Why Anything

The new Dodge Challenger is planned for the 2007-2008 calendar year. LY is the platform designator for the second-generation LX cars (we know it's an unfortunate designation). The Challenger may ride a shorter wheelbase to decrease weight, but on the other hand, it may simply be a two-door variant, much as the Charger was a two-door version of the Coronet. The concept car has a 116 inch wheelbase, while the other LXs use a 120 inch wheelbase; but it keeps the same multilink independent rear suspension.

Automobile suggested that the Challenger would probably be V8 only but also noted that this may depend on whether the Challenger would be made as a mass-market vehicle, Charger, or as a 5,000 - 10,000 cars/year specialty model. If the former, a V6 would help it to compete with the cheaper Mustang; if the latter, only Hemi V8s would make sense, though many fans would be disappointed (especially since pricing would probably be about $10,000 higher).

The two-door model Challenger takes many cues from the 1970 model, including floating headlights, ribbed black seating, a hood with black trim, a 6.1-liter Hemi engine with six-speed manual transmission and a pistol grip shifter, and the general look and feel; designers had a 1970 model in the studio as they created a concept. 'We wanted to do a muscle coupe that connects with the American heritage,' said Tom Tremont, Vice President Advance Product Design, 'but instead of merely re-creating that car, the designers endeavored to build a Challenger most people see in their mind's eye a vehicle without the imperfections.'

LY: 2007 Dodge Challenger