Autoblog

John Herlitz packed a lot of memorable MOPAR into his 35 years with Chrysler. He graduated from college and started with the company as a designer in 1965. In just three years, Herlitz became manager of the Plymouth Intermediate Car Studio and didn't waste much time making his mark on the lineup.

Best known for his redesign of the 1970 Barracuda and 1971 GTX, Herlitz went on to work on several well-known concept cars, including the '97 Copperhead (above right).

Upon the announcement of Herlitz's retirement in 2001, Tom Gale, then executive vice president of Chrysler Product Development, said, "John Herlitz has made a tremendous contribution to DaimlerChrysler, and we will miss him personally and professionally. John's design signature has been seen on Chrysler branded vehicles from 1968. He has a true passion for cars and vehicle design that is unparalleled in the industry."

Herlitz died Wednesday at 65.

[Source: Automotive News (subscription required)]

Click either image for a high-res gallery.

When Chrysler trotted out the 'Cuda concept this past November at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, our first thought, after wanting to give it our lunch money, was that it might be one of the few examples in recent memory where Chrysler's badge engineering boffins couldn't drop the ball. A Photoshop wizard from Sao Paulo, Brazil by the name of Rafael Reston figured that Chrysler wasn't working fast enough (if at all) and decided to mock up his own interpretation of a Barracuda revival. While we're not entirely sold on the styling cues he chose, which straddle the line between concept car gauche and an art student's waste basket, we still like the idea. But it's highly doubtful that Chrysler has the time or resources to pour into a low-volume seller that has the possibility of cannibalizing sales from the Challenger.

[Source: Serious Wheels via Carscoop]

click image above for more high-res pics of the Chrysler Cuda Concept

Unless you've got an uncle on the verge of buying the farm or Grand Canyon deep pockets, you won't be able to pick up an actual 'Cuda anytime soon. According to a Chrysler exec on hand at SEMA, the Barracuda concept is a one-off production car built for one of those overtly wealthy gearhead. We don't have any details on who this mystery magnate is, but with a 6.1-liter HEMI, a body entirely molded in carbon fiber, six piston Brembo brakes and a set of 22-inch Zenetti five-spoke wheels wrapped in Pirelli PZeros, it's guaranteed that he (or she) will be enjoying laying rubber around his private estate.

While the full carbon fiber body is trick and the Lambo orange paint makes the 'Cuda "pop," we're baffled that the interior is pulled straight from the Charger SRT8 parts bin. Figure this car is worth more than its weight in unobtanium and you'd think that a few extra bucks for some Alcantara and Recaros wouldn't do much damage to the bottom line.

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]

Bob Johnson's 1971 Plymouth Barracuda, dubbed G-Force, created quite a stir when it was unveiled earlier in the year, and now the groundbreaking g-machine has earned itself the prestigious Goodguys' 2006 Street Machine of the Year award. Johnson's evil fish took the crown last month - yeah, we're a bit late on this one - by beating out four machines from the Bowtie camp.

Built by Johnson's Rod Shop (supposedly no relation) in Alabama, the award caps a challenging three years of fabrication. The project was motivated by Bob's desire to capture the top spot in the judging after a Top 5 finish with his Camaro back in 2002. This ground-breaking machine makes liberal use of high-tech materials stretched around a huge Hemi to provide a stunning 3.2 lb/HP power-to-weight ratio. With that sort of power, the high-tech independent suspension at each corner, huge brakes, and even bigger wheels and tires, we're pretty sure that this would excel at any sort of on-pavement use - if indeed the desire existed to thrash what's likely a seven-figure piece of art.

[Source: Goodguys]

Regardless of where readers come down on the Iraq War debate, most can agree to appreciate the sacrifice and courage required to be a soldier in the U.S. Armed Forces. That's what makes a new Associated Press article about a returning car-crazy Indiana National Guardsman so uplifting.

39-year-old reservist Spc. Bob Metcalf, returned from a one year stint in Iraq to a surprise gift from friends and relatives: his basket-case 1967 Plymouth Barracuda restored in gleaming, patriotic style. The once rusty and fenderless musclecar has been reworked featuring a sparkling blue paint job with red and white stripes. In Overhaulin'-esque fashion, volunteers worked for six months to realize "one soldier's dream."

Congratulations and kudos to all involved... and for any readers that come across pics of the Mopar in question, please feel free to tip us off.

[Source: The Associated Press via Fort Wayne News Sentinel, Mountain Gateway Mopars]

(Tip-nod: Starlightmica)