If you were made director of Chrysler, or at least Dodge's Charger line

[bull]

Sure, a large number of us would probably do the obvious and make the "Charger" look like our favorite classic Charger (I know I would) but what less obvious things might you do? Would you push the name more in the racing arena? Would you strive for more reproduction parts to attract and honor the die-hards? Would you market it more specifically or more generalized? You be the boss and tell us what you would do.

Maybe Spielberg has got me thinking but one thing I would do is define the name better and expand on its war horse connection. Not to copy Ford (even though the Mustang was actually named after the WWII plane) but I think the word deserves more refinement. War horse really makes me think of power, reliability, strength and valor. And the pennant seen on the grill and tail of the base model Chargers bears an obvious resemblance to the type carried into battle on the backs of war horses in medieval times.

charg·er
noun
1. a person or thing that charges - too generic
2. a horse of a kind suitable to be ridden in battle - YES
3. Electricity . an apparatus that charges storage batteries - very boring
4. a platter - very boring
5. a large, shallow dish for liquids - no way

[b5blue]

The first thing I'd do is enable the customer to order their exact car built their way as specified. (Right down to the "Body in white" kind of level.) Next I'd find a way to release the aftermarket to produce repro parts, if they wanna copy old parts, let them, just don't use are logo or exact part number marking. (Like "if it's over ten years old", go for it.) Next reactivate the Scat Pack Club. Then start working on a 2 door Charger Flagship that has a proper look to the grill, get rid of the Magnum nose look altogether. 

[skyhawk61]

Here's a rendition of a 2 door Charger that's been around on Mopar sites before(I don't know who the original author is, but it's good work) It appears to use the basic styling of the 2011 car, but with coupe styling. It's a good place to start with a "let' see, now" styling exercise. I would add a greater selection of interior colors; reds, whites, blues, etc...the current 2010 Charger I drive is not "open" in its interior and is, to me, anyway, somewhat esthetically "confining." And I would find some way to get the weight down to no more than 4000 lbs.

[b5blue]

Good start! Agree about the interior, think it's mostly due to crash regulations/safety builds nowadays as most new cars have that same crowded feel. 

[Silver R/T]

Not a bad photoshop, you got 2 door there and a hardtop-that's a good start already.

[Todd Wilson]

I'd push production of 4 door  and wagon versions of the new Challenger.


Todd

[Chatt69chgr]

I would try to get away from the "package" concept as much as practicable.  They try to fit everyone into 4 or 5 little niches and when I'm spending that kind of money I want to have more say in what I'm getting.  I'd like to see more color availability in not only the exterior but particularly the interiors.  I would like to see them get rid of the crosshair grill.  Also would like to be able to choose whatever rear end ratio I want within reason.  Right now, the big holdup for me buying one is that they don't have the 8 speed automatic available with the 5.7 hemi and I'm not going to buy one until they do----this car is for the wife and she demands 4 doors too.  My only requirements are the hemi and the Road and Track Package. 
I've seen the car on the road and like it a lot.  I'm not too worried about it not looking like a 2nd gen.  I am restoring a 69 Charger so that takes care of that.  And I have a 2009 Challenger R/T 6 speed to play with. 
I think the new charger will be perfect for my wife and I to take on road trips and the size and all the air bags will hopefully protect us in case of an accident.

[404NOTFOUND]

I would cancel the Charger line. Let that four door die and fade into oblivion just like the Mitsu/Colt and Cordoba "Chargers". Current laws and Fiat management mean the days of making anything that resembles a real Charger are likely over. The miserable days of the 1980s are going to return I think. When the head of Fiat says "We don't need 5.7 liter engines", it can only mean they are going to push miserable little, sideways engine, wrong wheel drive econoboxes on us. Hang onto your real Charger and enjoy them.

[Fred]

So far I agree with everybody's ideas. I don't think I'm contradicting myself but if I am then make sure you don't put me in Charge!!

