro product I'd love to have is also named Mustang and sports a 27 Liter V-12.
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