Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Coupes, Chrysler, LLC.
Possible Cuda for Chrysler? Foose thinks so, we don't
The interweb is atwitter today thanks to a piece published by the Detroit News that hints Chrysler may revive the storied Cuda nameplate. Such a car would obviously share a platform with the upcoming Challenger, though would be sold as a Chrysler model since its original parent brand, Plymouth, is long since shuttered. The rumor was started by an interview given by famed hot rod tuner Chip Foose at the 2007 New York Auto Show earlier this month in which he mentioned the possibility of such a car.
We think the rumor has pretty weak legs to stand on, considering it originated from a guy who doesn't even work for Chrysler. Though Foose has partnered with DCX on a number of projects, there's no reason they would release such sensitive information to him. It could be the case that Foose wants a Chrysler Cuda to be developed and sold, but that's an entirely different story.
Plus, the New York Auto Show has been done and over for about three weeks. The possibility of a new Cuda is pretty hot info, so as a fellow publisher we're boggled why The Detroit News would sit on it for so long. As for the rendering that appears with the source article, while tastefully done by our friend George Achorn, is clearly just a tweaked version of a Challenger pic with a new color and different wheels. If Chrysler ever did decide to build the Cuda again, hopefully it would be differentiated by more than that.
The rendering we chose to use (above) is one done by the excellent Doug Schramm of www.creatingthelie.com fame. We found his pics of a Chrysler Cuda hanging out on ChryslerCuda.com. Cleary the Cuda's return became the wish of many Mopar enthusiasts as soon as the Challenger Concept first took the stage at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show.
[Source: The Detroit News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Josh Oliver 2:23PM (4/26/2007)
Well...he's not saying it just to capture headlines...
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Big jim 2:40PM (4/26/2007)
as a fan of the orignial e-body cars i think chrysler should have both the Cuda and Challenger together just like in 1970
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Brent 2:57PM (4/26/2007)
Looks better than the Challenger.
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mk 3:07PM (4/26/2007)
Aside from the grille and hood, and a couple of doo-dads, it looks the same.
I know they used to look the same, too. But I thought we were past the days of slapping another badge on the same EXACT bodywork. Even GM doesn't brand-share that closely, although nearly.
Why not change it up a little bit?
I'd rather see the Chrysler Firepower Concept make production, aside from the Challenger, rather than two Challengers with different badges.
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georgejetson 3:10PM (4/26/2007)
The 'Cuda rumor has been around for awhile -- it first surfaced several months before the Challenger concept ever saw the light of day -- and every now and then pops up on various Mopar message boards via regulars who might or might not have sources inside the company.
It would be ridiculously easy to do, and would make a logical follow-on if the Challenger should run its course after two or three years. But I'm not betting the farm on it.
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HotRodzNKustoms 3:29PM (4/26/2007)
It would be nice for the Mopar man that wants a few more of the luxo toys and plushness usually associated with what at least used to be a upscale brand Chrysler. Plus I'd call it the Plymouth Cuda by Chrysler. Such a shame Plymouth is gone.
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JC3 3:29PM (4/26/2007)
That car looks so "right".
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Scott 3:37PM (4/26/2007)
I can't see any point in this. For one thing, Plymouth is dead. There was no such thing as a "Chrysler" Cuda, so it wouldn't even really be a revival. Second, DCX has been trying to cultivate Chrysler as a near-luxury or actual luxury brand, this vehicle would do nothing for that. Third, is there anyone out there who would consider the Cuda but NOT consider the Challenger? All this does is create internal competition, it wouldn't bring in any more buyers than the Challenger will alone. Yes, it would be cool to further reinforce the cool new muscle car niche, but I don't see it making any financial sense for a hurting Chrysler corporation. Put some money into fixing the odd-looking Sebring first.
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mr.ed 4:17PM (4/26/2007)
Chip Foose has that magical NIH factor, so popular in Wayne county.
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Axium 4:32PM (4/26/2007)
The wheels in this photochop are from an '07 Jaguar XKR.
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c 5:13PM (4/26/2007)
Hottest new car in 33 years!!!Sorry import fan's this down right is a real car not a leaf blower on wheel's
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Drewboy 5:15PM (4/26/2007)
There's an obvious solution to this. Foose could create the aftermarket kits to make it happen.
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.03 6:04PM (4/26/2007)
The car looks great! Change the sheetmetal drmatically though, Call it the Plymouth Barracuda, and bring back the Plymouth Marque starting with this car...Dodges with a little less content and price, just like it was intended over 50 years ago.
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3cubedminus3squared 6:33PM (4/26/2007)
50yrs.? I'm pretty sure these cars weren't around in the fifties.
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Brad 6:36PM (4/26/2007)
#4
I agree that the Firepower was a good idea but for some dumb reason they were not considering a manual shift option.
I don't want to see a Cuda with the Chrysler brand on it. It's just not right. But since Plymouth is dead I don't think there will be a Cuda.
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tenken 6:57PM (4/26/2007)
If true then in a southern drawl, I would look forward to saying, "wanna take I ride in my cooter"
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FingerSled 7:02PM (4/26/2007)
What Chrysler should do is build the Dodge Challenger and provide the consumer with the ability to have thier car 'LOOK' like it were a Plymouth'Cuda.(Let's call it the 'Cuda package). The 'Cuda package would change the grill, the rims, the style of hood scoop, and the tail lights.----And a person opting for the 'Cuda package would also be able to include "Billboards" as part of the option.
Whats a Billboard? Its the blacked out area on the rear quarter panel of this car.
http://www.get-in2.com/musclecars/1971plymouth_cuda340.jpg
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.03 7:03PM (4/26/2007)
#14 3 cubed something...I meant the Plymouth brand...they were around for more than 50 years...they weren't some sort of upstart like Scion...they actually have a LONG history in the automotive industry
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imjon 7:16PM (4/26/2007)
ALWAYS favored the Cuda over the Dodge. Its just cleaner meaner lookin and maybe having owned a BARAcuda which doesnt compare in looks to the lil smoker. But tell me is there a more muscular lookin car than these and the camaros I mean Challenger then the Camaros? huh ? and oh my God whered they get this photo. I love it. No not likely to happen but a fella kin dream!
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Mr. Fab 8:25PM (4/26/2007)
Am I the only one enjoying the semi-delicious irony of a new 'Cuda being mooted here on . . . wait for it . . . 4-26?!?!?!?!?
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