SEMA 2007: Chrysler Barracuda?
OK, let's set a few things straight about this right off the bat. We have no details other than the photos you see here, which are posted at CarDomain and were sent in via a tipster. It's parked with the other SEMA Chryslers and looks for all the world like a factory 'Cuda concept based on the LX platform shared by the Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Chrysler 300. Now, let's go into 100% speculation mode.
If it's a real Chrysler concept, logic would dictate that it's based on the Challenger (2-door body style and all) and is therefore propelled by some HEMI variant under its shaker hood. A look inside reveals a stock Chrysler interior, save for the pistol-grip shifter, and a closer inspection of the steering wheel reveals a badge that looks like it represents something other than Chrysler or Dodge, which means that this could just as likely be an one-off show car from some undetermined builder.
We hope that's not the case, and that it's really a tease to gauge interest in a possible Barracuda production car, but something that important would likely be unveiled at one of the big public shows. A modern HEMI Cuda would be awesome, but until we get some kind of confirmation on what this thing is, we won't hold our breath. One of the reasons we remain skeptical is that our party-crashing buddy, Ray from Jalopnik, is currently skulking about the show floor, snapping pics during setup. If this was an actual Chrysler Barracuda concept, he'd have probably posted on it by now. In any case, the Autoblog SEMA crew will be on-site tomorrow, and they'll be able to let us know if this is really something to get excited about or not.
UPDATE: According to commenter "Burningman," it's a one-off, carbon fiber-bodied, Charger-based custom for a private customer. No word on what shop did the project.
Thanks for the tip, Maestro1!
[Source: CarDomain]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Danny Boy 8:38PM (10/29/2007)
Give me a real interior, like how they used to have them, and I'll buy it. Oh, and make really stripped down versions to, BIG engine and thats it. No show, but all go.
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ugg.tryptophan 12:05AM (10/30/2007)
CUDA, Oh Hells Yes!!!...oh gawd that interior is awful, i think i threw up a little in my mouth
Nellydesign 9:32AM (10/30/2007)
I'm praying to every god I've ever heard of that the Challenger doesn't come with this travesty of a joke of an interior. The Camaro will eat it alive in sales.
Golferal 8:44PM (10/29/2007)
The exterior and interior look like they're from two different worlds. I'm not saying that ya have to go full retro on the inside, but that dash looks almost exactly like the 300C.
I don't think this is a concept. No manufacturer would put a pair of $59.00 Pep Boys lookin' fog lights on a car they wanted anyone to take seriously. It's like a makeup artist adding a couple of warts on Giselle Bundchen's chin.
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James 12:09AM (10/30/2007)
You do realize the original 'cudas have similar fog lamps... right?
I think if anyone's going to complain about any details, it would be the fender flares..... more than a tad off from the '70 Barracuda convertible I'm restoring at the moment.
Maestro1 8:46PM (10/29/2007)
This doesn't look much different to a Challenger to me. The only difference I really see is the Front end and the interior.
While I love the Challenger Concept (and hope the production model isn't too big), I think that Chrysler should at least try and change the styling to differentiate the Baracuda from the Challenger. Otherwise it'll be like all those millions of Mustang variations running around...
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Tagg 8:57PM (10/29/2007)
Is this what the Challenger interior will be? If it is then the Mustang and Camaro have nothing to worry about.
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Maestro1 9:08PM (10/29/2007)
Couldn't tell ya. These pics are all I managed to extract from the site. I guess you'll have to wait till tomorrow for the scoop.
georgejetson 9:48PM (10/29/2007)
No, that's an early Charger/Magnum interior, like from two years ago. Either that's a modded (and not by the factory) Charger... or there's a story to be told here.
Jaymez 8:54PM (10/29/2007)
Rather than build two cars with different grills, just add a grill option to the order specs. No charge. Cuda or Challenger. Build one car, change the grill at the dealer.
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Thomas 9:32PM (10/29/2007)
That interior is terrible. The Challengers and Cuda's back and the day were basically the same car with diffrent girls and diffrent engine options.... I'm not to sure this is a concept either... Guess we'll find out.
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Burningman 9:59PM (10/29/2007)
I can most say for a 100% fact it is a one off custom car. It happens to be my clients car..but I sadly didn't design this master piece.
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Thomas F 9:37PM (10/29/2007)
lookie here it's right next to the SR-392 roadster car chrysler had built. Not sure what the deal is
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Thomas 9:38PM (10/29/2007)
forgot the link http://jalopnik.com/photogallery/SR392SEMA/1000073666
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Random Task 9:43PM (10/29/2007)
I can't believe that car is over 2 tons. If it was 3500-3600, I would snap it up.
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Burningman 10:02PM (10/29/2007)
Oh forgot to add that it's based on a Charger and is a Carbon Fiber body
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Kristovar 10:52PM (10/29/2007)
Wow-- I drive a Dodge and never really understood what people were talking about when they'd say that Chrysler products had terrible interiors. In the picture of the interior of this thing, I can see exactly what they're talking about-- it's like a puddle of dark grey goo with a neato retro shift handle. How awful. If this is an indication of the Challenger, I'll cancel my order of trading in my SRT-4 for an '09 Challenger 6 speed.
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zamafir 11:07PM (10/29/2007)
"which means that this could just as likely be an one-off show car for some undetermined builder. "
Dude, please tell me what forms one needs to sign to receive access to preproduction cars for SEMA purposes? BAD ASS!
Oh and a new 'cuda would rock!
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Azrael4h 12:07AM (10/30/2007)
It looks more like a classic 'Cuda in the front, with some relatively minor work done, meshed with the newer Challenger doors back.
There's little point to a 'Cuda. The Challenger has the 300/Charger/Magnum to help with the costs, as they ride on the flexible LY platform. So a second car, no matter the price point, would just take up extra production capacity, and compete against each other, much like the Camaro/Firebird did in the last couple of generations.
Chrysler is slashing models to eliminate overlap, creating new overlap with a pair of niche vehicles when there's no reason to do so is ridiculous.
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alex 12:08AM (10/30/2007)
i know we've already established that this is a custom job.... but for those pining for cuda to make a comeback, does chrysler really need the charger, challenger and cuda? doesn't make business sense to me
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