Is this the way the next generation of muscle cars will go?
You might be asking yourself what could a Dodge Charger that hasn't existed for years teach the segment leading Ford Mustang? A lot, according to some people at Ford who are following every piece of news that the Charger generates.
The Dodge Charger concept is powered by a 4.7 liter V-8. You'd expect a V-8 and only a V-8 to power a modern day muscle car, but you wouldn't expect it to pump out 335 horsepower from a supercharged natural gas (CNG) engine. But that's not really what makes this car the admiration of many Ford Mustang team members.
One of the greatest attributes of this vehicle is that it's a four door! Neil Walling, vice president of design said "We originally sketched it with two doors, but the more we looked at it, we couldn't ignore the opportunity it presented for four doors."
He also added "Two door sports coupe sales are shrinking and we don't see them rebounding soon. Cars such as our all new Dodge Intrepid have shown we can build a sedan with coupe styling".
Dodge might just be right on the money - because although the Mustangs sales are increasing, it's only due to a decrease in Camaro and Firebird sales. . .or better worded - a shift in sales from one name plate to another. This really means that there isn't any real growth is that segment for a lot of investment. Dodge seems to have possibly answered that question as to if muscle cars might survive through the next few years by creating a Mustang and SHO Taurus into one aggressive and attractive package.
While the Mustang is safe due to increased sales - even Ford itself questions its long term viability.
Pistol grip shifter handle, racing pedals, brushed aluminum inserts, "monster" gauges and leather seats the grab one in place make the interior both attractive and functional.
I was standing next to an acquaintance of mine who works on the next generation Mustang when Daimler-Chrysler unveiled this car today in Detroit and his jaw just dropped. Impressed he was, because he too saw the potential that this car has.
"It has muscular lines that are more exaggerated because of the package, with big offset shoulders over the rear wheels," said John Dehner who designed the exterior. "This Charger R/T has a menacing look to the front end, low and wide, and a powerful looking rear end. Some aspects remind me of the Viper" he added.
It's without question that should the Charger become more than a concept - it would surely have an impact on the way the future sports cars are marketed.
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
The Charger R/T (Rapid Transport) has a north-south front engine/transmission layout, but is a rear wheel drive. It's mated to a five speed manual transfer case (BWD T-5) with a 3.91 Dana 44 axle. 4.7 liter V-8 with cast iron block, aluminum 16 valve heads. The brakes come from the Dodge Viper with 4-piston calipers in the front and 2 piston calipers in the back. The upper and lower rear suspension control arms are modified from the Plymouth Prowler.
The Charger features five spoke case aluminum wheels; 19" in the front and 20" in the rear. Goodyear's extended mobility tires are P245/45R19 in the front and P295/40R20 in the rear.
Based on a 1998 LH body in white 4 door sedan. Finished in BASF Charger Red Candy with yellow tint.
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