[mauve66]

i definitely agree on the color exterior/interior combo deals available

my son (yes, i'm currently awaiting dna results as we speak) has his year anniversary with his state job in feb, at his 21st birthday in march he wants to get a 2012 camaro, lt2, (all he can afford) but they limit what colors you can get with what models and then limit the interior colors to go with those exterior colors,  they paint them all on the same line don't they?? what happed to the days of getting the same color you loved on that fire breathing hemi car but all you can afford is this 6 cylinder but at least you can dream when you sit in it, now you have to suffer with plain blue (B5 blue at that ) cause you can't afford the cool motor??

i agree that the auto companies are trying to put everyone itno this little 3-5 style group and sell you a package to do it so they can make more money, what if i'm smart enough to read my own map or never even leave town, why do HAVE to pay $800 for navigation just to get a better stereo??? or a certian color interior or exterior??

[Cooter]

Yet, you know what's funny? NOBODY has stopped buying these "3-5 box" style cars. Until then, this will get worse. The public doesn't care what the hell color it is as long as it looks cool to the people they are trying to convince that they didn't get screwed when they bought it.


This is why if I buy a newer car EVER, it will be a Mustang GT. At least Ford has it down for the musclecar name.

[mauve66]

went there too, wanted a blue (at least its not B5) with white stripes and the side scoops behind the door and on the little windows, oops, can't do that, you have to buy them later and have them color matched, if you want that option then you have have black stripes instead of white

how did the dealer decide that that made a hoot of difference to anything??

[Cooter]

how did the dealer decide that that made a hoot of difference to anything??

It's called Making money. If you want it, you pay their price or leave it there. This is why I chose the latter. i can install any scoop I want on my older stuff and no dealer tells me anything.

[mauve66]

thats my point if they would give you more options instead of less they would sell more, i don't hate the new charger but it could be better, i was in a postion to buy one when they first came out but you couldn't get the stick behind the V8, who in their right mind makes a v8 car with a muscle image name like charger and motor named hemi and doesn't even offer a stick??

now that they are coming out i can't afford one, 10 dollars and 5 years too late mopar, say what you will at least ford  and chevy have offered both every year that i remember and with a v8 the you could mod to an inch of its life without needing some computer guru to crack the special brain code in the box

they are NOT a CAR company anymore, they are a MASS TRANSIT company

i'm not yelling at anyone in particular just venting over my own lack of money at the moment

[Cooter]

thats my point if they would give you more options instead of less they would sell more, i don't hate the new charger but it could be better, i was in a postion to buy one when they first came out but you couldn't get the stick behind the V8, who in their right mind makes a v8 car with a muscle image name like charger and motor named hemi and doesn't even offer a stick??A Company that is evidently selling them faster than they can get them. I mean how many put a deposit down on the new Chally????In the beginning, weren't they ALL Auto's??

now that they are coming out i can't afford one, 10 dollars and 5 years too late mopar, say what you will at least ford  and chevy have offered both every year that i remember and with a v8 the you could mod to an inch of its life without needing some computer guru to crack the special brain code in the box

they are NOT a CAR company anymore, they are a MASS TRANSIT companyAgreed, yet we still hold out hope for a true "Offering" from them.

i'm not yelling at anyone in particular just venting over my own lack of money at the moment Lack of money will only get worse. I fear that when and IF  Chrysler/Fiat actually produces a musclecar, there will be those idiots with money (Rich douchebags) that will drive up the purchase costs by doing what they did when the Challenger came out. They just HAD to have the latest thing going before anybody else and therefore by offering sometimes double retail for one, they priced an entire populous out.

