Chrysler Developing A Retro Barracuda To Replace The Challenger?

Chrysler's need to find the appropriate replacement for the Dodge Challenger will spawn a family of rear-drive Alfa Romeos. The hottest rumor coming out of January's Detroit auto show is that Chrysler design chief Ralph Gilles is designing a new-age Barracuda to replace the Challenger.

Challenger's two key competitors, the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, are both due for major updates in the 2015 model year. Mustang will continue on Ford's last remaining rear-drive car platform, and is widely expected to replace its current live rear axle with an independent rear suspension. Camaro's new Alpha platform is previewed in the Cadillac ATS on sale later this year, and on the Chevy Code 130R concept.

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Lemonade - 2/23/2012 1:21:09 PM

+2 Boost

LMAO! First the Fiat platforms, next the Hyundai transmissions, and now the all new Dodge Camaro? Oh yeah, the MIGHTY MOPAR just keeps rolling along. I suppose the Avenger will be replaced shortly with the ALL NEW Dodge Breeze.. What a clack!

vdiv - 2/23/2012 12:10:57 PM

+2 Boost

I like the third gen. Challenger. Among the Mustang and the Camaro I think Dodge did the better revival pony car. No apologies and no compromise. Too bad the sales numbers are half of those for the Mustang and Camaro.

I think Chrysler/Fiat should bring the Alfas back to the US, but keep the identity of the Challenger since there are two very different groups of people interested in the two.

mini22 - 2/23/2012 12:28:29 PM

+1 Boost

Barracuda was a Plymouth. So it's a little awkward for it to be labeled a Chrysler or a Dodge. Maybe they will move into the same new name segment as the upcoming Viper.Also I agee with vdiv. Chrysler should not be treating these cars as a short lived retro series. Ford did that with Thunderbird and I think that was a mistake.These brand names Mustang,Camaro etc. have value and need to be continued if only for identification let alone consumer excitment.

bfghemicuda - 2/23/2012 9:53:19 PM

+1 Boost

Why would you call Fiat? They do nothing with the Challenger.

AlleVier - 2/23/2012 4:40:56 PM

+2 Boost

For those interested in the designer (with more pics) go here:

http://www.carbodydesign.com/archive/2008/02/13-barracuda-concept/

bfghemicuda - 2/23/2012 5:57:32 PM

+1 Boost

I am a huge Challenger and Cuda fan. I have both a 1970 Challenger R/T 440 and a 1970 Hemicuda 4spd [1 of 21]. This photo above looks terrible. To much like the "cartoon on wheels" piece of crap camaro . I don't think this photo is close to being a production model if done. Dosen't make any sence to stop making the Challenger and then Create a cuda to replace it. Makes more sence to refine the Challenger. The only rumer is that Chrysler has secured the "cuda" name and I know Gilles has said he would like to create a Cuda but to date thats all we know. Personally if they make a Cuda why not have both.

Monopoly - 2/24/2012 1:21:26 AM

+3 Boost

@ billfrombuckhead

I agree! Chrysler/Fiat would be smart to build both a new Challenger and the Barracuda, however just produce the Barracuda as a SRT variant only and in limited numbers yearly under the new SRT brand.