|
|
|
Dodge Challenger
R/T Information: [
Home ] |
|
|
|
|
 |
In
creating the Dodge Challenger concept car the designers
at Chrysler’s West Coast Pacifica Studio knew they had a
rich heritage to draw upon. They also knew they had an
obligation to “get it right.”
Left: 2006 Dodge
Challenger concept vehicle - right, front top view. |
|
|
|
|
Tasked with the enviable assignment of developing a hot-looking
performance coupe using Chrysler’s advanced rear-wheel drive
LX platform and its fabled HEMI engine, the designers explored a
variety of options, eventually gravitating to “something” for the
Dodge brand — appropriate given that brand’s bold performance image.
The idea of reinventing the highly-collectible Challenger quickly
came to mind.
Eager to begin, the designers drew up a “short list “of the
essential attributes of a muscle car: distinctly American; mega
horsepower; pure, minimal, signature lines; aggressive air-grabbing
grille; and bold colors and graphics.
“Challenger draws upon the initial 1970 model as the icon of the
series,” said Tom Tremont, Vice President – Advanced Vehicle Design.
“The 1970 model is the most sought after by collectors. But instead
of merely recreating that car, the designers endeavored to build a
Challenger most people see in their mind’s eye — a vehicle without
the imperfections like the old car’s tucked-under wheels, long front
overhang and imperfect fits. As with all pleasurable memories, you
remember the good and screen out the bad.
“We wanted the concept car to evoke all those sweet memories …
everything you thought the Challenger was, and more.” |
|
|
|
“During the development of the concept car,” says Micheal
Castiglione, principal exterior designer, “we brought an actual 1970
Challenger into the studio.
Right:
2006 Dodge Challenger concept vehicle - left rear view. |
 |
|
|
|
|
For me, that car symbolizes the most
passionate era of automotive design.” Being key to the image,
getting the right proportions was critical. The Challenger concept
sits on a 116-inch wheelbase, six inches longer than the original.
But its width is two inches greater, giving the concept car a squat,
tougher, more purposeful persona.
The signature side view accent line — designers call it the “thrust”
line — is higher up on the body, running horizontal through the
fender and door and kicking up just forward of the rear wheel. |
|
|
|
In section the upper and lower body surfaces intersect and fall away
along this line, which has just a whisper of the original car’s
coved surfacing.
“We wanted to stay pure,” said Castiglione, “with simple, minimal
line work, but with everything just right.” |
|
|
|
Dodge Challenger
Concept:
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4 |
| |
|
Information found in
this section is believed to be accurate. DodgeChallengerRT.com
assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in anything that
is referenced by or linked to this site. This information and
photo's are provided "as is" and was obtained from Chrysler LLC. |
|
|