[mauve66]

thats my point if they would give you more options instead of less they would sell more, i don't hate the new charger but it could be better, i was in a postion to buy one when they first came out but you couldn't get the stick behind the V8, who in their right mind makes a v8 car with a muscle image name like charger and motor named hemi and doesn't even offer a stick??A Company that is evidently selling them faster than they can get them. I mean how many put a deposit down on the new Chally????In the beginning, weren't they ALL Auto's??

now that they are coming out i can't afford one, 10 dollars and 5 years too late mopar, say what you will at least ford  and chevy have offered both every year that i remember and with a v8 the you could mod to an inch of its life without needing some computer guru to crack the special brain code in the box

they are NOT a CAR company anymore, they are a MASS TRANSIT companyAgreed, yet we still hold out hope for a true "Offering" from them.

i'm not yelling at anyone in particular just venting over my own lack of money at the moment Lack of money will only get worse. I fear that when and IF  Chrysler/Fiat actually produces a musclecar, there will be those idiots with money (Rich douchebags) that will drive up the purchase costs by doing what they did when the Challenger came out. They just HAD to have the latest thing going before anybody else and therefore by offering sometimes double retail for one, they priced an entire populous out.

thats what loyal customers due, or are we just stupid old folks??

[1974dodgecharger]

At least sell a TRUE CHARGER in my opinion only the current charger does not represent the charger of yesterdays at all. They slap the charger name on the car and assume everyone will think of the chargers history and buy it. Its like saying hey I got a charger, but its a shelby charger  , but hey its a charger right.

Bring back the grill the charger is known for, 2 door, and rear end and call it a charger. I think they made the challeneger the way it is so that they do dont have two sports cars in the same lineup in their lineup hence no competition between the them.

rendetion by artist:

[Polygon]

Bring back colorful interiors.  Have about 8-9 colors.

Have a 150HP engine. WAIT a minute. 150HP? Why??? So with a 6 speed V6, you can get 38+ mpg gallon, highway. This of it this way, like the old 318s ot slant sixes, not everyone NEEDS 300+Hp. And we would sell more cars.....

Have an 'easy steer;' option. I know, I'm making it LESS high performance. But then again, how many Chargers from the past did mom and pop buy, just for the looks?

Speaking of which, yes a Two door HARDTOP. (Keed the 4 dr, as it, I think it lloks good personally). And have the 2dr Hardtop look Good,,,as in real good...

..........................................................................................

[Fred]

At least sell a TRUE CHARGER in my opinion only the current charger does not represent the charger of yesterdays at all. They slap the charger name on the car and assume everyone will think of the chargers history and buy it. Its like saying hey I got a charger, but its a shelby charger  , but hey its a charger right.

Bring back the grill the charger is known for, 2 door, and rear end and call it a charger. I think they made the challeneger the way it is so that they do dont have two sports cars in the same lineup in their lineup hence no competition between the them.

rendetion by artist:

That is one beautiful looking car. I love it and couldn't agree more.

[mauve66]

i like that one more than the 98-99 concept car

[b5blue]

  The free PR alone from just a hint or rumor and Concepts like the one shown at the shows would drive production plans.  
 That front end is an aero-nightmare but LOOKS as it should.  The market is just now starting to get over the hamster turd Taurus look alike contest we have had the last 20 years. Did I ever care about aerodynamic wind resistance @ 25 MPH? I've never wanted a car that looks like a jelly bean.

[Ghoste]

Don't blame the carmakers for that though, blame the EPA, CAFE standards and the whining greens.

[moparjohn]

We should start by somehow getting the 54.5 mpg by 2025 removed from the books.  They are tring to force us to buy econoboxes. MPJ

[1974dodgecharger]

We should start by somehow getting the 54.5 mpg by 2025 removed from the books.  They are tring to force us to buy econoboxes. MPJ

I guess buy what we can right now? Before those econo boxes hit the dealers hahahah...

[Mike DC]

 

We should start by somehow getting the 54.5 mpg by 2025 removed from the books.  They are tring to force us to buy econoboxes. MPJ

Nobody is forcing us to buy anything.  The US public is moving towards econoboxes voluntarily.  We collectively want higher CAFE standards a lot more than we want higher gas prices. 

[UH60L]

I'd push production of 4 door  and wagon versions of the new Challenger.


