I like the concept and they should have built it. It was based on the LH platform which was the Intrepid. It was also rear wheel drive and powered by CNG (compressed natural gas). The rear styling and the sides have been lifted from it and applied to the 2012 Charger. The tail design is very similar to the 69-70 Charger. The design of the new Challenger was not taken from this concept car. They look completely different. It was based on the 70 Challenger. The tail lights are almost spot on. I used to own a 70 Challenger back when I was a teen. Like everybody else I beat the snot out of it and then sent it to the crusher. It was a lifelong Vermont car and had all the rust in all the usual places.

 

Although I don't care for the concept Charger above either, it is (imo) a bit more appealing than the current Charger. It has flowing body lines as compared to the (again imo) gawd-awful box shape of the new Charger. I really don't think the dislike of the new Charger comes from the fact that it is a 4 door. I think it has more to do with the body style and the insolent manner that Chrysler used to promote it.

 

I have nothing against the Intrepid. It was a decent car. But it was not exactly one of those models that will be remembered over the ages as one of the all time greats. The Charger name has that reputation. Therefore will generate more sales just from the name alone. Initially, anyway. Whether it continued to be a successful seller depended on how good the car is. And obviously, it was a success since it's still around in it's second carnation since returning. If it was a cheap 4 cylinder grocery getter, it would've failed miserably. So good job on Chrysler's part.

I simply think most people were initially disappointed that it didn't look like the '69 General Lee. I think people were expecting a retro Charger, and didn't get what they wanted.

But like I said previously. I think bringing back a nameplate as a retro styled car, like Chrysler did with the Challenger, puts the manufacturer in an awkward position. When the retro styled Challenger runs it's course, what do they do next? Make it look like another year Challenger? Design something completely new? Discontinue the name again?

There's also been discussion that the retro styling idea is getting old itself. I still think there's some life left in the idea. But many people think retro styling should stay in the past, and go with fresh new ideas.

 

They will have to go to a new design with the challenger seance it really only had one body with a diff nose, & I myself am tired of retro but theyll prob do wat ford did & do a retro new style & completely screw it up

 

That's called retro styling with european flare.

 

The new Camaro is retro as well. From the design of the 69. The Camaro will have the same issues as the Challenger. I am afraid that both the Camaro and the Challenger are on their way to places in the history books. The thing that makes these cars sell is the looks and the power. I have not driven either the new Camaro nor the new Challenger. I have driven the older versions of both and they pretty much were the same. They rode horribly and if you said the word rain the rear tires were already breaking loose. I'm not sure what people saw in either car back in the day other than on dry roads they went like hell and were appealing to the eye. The new cars are going to meet their demise because of the Obama administrations policy of increase CAFE figures. That will eliminate anything with horsepower that is fun to drive.
Lou as far as the Intrepid is concerned it was an ok car very similar to the front wheel drive Impalas. Even here in Florida where rust isn't an issue the Intrepids and first gen front drive Impalas are disappearing from the highways. It is sad to say that they will be forgotten.

 

Well they can keep there European flair lol

& as far as the CAFE I think these auto manufactures should refuse to do it if they all refuse than what can the gov do?

 

I agree the car makers should collectively refuse to abide by the CAFE regs. It however won't happen because the government still owns GM and the government gave Chrysler to FIAT on condition that they bring a bunch of gas sipping compacts to the market. It really pisses me off to see what OBAMA did to the auto industry. He has ruined it in my opinion. I hope to get elected so I can reverse his damage.
Chrysler needs to reinstitute the policies that Lee Iacocca has put in place during the 80's that were responsible for the strides that Chrysler had made during the 90's.

 

That is true Obama has really screwed the auto makers & it's gonna be a waste of money by them to try to follow these rules

 

Trucks and SUV's have sold well not because they are cheap, because they are not. They have not sold well because they are fuel efficient, because they are not. They have sold well because they are what the consumer wants to buy.
I think the manufactures are going to be building cars the majority of Americans don't want to buy. If you need proof just look at what is selling. The best selling American vehicle for many years has been the Ford F-150. Ford isn't shoving them down anyones throat.