Dodge to build 4 door Charger concept - 2003-04 Mach 1 Registry Owners Club

MikeMach1 · 03-09-2004, 08:42 PM

Dodge set to revive Charger name for new rear-wheel performance drive sedan

By Rick Kranz
Automotive News / March 08, 2004

Dodge will add a full-sized rear-wheel-drive sedan to its lineup next year, company sources said.

The car draws inspiration from the Dodge Charger muscle car of the late 1960s, said a person familiar with the program who spoke on condition that he not be identified. He said the car likely will be called the Charger.

Spokesman Jason Vines declined comment, citing the company's policy not to talk about future products.

Sources said the sedan will be developed off the automaker's rwd LX platform, which is shared by the 2005 Chrysler 300 sedan and the Dodge Magnum wagon.

At the Geneva auto show last week, Trevor Creed, Chrysler group's chief designer, hinted that such a vehicle was planned.

"We will be looking at a very sporty version of this platform for Dodge," he said.

"However, we will not do badge engineering anymore. You will not see a Dodge version" that shares sheet metal with the Chrysler 300.

He added: "You've got to have a four-door, (but) there's no market for a coupe."

The 300 and Magnum go on sale this spring. They share about 20 percent of their parts, in terms of value, with the Mercedes-Bends C and E classes.

The 340-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is the centerpiece of the LX models. While the Magnum has drawn favorable comments from the automotive press, some Dodge dealers are worried about marketing a wagon without a full-sized family sedan.

Intrepid production ended last summer, and dealers have been pressing the automaker for a sedan.

The Dodge sedan will be the third derivative based on the LX platform. At least one other LX derivative is planned, said a Chrysler group insider. In Chrysler parlance, LX derivatives are defined as models with extensive sheet metal differences.

Mikestang · 03-09-2004, 08:48 PM

I would like to see this happen
competiton is good

but this car seems to be more in line with the mercury marauder

I dont get the comment about no market for a coupe i think there is a market for a coupe my brother who has allways loved mopars said if they make a charger coupe convertable he would be first in line

'70 Vert · 03-09-2004, 09:01 PM

4 doors = f'in ugly family car. That thing would get laughed at by serious hot rodders. Do you want a 2 door street rod or do you want to take the kids to the mall and to "Chucky Cheese's"

2 door cars look cool.

4 door cars say: "I have a large family that I need to carry around, but I still want to look somewhat cool."

machwal · 03-10-2004, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by '70 Vert
4 doors = f'in ugly family car. That thing would get laughed at by serious hot rodders. Do you want a 2 door street rod or do you want to take the kids to the mall and to "Chucky Cheese's"

2 door cars look cool.

4 door cars say: "I have a large family that I need to carry around, but I still want to look somewhat cool."

As I was scrolling and thinkin, 70 Vert stole my thoughts exactly.

Also, that should be a crime, UNLESS they make a two door model as well.
Great, make the 4-door for mikestang's brother, it would be a sweet 4-door if you had to have one, but give ME the option. With 4-doors, there is no option, my mind screams, "NOOOO!"

Great post, IMHO. That's a great pic. I always loved Chargers. And that proto is beautiful, but, but, but there shouldn't be 4 doors!

Mikestang · 03-10-2004, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by machwal
As I was scrolling and thinkin, 70 Vert stole my thoughts exactly.

Also, that should be a crime, UNLESS they make a two door model as well.
Great, make the 4-door for mikestang's brother, it would be a sweet 4-door if you had to have one, but give ME the option. With 4-doors, there is no option, my mind screams, "NOOOO!"

Great post, IMHO. That's a great pic. I always loved Chargers. And that proto is beautiful, but, but, but there shouldn't be 4 doors!

no no my bro would only get a cuope convertable he would not buy the 4 door

Mustanganatic · 03-10-2004, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by '70 Vert
4 doors = f'in ugly family car. That thing would get laughed at by serious hot rodders. Do you want a 2 door street rod or do you want to take the kids to the mall and to "Chucky Cheese's"

2 door cars look cool.

4 door cars say: "I have a large family that I need to carry around, but I still want to look somewhat cool."

