by "Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
Published 08/01/2017 at 07:55
by "Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
Published 08/01/2017 at 07:55
Tags: Dodge
STARS: 5
I had a thought so thought Id share it! I think the next generation of the Dodge Challenger will continue with the same nameplate (of course) but be mostly styled after the 1971-72 Plymouth Roadrunner. I noticed a few branding clues but the howitzer in kitchen for me came when I was trying to expand the Durango SRT grille out to the Charger and Challenger.
Notice the general shape then widen it out enough to include headlamps for the Challenger. You should end up with something very similar to an early-2nd generation Plymouth Roadrunner.
The perfect update to the current Challenger we have grown to know so well and it rekindles the nostalgia we got when the car debuted against the retro Mustang and resurrected Camaro. I also think the distinct C-pillar treatment is very much in trend with modern cars.
Add in the fact that the Mustang will still be running a “Coyote” engine and you have a looney recipe for Mmm mmmMMM, marketing!
Personally, I think the Camaro is going full sportscar and getting smaller next generation (that’s the only reason I can see an RMR Corvette being needed). The Mustang has found its stride as a sport coupe. That leaves the battle ax of a Challenger to continue as the “Personal Luxury Car for the People,” which somewhat ironically allows the Challenger to go more upmarket, nice! Can’t wait for that Georgie platform, Corinthian leather, and the introduction of composite Galatian carbon fiberette trim.
Lastly, AWD has been very well received with the introduction of the Challenger GT. What if that expanded to higher engine options? You could have the Challenger GT, GTB, GTS, or some other completely random, definitely not iconic, totally off-the-top-of-my-head letter tacked on for the all-wheel drive SRT variants.
Are you completely coincidentally thinking the same GT-”letter” Im completely coincidentally thinking?
Say it with me on the count of three!
1...
...
2...
...
...
3!!
GT-Cross!!! Ahhh sh’yeah!!!
"random001" (random001)
08/01/2017 at 07:57, STARS: 1
Props for using RMR properly.
"nerd_racing" (nerd189)
08/01/2017 at 08:01, STARS: 1
I would love this! That is my favorite style of roadrunner!
"hike" (hike15)
08/01/2017 at 08:01, STARS: 1
The Hellcat already has a subtle nod to the Roadrunner/GTX.
"Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
08/01/2017 at 08:08, STARS: 1
I have never noticed that! That’s the most subtle design choice Ive ever seen in an FCA product.
"Arrivederci" (arrividerci)
08/01/2017 at 08:08, STARS: 1
I could see that happening, but then it would beg the question - would they still call it a Challenger?
"Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
08/01/2017 at 08:14, STARS: 0
Yes! Because the current nameplate contains all of the brand equity. Also, this Challenger has been borrowing cues and badges from every 60s and 70s Chrysler product that it can. It’s the Hemi Heyday and the Roadrunner cues will still make regular buyers think, “That’s a new Challenger.”
"RT" (rt-p)
08/01/2017 at 08:28, STARS: 3
Let’s say the new generation has also grown used to the Roadrunner’s styling.
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
Good idea Wobbles, awesome looking car.
"Takuro Spirit" (takurospirit)
08/01/2017 at 09:04, STARS: 0
I’m hoping more for a ‘73-’74 Satellite look.
"Haase" (brianhaase)
08/01/2017 at 09:05, STARS: 0
They already do this....
Non SRT
SRT
"Slant6" (slant-6)
08/01/2017 at 13:06, STARS: 0
Have you seen the recent Netflix special on FCA design?
"Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
08/01/2017 at 13:12, STARS: 0
No, I don’t have Netflix or even regular tv. I’m missing everything...
"Slant6" (slant-6)
08/01/2017 at 13:24, STARS: 1
It was pretty good. They’re trying to be a more design focused company. They’re also very self aware of always being number 3 and that the 80s to late 2000s were rough for reasons outside of the design department’s control, and thus explains a lot of the questionable things.
Chrysler was always the innovative one of the big 3, last big one being the minivan. They’re hoping to regain this image. Design really can make or break a company and FCA has started to realize that. I’m excited.
"Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
08/01/2017 at 13:34, STARS: 0
I’ve always said that Chrysler, and now FCA, have world leading design, marketing, branding, and performance. It’s just too many different administrative cooks trying to create a new recipe for a dish they can’t serve.
"With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username" (with-a-g)
08/01/2017 at 13:48, STARS: 0
This would make me so happy if it’s true. The 1971 Plymouth B-bodies: Satellite, Roadrunner, and GTX, are my favorite sheet metal ever. (As it was for John Herlitz, the designer. He always thought it was his career achievement, even more so than the Barracudas he designed.)
Some guy did some renders of a hypothetical modern Roadrunner a few years back but they are too “fantasy concept”-like for my taste. Still, a new muscle coupe with square wheel arches, quasi-fastback, and THAT FACE would be awesome.
"DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
08/01/2017 at 13:59, STARS: 0
You’ve got something going on here, but I think it’ll be a bit of a challenge to make it look modern and good at the same time.
"My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword)
08/01/2017 at 14:44, STARS: 0
Here’s to hoping. That gen roadrunner is easily my second favorite 7os muscle car style-wise. They could do alot worse.
"Blondude" (Blondude)
08/01/2017 at 16:37, STARS: 0
I’d be okay with this.
"rillweid - Now with more TRD and less TDI" (rillweid)
08/01/2017 at 17:11, STARS: 0
Did not know this was a thing. What is it called?
"shpuker" (shpuker)
08/01/2017 at 17:59, STARS: 0
I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re right (I’d actually be pumped, I think that’d look amazing). It’s worth noting that FCA has thrown around the idea of reviving Plymouth/Barracuda name a few times as well.
"Slant6" (slant-6)
08/01/2017 at 18:05, STARS: 0
It’s part of Abstract, a series get did exploring design. Did FCA for an episode. Lotsa cars. Also an episode on Tinker Hatfield of Nike fame.
"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
08/01/2017 at 19:44, STARS: 0
I find both platforms totally uninspiring, 500+ horsepower aside.
I’ll have the Cadillac CTS-V, please, with extra everything and four doors.