2010 Dodge Challenger: Back to the Future!

by: Matthew C. Keegan

Blogs, car sites, and auto shows have been hyping up the concept Dodge Challenger to the point where you would think that the car is almost ready to roll off of a DCX assembly line. To say that the prototype is being well received is an understatement -- quite frankly if the Challenger was available for sale today the waiting list would be many months long. Such is the demand for a retro car that takes its styling cues right from the '71 Challenger.

As it currently stands, the car will be built as DaimlerChrysler has given its blessing to the new Challenger. Still, the Challenger is more than three years from being manufactured as it is likely to be released some time during 2009 as a 2010 model. Yes, the wait will be hard for many, but if the hype equals the performance, then the wait will certainly be worth your while.

Some people are against the whole retro car revolution. Citing that Detroit must reach back in time to make relevant cars is a testimony to the each automaker's woes. On the contrary, I believe the many revived models currently being planned or already on our streets is a clear testimony to Detroit finally listening to its customers: we want cars that are uniquely styled and we want them to perform exactly the way you will say they will perform. No fake hood scoops, no heralded model name slapped on a car that pales in comparison to the original. No, we don't want you to build the original model we want you to build the original model better. Take the styling cues and run with them and incorporate modern technology to improve upon the original design. That's all we ask.

So, just what can enthusiasts expect when they take delivery of their Challenger? Well, like I said the car is still in the planning stages, but what I have gleaned from various sites is the following information:

Modified Platform -- If you like the Mercedes based LX platform currently used to run the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, and Dodge Charger then the LY platform will suit you too. DCX is planning to modify the LX platform for its next generation of vehicles and the LY based Challenger will be one of many cars built upon it. Some have suggested that the LY will be the LX on steroids, whatever that means.

Did Someone Say Hemi? -- Every Mopar product of significance will have optional Hemi power and the Challenger is no exception. Expect a V6 to be standard with the optional Hemi V8 for performance versions of the car. Some have suggested that the 425 h.p. SRT 6.1L V8 will also be made available for the Challenger.

Ragtop Regalia -- Chrysler says that the Sebring will be its only convertible offering, but that leaves Dodge dealers without a soft top car to market [other than the Viper, of course] . Despite this bit of information, look for a Challenger convertible to show up one or two years after the car's debut. Heck, if DCX doesn't want to build one then aftermarket coach builders will do the job for them. You can bet that Dodge dealers will make these arrangements if DCX doesn't.
Yes, the Challenger won't be in new car showrooms any time soon. For those of us waiting with "baited breath" we'll have to console ourselves with the many blogs, sites, and car shows hyping the car. Other than that, just imagine your shiny new Challenger stopped at a traffic light with a Mustang on one side and a Camaro on the other side...

About the Author
Copyright 2006 - Matt Keegan is The Auto Writer covering topics such as new cars, the classic, car parts, accessories, auto trends, and much more. Matt invites you to visit the Speedy Performance Parts store for all the best parts and accessories for your hot wheels.

The 2009 Camaro Concept Car

by: David C. Atkin

Well with the showing that the 2009 camaro had, it's a good thing that GM is going to build the car, the camaro had had a long life with muscle car fans in this country, and it's poised to do it all over again, if GM can stay in business, they seem to be having a rough time along with all the other motor companies.

The cmamro came out in 1967, to do battle with the Ford mustang, and a battle it was, either car could win with the right person behind the wheel, the right pilot if you will, and then in 1968 Don Yenko, owner of Yenko Chevrolet, in Canonsburg, PA. This brilliant man would create a monster that would give the camaro name a reputation befitting a king.

The sYc or "Super Yenko Camaro" would propel Don Yenko to super star status in the muscle car world, the cars were very expensive, so in turn not a lot of them were ever produced, 1969 turned out to be the magic year for these cars, in 1969 of the Yenko camaro two even meaner camaros would spawn, 1 known as the COPO or "Central Office Production Order" 9560 and the 9561, the only difference between these two cars was the engine, the 9560 "AKA" ZL1 had an all aluminum 427 CID engine rated by the factory at 425 HP, this of course was a serious under rating, the car actually made about 600 HP.

The 9561 was a cast iron block, so you can imagine the difference in performance between the two cars, the power to weight difference was phenomenal, and only the most experienced drivers could even handle one of these monsters, and Chevrolet is poised to do it again with the 2009 camaro, it's not the exact same idea, but it is a great step toward Chevy getting their muscle car heritage back in order.

The 2009 Camaro runs a 400 HP LS2 6-Liter V8 engine, and sporting the power train from a Corvette, this car will be awesome, also sporting 22" rear wheels and 21" front wheels in it's unrevised form, but the spokesman from Chevrolet says that when the car is released it will have 21" rear wheels and 20" front wheels, of course the difference won't be noticeable to your eye, but it will save some cash for Chevrolet.

This car is a tribute to Chevrolet's ingenuity and creativity, the one thing that will help to keep them alive in this economy that seems to be horrible for the automotive industry, if anybody can do it Chevrolet can.

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About the Author
I've been in the automotive business for about 20 or 25 years now, and worked in all facets of the automotive industry, from mechanical repair to restoration and parts, for American and import cars.