Dodge has finally confirmed the resurrection of the legendary Charger name on a new four-door model coming next year. Dodge issued the above sketch that confirms the production car will be a four-door, a move that could upset purists (although the more retro-styled Charger concept shown at the 1999 Detroit Motor Show was also a four-door, the original Charger was a two-door).
The sketch also shows a race version of the Charger that will compete in the popular NASCAR series in the States.
Engines available on the car’s US launch next spring will be a 3.5-litre V6 and a 5.7-litre Hemi V8. A 6.1-litre Hemi V8, also heading for the Chrylser 300C, is likely to follow later.
Although there are no plans to bring the car to Europe, it would provide some high-profile ammunition for Dodge’s attempts to launch itself as a European brand (see Autocar, 5 October).
The firm is following in the tracks of big rivals Ford and General Motors in using its heritage to excite car buyers. Ford’s updated classics include the Mustang and GT, while GM recently re-introduced the iconic Pontiac GTO name in the US.
One of the original breed of muscle cars, the Charger was made famous by its appearance as ‘General Lee’ in the Dukes of Hazzard TV series and its starring role alongside the Ford Mustang in the film Bullitt.
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