Even before the SRT brand was formed as a separate entity, then Dodge boss Ralph Gilles was already thinking about how to revive the legendary Plymouth Barracuda.
At the 2010 SEMA show, Gilles had told reporters that “there’s a lot of pressure to bring the ‘Cuda back; the customers have been stomping their feet for it.”
Now, Car & Driver reports that the Barracuda will indeed make a comeback. It says Chrysler Group plans to replace the Challenger in 2015 and join the Viper in SRT’s expanding range.
According to the publication, the new ‘Cuda will bear no resemblance to the model it replaces. That’s because the current Challenger is based on a version of Chrysler’s LX platform, which was “borrowed” from Mercedes-Benz during the Daimler era and also underpinned the Dodge Magnum and Charger and the Chrysler 300.
The platform is deemed too big for a modern Barracuda, which is expected to be more than eight inches shorter than the Challenger and feature a wheelbase reduced by six inches making it similar in size to the Ford Mustang. It is also said to shed up to 350 pounds (160 kg) over the Challenger.
With partner Fiat needing a rear-wheel drive platform for its Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Lancia brands, it makes sense for the group to develop a more compact RWD architecture that will not feel cumbersome in overseas markets.
While a Hemi V8 will power the flagship version, CAFE requirements dictate the use of smaller engines, too. C&D says that “at least one variant” of the new 2.4-liter “Tigershark” four-cylinder, probably with forced induction, will be offered along with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which will gain direct injection.
Note: The orange Chrysler 'Cuda seen in these pictures is a one-off special based on the current Challenger that was unveiled at the 2007 SEMA Show.
By Andrew Tsaousis
10 Comments:
They should just keep the Challenger and make it the same size that it was, the new one is more caricature of the old one its ALOT BIGGER, teh old one was bigger than the current mustang but smaller than the current Camaro...
Just FYI the cuda one off was based on the charger srt8
Looks good though. They took the back door off. Wonder if its a two seater
This isn't a "Plymouth Barracuda". A real Plymouth Barracuda would have an enormous wraparound back window and a fold-down back seat with a sort of chrome towel bar on it and a little trunk lid, so when you fold down the seat there's a million cubic feet of space but no way to get anything into it. Also it would usually come in metallic gold, and also sometimes pink.
Why doesnt someone in design do the right thing when recreating these classic icons? Use the original bodies, sharpen the lines, gently update the interior, modernize the chassis and power train, modernize the classic wheels. Then stop!
Because the "orginal bodies" has shit crash ratings and wouldn't make it in a crash test.
Damn, stupid Fiat damage all the coolness in the American brands, because it only needs a new platform, same brand-enginnered...? Go eating pasta marchionne il canadian stilo...
Thats lazy....the world doesnt need more "retro styling" either they are going to bring the old car into modern times with a modern "interpretation" of the original or let the die in peace as a classic....If you want a car from the 1970s go buy one, but sales figures have proven enough times that RETRO REMAKES dont sell well...and lose interest very quickly. Chevy did the best job with the camaro it is clearly inspired by its past without its PAST dominating its styling, its very modern yet easily recognized as a camaro. The challenger was a good try but its like a supersized version of the original......Honestly I say let this barracuda die Mopar has a bad habit of remaking "names" like they did with the challenger 2nd generation, daytona, and others.....just fix what you started with the challenger make it its old size drop its weight and voila
Hopefully the new Chrysler will get beyond the crude hulking cartoon car era of the recent past that practically killed the comany. The PT Cruiser was the beginning. Except it was practical and beautifully styled. The later bunch of 300's and whatever else they came up with were just crudely retro. The newer 300 is what the first one should have been. It's still too retro and not enough modern, but I assume was designed at the end of the previous iteration of Chrysler. Imagine those same themes spread over something like the new Fusion or Opel Insignia shape. The hasty facelift of the Sebring/200 is a good sign.
I'm hoping the next minivan, whatever they decide to call it, is a successful design. The current one, mildly facelifted by the New Chrysler, is a relic of the dark days of Chrysler. I'd much rather have the predecessor. The attempts at addressing the American size minivan problem by Toyota and Nissan and less so Honda aren't that great. Actually the only cool American minivan ever was the original or facelifted Pontiac versions of the 1990-96 GM plastic van. Seriously, look it up.
Unfortunately man retro-sales it, like the PT cruiser, previous 300 and now Challenger shows definitely even abroad, because they have their own style, I repeat OWN style, what is lack of most modern cars...
Post a Comment