Dodge will lead the cars built off the next-generation Chrysler LX platform--called LY--with a new Challenger ponycar for the 2010 model year. The Challenger will be a true Mustang-fighter, with 350-horsepower Hemi V-8 and 3.5-liter, 250-horsepower V-6 versions going up against the Mustang coupe. And given Chrysler's ambitions for its performance franchise, you can expect a 6.1-liter, 425-horse SRT* version as well. Dodge has no plans for a Challenger convertible, as that business will be left to the 2007 Chrysler {{{Sebring}}} replacement, although it's possible Chrysler Group could commission a coachbuilder like ASC to do one.

Short of the pickup trucks in our fleet, the Challenger has got to be the long-termer most likely to grow chest hair. It is a manly man's manmobile, one that offers cool, retro style and the growl of a big, pushrod V-8 backed by a six-speed manual.

A lot of us may be too young to remember the glory days of auto movies in the 70s, but for those old enough to remember a movie called Vanishing Point starring Barry Newman, this little tuning project may be if interest. In the movie, Newman plays the role of Kowalski, man who makes some sort of bet that he could take a white 1970 Dodge Challenger and drive it all the way the from Colorado to San Francisco in just 15 hours. Apparently, Vanishing Point was one of the most iconic car movies of the era, having enjoyed cult status to its fans, including one Bob Frederick.

"This thing is just righteous!" Those were the first words that popped out of my head to executive editor Ed Loh after I got done figure eight-ing the big red Challenger R/T. Talk about old school done right. Of course Mr. Loh's first words to me when we saw the unexpected Challenger being unloaded from the hauler were, "Looks like Christmas came early -- even for you Jewish types." Good point.

In a July 2010 comparison test, we pitted the new 5.0-liter 412-horsepower 2011 Ford Mustang GT against the more senior (and more powerful) 426-horse 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS and 425-horse 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8. The final results were quite unexpected. The least-powerful car won, and the most powerful came in last -- a finishing order that inverted the power rankings.

Reading through the notes on "Big Blue," our 2009 Challenger, you almost begin to wonder how many people actually drove the car. Every entry is almost formulaic, hitting the same highs and lows and reaching the same conclusion:
"I loved the look of the car and the big V-8 engine. The pistol-grip shifter is awesome and the soft springs make it a great cruiser. On the other hand, the car's too big, it gets lousy fuel economy, and the nav/stereo system is awful. But despite its flaws, I just love this car."

Chrysler’s aftermarket company, Mopar, is preparing their latest tuning project for the Dodge Charger. Following in the reins of the 2010 Mopar Challenger, the tuning company is turning its attention to the 2011 Charger to make it one of the fastest, meanest, and more powerful Chargers out on the market.

Stylized, affordable, and with a dollop of sport, the ponycar formula has changed little in its 46-year history. The quartet of modern versions we assembled here are draped in rakish, come-hither sheetmetal; equipped with smaller, fuel-efficient V-6 engines; affordable to the masses; and yet still offer satisfying power.
If you're experiencing deja vu, there's good reason. We last assembled this crew in July, when the Mustang put a 3.7-liter smackdown on its domestic brethren, but lost to the Korean newcomer. (The resulting outrage ignited Internet forums for months.) Then, we were looking for the sportiest, most fun among them -- the best hustle car.

True to its promise of reinventing itself for the new year, Dodge is coming to the 2011

The original Dodge Charger had been somewhat of a failure for Chrysler. It sold in large numbers to the public, but remained without a win in racing.