Up Front

Up to the Challenge

1974 was a year of upheaval in the United States. The Watergate scandal came to a tumultuous close with the resignation of President Richard Nixon in August. 1974 was also the final year of production for the original Dodge Challenger—upheaval of a different sort for auto enthusiasts who were witnessing the glory days of the muscle car era draw to a close.

Thirty-eight years and seven presidents have passed since the launch of the original Dodge Challenger in 1970. The Challenger arrived at the pony car party late, some three years after cars like the Pontiac GTO, Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang. But with its classic Dodge style and an unrivaled powertrain lineup the Challenger quickly made its mark on the pony car scene. Some 200,000 units were produced during the four-year Challenger era, and collectors have kept the Challenger memory alive hoping one day a “new” Challenger would return—particularly since the rebirth of the Dodge Charger.

Politically speaking, at least, 2008 is shaping up to be another tumultuous year, just as the political scene changed the culture in the mid-1970s. But as the politicians play on the national stage, there’s one distraction we can all appreciate: the resurrection of the Dodge Challenger. The 2008 Dodge Challenger is a new muscle car for a new generation of enthusiasts. It’s all Dodge. And all Challenger. Under the classic Dodge Challenger style lie amenities and safety features unimagined a generation ago. But first and foremost, it’s a Dodge Challenger. First up is the raucous SRT8®. Under the hood? A 6.1L HEMI® V8 that kicks out 425 horsepower.

I think you’ll enjoy our feature story on the return of the Dodge Challenger and all the other stories in this special Challenger issue, including a look at how the new Challenger might affect the classics (page 8), a special Dodge Challenger Reader Rides (page 28), and an in-depth look at the original Challenger (page 33).

From all of us at Team Mopar®, enjoy!

Rob Richard
Director
Global Parts Sales & Marketing
Mopar Parts