Todd

To put it into the lingo of the younger, computer savy, generation: obvious troll is obvious

[UH60L]

Of course I would want to, at a minimum, offer a more charger-esque version...IE at a minimum I'd offer a four and two door option.  I'd definitely go the mroe true and or retro route.  That front end would get handed back to the ram truck the stole it from.... "SRT" would cease to exist.  The go-fast version of any car would be the R/T and there would not be an "R/T R/T" model as there is now. (R/T road and track package is redundant and stupid sounding)  None of the cars would wear the name daytona or superbee unless I was allowed to actually make them true to their origins with soem different sheetmetal, not just stickers and paint.

I have to agree with one of the first posts though, a big thing, not just with that car, but with any car, is that in this day and age of technology, if not via an internet page, you should at least be able to walk into the dealership, get on a computer terminal, do the whole "build my own" thing with full customization (within physical limits per what engine works with what tranny etc etc) and order your car the way you want it.

The only place I know of that is close to this is military auto sales, because you can custom order a car and have it delivered, but even that has limitations.

I'm sure there are probably factors that we (I) don't know about nor understand, as I don't work in the industry, but looking from the outside in as a buyer, it seems like this should be logisitically possible.

Oh, and all of the original colors (not modern versions) with ther original names would be available (sassy grass....).  If the cars actually look like the originals then it shouldn't be a problem releasing the original paint colors.......

[Budnicks]

If I was God of MOPAR , I would have a retro-styled 2 dr version of all the muscle/pony car eras cars, including bring the Charger to more mileage &/or performance levels, bring the nostalgic names back on limited 2 dr RWD coupe or HT platforms, Charger, GTX, Roadrunner, Cuda'/Barracuda, Challenger, Daytona's & Superbird's, TA Challenger & AAR Cuda', Fury/Sport Fury, Dart GTS, Barracuda Formula S, Duster & Demon, Little Red Express & Warlock performance pickups, also have all the option offered by the manufacturer that everyone seems to do on their cars any way, better shifters, clutches, higher stall converters, manual trans & autos with firmer shifts, blowers, turbos, on-board computer programmers, gauze filters free flowing air boxes & tubes, larger tuneable throttle bodies, pumps & injectors, exhaust systems, tube headers, hood scoops retro styled of course, many more styles even retro styled wheel & tire combos, lighter platform stripped down versions like the 68 RR was offered, 12,000 mile limited warranty on all performance upgrades.... Now after saying that the company would only sell a limited # of 1500 each, maybe 1 each of each car to each dealership, make them a collectible car instantly, or what ever it takes now to get buy the racing sanctioning bodies, of each body style listed previously, so they could be omaligated {spelling ?} for racing purposes, finally have a much, much larger footprint in all of the racing sanctioning bodies including but not limited too,OFF Road, Indy, Formula 1, SCCA, Winged Sprint Outlaws & Modifieds, USAC, NASCAR & NHRA/IHRA... Now that the company is bankrupt again because of the high retooling cost per unit, An American company can now buy Chrysler Corp. back at a very discounted rate & continue driving it into the ground how I described... For a after note, I think so far the Fiat/Italians are doing a great job, compared to just a couple of years ago

[Bulldog69RT]

I personally wish they never reintroduced the Charger because now when I search for Charger parts on Ebay or Craigslist, 90% of it is 22inch rims, throttle bodys, or H.I.D. kits. I once got all excited because I found an add that said "factory dodge charger grille" for $50, it was a plastic 2008 grille. How disappointing. 

