It could happen. DaimlerChrysler staffers are being quoted as saying it would only take 18 to 24 months to get
the Challenger into showrooms once management gives the go-ahead.
Given the overwhelmingly encouraging
response that the company received after the concept car’s unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show (including its victory
over the Camaro in our head-to-head reader poll!),
it’s hard to imagine that DaimlerChrysler would turn down the opportunity to one-up Chevrolet, whose Camaro concept is
said to be three years away from production.
Of course, DaimlerChrysler has a huge advantage over Chevy, in
that the Challenger is based on a shortened version of the LX platform already in production for the Chrylser 300,
Dodge Charger and Dodge Magnum. Add to that a full line of platform-compatible powertrains, and a 2008 model-year
Challenger looks like a slam dunk.