MadScientistMatt
There are a few interesting things in the pipeline. They're already tooling up to build turbo Neons to compete with the WRX. Sure, it's not the return of the Hemi Charger, but at least it sounds like a new Shelby GLH.
The Hemi is also a done deal. I'm not sure if it's on sale now, but it should be out very soon if it isn't. They're also offering it in a crate, and even had the foresight to offer it with kits to drop it into vintage muscle cars. So those who wish for a 2003 Barracuda can at least have the appropriate powertrain.
From all accounts, the replacement for the Intrepid / 300M is going to be rear wheel drive. It may share some Mercedes components, but almost certainly not the engine. There seems to be some arguement as to whether it's getting the Hemi. But rest assured - if they don't put it in there, somebody else will. The only question is whether, if that's done by a tuner car company, there will be enough availible for the general public.
On the other hand, something of the spirit of the real muscle cars is gone, probably forever. You're not going to get an interior whose dominant theme is bare metal to pass a modern crash test, even if people these days are pining for more solid-feeling interiors than the acres of plastic in modern cars offers. The [i:7d458e3304]Consumer Reports[/i:7d458e3304] types would pitch a hissy fit over a car sold with no sound insulation. Insurance would be out of sight if a company took their cheapest economy car and stuffed their biggest motor into it like they did in the '60s. Unfortunately, these days it would be just about impossible to sell a car that captures the abject brutality of a '60s muscle car.
The Hemi is also a done deal. I'm not sure if it's on sale now, but it should be out very soon if it isn't. They're also offering it in a crate, and even had the foresight to offer it with kits to drop it into vintage muscle cars. So those who wish for a 2003 Barracuda can at least have the appropriate powertrain.
From all accounts, the replacement for the Intrepid / 300M is going to be rear wheel drive. It may share some Mercedes components, but almost certainly not the engine. There seems to be some arguement as to whether it's getting the Hemi. But rest assured - if they don't put it in there, somebody else will. The only question is whether, if that's done by a tuner car company, there will be enough availible for the general public.
On the other hand, something of the spirit of the real muscle cars is gone, probably forever. You're not going to get an interior whose dominant theme is bare metal to pass a modern crash test, even if people these days are pining for more solid-feeling interiors than the acres of plastic in modern cars offers. The [i:7d458e3304]Consumer Reports[/i:7d458e3304] types would pitch a hissy fit over a car sold with no sound insulation. Insurance would be out of sight if a company took their cheapest economy car and stuffed their biggest motor into it like they did in the '60s. Unfortunately, these days it would be just about impossible to sell a car that captures the abject brutality of a '60s muscle car.