I don't think they're targeting the hot rodder market specifically with this car, it's a family sedan with some get-up-and-go, competition for the Marauder. I think calling it a Charger is a misnomer though.

Shaker Dan · 03-10-2004, 10:01 AM

I think they should offer it in two door and 4 door. My personal opinion is the car looks good. The lines give a little throw back to the 60-70s cars. It is a heck of a lot better looking than the GTO.

codymach · 03-10-2004, 10:06 AM

4-door? I think thats a mistake unless they offer it in a 2-door too.....competition is good!

MikeMach1 · 03-10-2004, 04:56 PM

It looks like it would make one awesome looking 2 door - the four doors kills it - how many family people buy sports cars (2 or 4 doors) as their main family car? Car companies think of the stupidest things imho.

- Mike

machwal · 03-10-2004, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mikestang
no no my bro would only get a cuope convertable he would not buy the 4 door

Sorry, misunderstood.
I'm glad though.

bryano · 03-11-2004, 11:27 PM

Oh, Great! Yet another "Hemi" from Chrysler - now I'll have Hemi pickups and Hemi wagons and Hemi Chargers annoying me at stoplights...so many Hemis to teach...so little time.

281CJ Mach1 · 03-12-2004, 12:15 AM

I did a photoshop of that Charger concept and made it a 2 door; it looked sooo much better.

Maindrian Pace · 03-12-2004, 12:48 AM

Quote:

The car draws inspiration from the Dodge Charger muscle car of the late 1960s

Looks more like a 4 door XK8 to me.

GaPonyFarm · 03-12-2004, 01:07 AM

Remaking the Charger or making a car inspired by the Charger is a decision that the nice folks at Dodge will have to make. It may be a hit or suffer the slings and arrows that the GTO has had to endure, but its their mistake to make.

I seriously anybody driving a Mach will be trading for a Dodge Charger, regardless of how many doors it has...

On another note... I went to the Atlanta Car Show today to see the '05 Mustang in person and have only one comment. Any pictures you have seen, don't do it justice. It is one pretty car!

I also saw the GT and it as absolutely AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

surfnet · 03-12-2004, 01:11 AM

I grew up with the muscle cars of the 60s and there will never be such a thing as a 4 door Charger!!

03SHKER · 03-12-2004, 02:02 AM

Bring 'Em On!!!

281CJ Mach1 · 03-12-2004, 02:12 AM

4 door Charger = Coronet

eboos · 03-12-2004, 07:58 AM

They can not make up their minds on which market they are targeting. They are not going to attract the enthusiasts with a 4 door model, plus the price would be too prohibitive for most buyers. This will also be too much car for the family drivers.

What you are looking at is a $40,000 car that has no market to fill.

ZOG · 03-12-2004, 10:38 AM

my Coronet is not a 4 door

and the family Charger is not either

Charger is a two door --Chrysler is just looking to cash in on a name

us Machers know it works but the product has to match the name

03-09-2004, 08:42 PM	#1
MikeMach1 - Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 468	Dodge to build 4 door Charger concept Dodge set to revive Charger name for new rear-wheel performance drive sedan By Rick Kranz Automotive News / March 08, 2004 Dodge will add a full-sized rear-wheel-drive sedan to its lineup next year, company sources said. The car draws inspiration from the Dodge Charger muscle car of the late 1960s, said a person familiar with the program who spoke on condition that he not be identified. He said the car likely will be called the Charger. Spokesman Jason Vines declined comment, citing the company's policy not to talk about future products. Sources said the sedan will be developed off the automaker's rwd LX platform, which is shared by the 2005 Chrysler 300 sedan and the Dodge Magnum wagon. At the Geneva auto show last week, Trevor Creed, Chrysler group's chief designer, hinted that such a vehicle was planned. "We will be looking at a very sporty version of this platform for Dodge," he said. "However, we will not do badge engineering anymore. You will not see a Dodge version" that shares sheet metal with the Chrysler 300. He added: "You've got to have a four-door, (but) there's no market for a coupe." The 300 and Magnum go on sale this spring. They share about 20 percent of their parts, in terms of value, with the Mercedes-Bends C and E classes. The 340-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is the centerpiece of the LX models. While the Magnum has drawn favorable comments from the automotive press, some Dodge dealers are worried about marketing a wagon without a full-sized family sedan. Intrepid production ended last summer, and dealers have been pressing the automaker for a sedan. The Dodge sedan will be the third derivative based on the LX platform. At least one other LX derivative is planned, said a Chrysler group insider. In Chrysler parlance, LX derivatives are defined as models with extensive sheet metal differences.

