So where do you see the Charger name going into the future?

[Ghoste]

It's clear the name has some impact with the public at large and its equally clear the future for it will not be a two door retro throwback.  I think it will be around for at least another platform but I also think they will downsize it.  Somewhere above where the new Dart sits and the current Charger exists.  I also think the polarization of two door versus foor door Charger fans will lessen over time.
Opinions?

[odcics2]

The old farts that can't get with the 4 door program will die off, leaving the younger crowd to enjoy the name plate.   
Personally, growing up with a 68 as my first car and driven daily back in 1973, I don't have a problem with the amount of doors on the latest offering to carry the name Charger...    That's where the majority of the market resides.   If it were a 2 door, and had to cost more because of lower sales, would the 2 door lovers buy a new one??


I can see some changes as far as taking weight out to meet mileage rules in the short term.  8-10 years from now???   Hmmm, gunna have to be smaller... 

I know guys with the 3.6L 8 speed getting 35mpg on strict highway runs.   That's incredible for a car that size!   

[Alaskan_TA]

Charger on a battery operated car may be the next evolution for the name. They could call it the...........






Battery Charger.

[Ghoste]

Ouch!  And no ba-da-dum drum roll smiley just when you really need one.

[Alaskan_TA]

I added one for you.  

[JB400]

Short term, I'm seeing a hybrid   It wouldn't surprise me if there is a reincarnated 80's version as well   Either way, our American celebrity is going to leave a lasting impact on the auto industry

[Ghoste]

Do you think hybrids are about go industry wide?

[JB400]

Within 10 years, I say every car will be available as a hybrid.  I'm sure other engines will be available, but hybrids will definitely take over the industry until alternative fuels become more readily available.

[stripedelete]

I think the scenario you laid out is plausible, if not likely.  However, my guess is they will retire the name for a while before they use it again.

If the Charger name goes on the shelf look for Intrepid.

[Ghoste]

I agree, if only to meet the looming CAFE standards they will need to do that.  It may even be sooner than ten years.  It's interesting to me to think of the Charger nameplate moving into the future and see if its "core meaning" (I don't really know how to describe it) changes for the modern buyer or clings to the romanticized ideal of the past.

[Scaregrabber]

I see a 6 door Charger in the future. With the new Hemi/Six pack/ Max Wedge/Slant Sicks engine option for good measure.

Sheldon

[F8-4life]

NO way are hybrids going to take over in 10 years, the u.s has so many problems on their plate already they will gladly lean on gasoline as a crutch as long as possible.

[Alaskan_TA]

There are a dozen or so battery cars here in town that I know of maybe more.

We have hydro-electric power.

When water levels are low, usually in the winter they fire up diesel powered generators.

So, for at least part of the year, the green cars here are not so green. 

[JB400]

Our celebrity and CAFE have set it up to where the car companies have to average 35 mpg by 2015 ( I think) and average 50 mpg by 2025.  What that means is,  Dodge can build the Viper that gets 15mpg, but they have to build a vehicle that gets better gas mileage to average 35 mpg (2015). 

The only way car companies can acheive this is to either build smaller, more effiecent engines or use hybrids, or electric.

[b5blue]

I'm thinking a four door Fiat 500 with a cross hair grill and R/T stickers........or possibly a mini van.

[cdr]

ha ha the new name will be        CHARGEUR        

[F8-4life]

The only reason the charger name was ever brought back in the first place was because it still held some kind of meaning (to buyers-read easy $$$$) So that essentailly is a direct complement of the greatness of the classic chargers we all love. Just because a corporation can figure out how to make $$ by playing on their past does not mean I have to consider a new turdmobile as a "Charger". Just because I call a penny a nickel does not make it so...

[F8-4life]

lol sorry just kinda venting, but that is essentailly the reason I dont bother with new charger threads/

[67RedCharger]

I believe the CHARGER name will go to sleep in the future, unless someone in Mopar land realizes it should have never been made as a 4 door car.  ~ 67RedCharger~

[Ghoste]

I quite agree F8 but do you think they are going to continue or let the name drop?

[F8-4life]

I think as long as the "charger" name holds water for the buying public then yea it will be used. But otherwise I dont see any reason for the company to keep using it. Like in 1958 belvedere was top of the line, but by 1970 it was bottom of the barral and then dropped all together.

[hatersaurusrex]

I think as long as the "charger" name holds water for the buying public then yea it will be used. But otherwise I dont see any reason for the company to keep using it. Like in 1958 belvedere was top of the line, but by 1970 it was bottom of the barral and then dropped all together.

Whatever dude the Belvedere name was still top-drawer in the 80's:

[TheGhost]

I see it sticking on the fullsize sedan platform.  It's a popular car, not to mention the fleet sales it gets to police departments and the like.

[Cooter]

Like in 1958 belvedere was top of the line, but by 1970 it was bottom of the barral and then dropped all together.

The FURY was the "Top-o-the kine" in 1958. The Belvedere was the "poor mans Fury" in 1956-1958.

[F8-4life]

Indeed cooter you are right about the furys. p.s your profile pic is great, good for a laugh.
Also another thought, regardless of heritage the Charger name in and of itself is pretty badazz, especailly when considering all the crappy names they are pasting on cars nowadays.