[Fred]

If I was God of MOPAR , I would have a retro-styled 2 dr version of all the muscle/pony car eras cars, including bring the Charger to more mileage &/or performance levels, bring the nostalgic names back on limited 2 dr RWD coupe or HT platforms, Charger, GTX, Roadrunner, Cuda'/Barracuda, Challenger, Daytona's & Superbird's, TA Challenger & AAR Cuda', Fury/Sport Fury, Dart GTS, Barracuda Formula S, Duster & Demon, Little Red Express & Warlock performance pickups, also have all the option offered by the manufacturer that everyone seems to do on their cars any way, better shifters, clutches, higher stall converters, manual trans & autos with firmer shifts, blowers, turbos, on-board computer programmers, gauze filters free flowing air boxes & tubes, larger tuneable throttle bodies, pumps & injectors, exhaust systems, tube headers, hood scoops retro styled of course, many more styles even retro styled wheel & tire combos, lighter platform stripped down versions like the 68 RR was offered, 12,000 mile limited warranty on all performance upgrades.... Now after saying that the company would only sell a limited # of 1500 each, maybe 1 each of each car to each dealership, make them a collectible car instantly, or what ever it takes now to get buy the racing sanctioning bodies, of each body style listed previously, so they could be omaligated {spelling ?} for racing purposes, finally have a much, much larger footprint in all of the racing sanctioning bodies including but not limited too,OFF Road, Indy, Formula 1, SCCA, Winged Sprint Outlaws & Modifieds, USAC, NASCAR & NHRA/IHRA... Now that the company is bankrupt again because of the high retooling cost per unit, An American company can now buy Chrysler Corp. back at a very discounted rate & continue driving it into the ground how I described... For a after note, I think so far the Fiat/Italians are doing a great job, compared to just a couple of years ago

Hail.........God of Mopar.

[AirborneSilva]

At least sell a TRUE CHARGER in my opinion only the current charger does not represent the charger of yesterdays at all. They slap the charger name on the car and assume everyone will think of the chargers history and buy it. Its like saying hey I got a charger, but its a shelby charger  , but hey its a charger right.

Bring back the grill the charger is known for, 2 door, and rear end and call it a charger. I think they made the challeneger the way it is so that they do dont have two sports cars in the same lineup in their lineup hence no competition between the them.

rendetion by artist:

Now that's a late model Charger I'd buy 

[Budnicks]

If I was God of MOPAR , I would have a retro-styled 2 dr version of all the muscle/pony car eras cars, including bring the Charger to more mileage &/or performance levels, bring the nostalgic names back on limited 2 dr RWD coupe or HT platforms, Charger, GTX, Roadrunner, Cuda'/Barracuda, Challenger, Daytona's & Superbird's, TA Challenger & AAR Cuda', Fury/Sport Fury, Dart GTS, Barracuda Formula S, Duster & Demon, Little Red Express & Warlock performance pickups, also have all the option offered by the manufacturer that everyone seems to do on their cars any way, better shifters, clutches, higher stall converters, manual trans & autos with firmer shifts, blowers, turbos, on-board computer programmers, gauze filters free flowing air boxes & tubes, larger tuneable throttle bodies, pumps & injectors, exhaust systems, tube headers, hood scoops retro styled of course, many more styles even retro styled wheel & tire combos, lighter platform stripped down versions like the 68 RR was offered, 12,000 mile limited warranty on all performance upgrades.... Now after saying that the company would only sell a limited # of 1500 each, maybe 1 each of each car to each dealership, make them a collectible car instantly, or what ever it takes now to get buy the racing sanctioning bodies, of each body style listed previously, so they could be omaligated {spelling ?} for racing purposes, finally have a much, much larger footprint in all of the racing sanctioning bodies including but not limited too,OFF Road, Indy, Formula 1, SCCA, Winged Sprint Outlaws & Modifieds, USAC, NASCAR & NHRA/IHRA... Now that the company is bankrupt again because of the high retooling cost per unit, An American company can now buy Chrysler Corp. back at a very discounted rate & continue driving it into the ground how I described... For a after note, I think so far the Fiat/Italians are doing a great job, compared to just a couple of years ago

Hail.........God of Mopar.

Bless you my son... 

[mauve66]

I personally wish they never reintroduced the Charger because now when I search for Charger parts on Ebay or Craigslist, 90% of it is 22inch rims, throttle bodys, or H.I.D. kits. I once got all excited because I found an add that said "factory dodge charger grille" for $50, it was a plastic 2008 grille. How disappointing. 

ya know when you do searches you can exclude certain word by putting them in the search box as    , -2005, -2006, -2007, -4door, -4-door, -v6

[aussiemuscle]

Bring back colorful interiors.  Have about 8-9 colors.

Have a 150HP engine. WAIT a minute. 150HP? Why??? So with a 6 speed V6, you can get 38+ mpg gallon, highway. This of it this way, like the old 318s ot slant sixes, not everyone NEEDS 300+Hp. And we would sell more cars.....

Have an 'easy steer;' option. I know, I'm making it LESS high performance. But then again, how many Chargers from the past did mom and pop buy, just for the looks?

Speaking of which, yes a Two door HARDTOP. (Keed the 4 dr, as it, I think it lloks good personally). And have the 2dr Hardtop look Good,,,as in real good...

..........................................................................................

having a two door coupe would be a niche model. they probably don't want any niche models??!?!?!

As for the low-power engine option, Ford is doing very well with their Ecoboost system, a small engine with a couple big hairdryers to get the same power as a big heavy v8 is the way of the future, like it or not.

[TheGhost]

I'd push production of 4 door  and wagon versions of the new Challenger.


Todd

I'd buy a challenger wagon.

[RallyeMike]

Find the quickest way to collect my incredibly generous severance package.

[TK73]

Find the quickest way to collect my incredibly generous severance package.

As in, before the whole corporate ship sinks?

Anybody else notice that 2 of the Axis Nations have owned controlling interest in Chrysler?  Guess Japan is next before our beloved "Mopar" brand finally goes under...

[djcarguy]

take the a holes that would make a 4 door ,truck grill car and call it a charger,---daytona------superbee---finish casterating them ball less a holes, and make them clean toilets the rest of their lives,,,,with no bonuses...
1.  then make a superbee,challenger 2door at 3200 lbs with six pack hood.2. make 2dr charger and 2dr wagon.3 .make a superbird and daytona.4.make a new 72 van WITH A HEMI. make something with,,,,,MADE IN AMERICA ON IT AND BE PROUD OF IT.................................WHAT IN LIKE 96 my friend came over to show his new american dodge pickup and we found made inMEXICO ON THE DOOR JAM . have not looked at new mopars except challengers since 1996,,,none....................

   make a real made in AMERICA, MUSCLE CAR,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,THANKS

[RallyeMike]

make something with,,,,,MADE IN AMERICA ON IT AND BE PROUD OF IT.................................WHAT IN LIKE 96 my friend came over to show his new american dodge pickup and we found made inMEXICO ON THE DOOR JAM . have not looked at new mopars except challengers since 1996,,,none....................

Ya - I was a little taken aback when I found my 07 CTD 4x4 Quad was assembled in Mexico.

Good news however is that overall % of cars parts and assembly of Chrysler cars has gone up in the last few years ! So perhaps someone has already taken your direction to heart.

[Fred]

take the a holes that would make a 4 door ,truck grill car and call it a charger,---daytona------superbee---finish casterating them ball less a holes, and make them clean toilets the rest of their lives,,,,with no bonuses...
1.  then make a superbee,challenger 2door at 3200 lbs with six pack hood.2. make 2dr charger and 2dr wagon.3 .make a superbird and daytona.4.make a new 72 van WITH A HEMI. make something with,,,,,MADE IN AMERICA ON IT AND BE PROUD OF IT.................................WHAT IN LIKE 96 my friend came over to show his new american dodge pickup and we found made inMEXICO ON THE DOOR JAM . have not looked at new mopars except challengers since 1996,,,none....................

   make a real made in AMERICA, MUSCLE CAR,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,THANKS

They wouldn't reach their sales targets if they did as the cars would cost more. And profit is what it's all about.