03-09-2004, 08:48 PM	#2
Mikestang Parrot Head Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: H204D,NY AMERICA F YEA ! Posts: 4,894	I would like to see this happen competiton is good but this car seems to be more in line with the mercury marauder I dont get the comment about no market for a coupe i think there is a market for a coupe my brother who has allways loved mopars said if they make a charger coupe convertable he would be first in line __________________ Mikestang 03 MACH1 Torch Red #274 Built 11/14/02 Home 12/07/02 Payed off 09/17/07 MRT powershift, W\Hurst T-handle, Painted hood stripe, AFS 10.5 and 9.0 Crome Mach 1Wheels, Ford GT Coil Covers. "If She had a set a wings, Man I know She could fly " 2011 Kona Blue Metalic Mustang GT Premium 5.0 Rolling on 19s "2011 Will Be Known As The Year They Perfected The Mustang " 06 Victory Kingpin With more mods than I can list http://home.roadrunner.com/~crazyhorse/ Last edited by Mikestang; 03-09-2004 at 08:53 PM.

03-09-2004, 09:01 PM	#3
'70 Vert Too much free time Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 553	4 doors = f'in ugly family car. That thing would get laughed at by serious hot rodders. Do you want a 2 door street rod or do you want to take the kids to the mall and to "Chucky Cheese's" 2 door cars look cool. 4 door cars say: "I have a large family that I need to carry around, but I still want to look somewhat cool." __________________ ----------------------------------------------- 2003 Mach 1 - Azure Blue -5 speed -IUP 2/28/03

03-10-2004, 10:06 AM	#8
codymach Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: somewhere Posts: 2,840	4-door? I think thats a mistake unless they offer it in a 2-door too.....competition is good! __________________ SUPPORTING MEMBER MODIFICATIONS: Bassani Mid-Length Ceramic Headers Bassani X-Pipe with cats SS Bassani Cat Back SS Meziere Electric water pump PHP Intake Spacer KN Filter Hurst Retro Shifter, T-handle Bullitt Fuel Door Bullitt Anthracite 18x9 wheels Goodrich g-force T/A KDW 265/40/18's Hurst Equipped Emblem Mach 1 I.D. Plate Shock tower covers Raised the shaker 2003 Mach 1 Torch Red 1965 Rambler Marlin 287 (Slowest car in the West!) 1951 Mercury (still in the field) 1966 Ford Galaxy 500, 352 cu. in. 4v 1994 F-150 4x4 2001 Focus

03-11-2004, 11:27 PM	#11
bryano Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Washington, NC Posts: 840	Oh, Great! Yet another "Hemi" from Chrysler - now I'll have Hemi pickups and Hemi wagons and Hemi Chargers annoying me at stoplights...so many Hemis to teach...so little time. __________________ Tag: MACH1USA This Ain't No Mellow Yellow, Baby.

03-10-2004, 10:01 AM	#7
Shaker Dan Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Plainfield, IN Posts: 2,191	I think they should offer it in two door and 4 door. My personal opinion is the car looks good. The lines give a little throw back to the 60-70s cars. It is a heck of a lot better looking than the GTO.

03-10-2004, 04:56 PM	#9
MikeMach1 - Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 468	It looks like it would make one awesome looking 2 door - the four doors kills it - how many family people buy sports cars (2 or 4 doors) as their main family car? Car companies think of the stupidest things imho. - Mike

03-12-2004, 12:15 AM	#12
281CJ Mach1 Blaise Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 513	I did a photoshop of that Charger concept and made it a 2 door; it looked sooo much better. __________________ 2004 Competition Orange Cobra Coupe SOLD - K&N FIPK - Magnaflow Magnapack catback - MGW Shifter - Solid axle with 3.73s - 18" DD FR500s w/ 275/35 and 295/35 Kuhmo MXs - BilletFlow 2.93 upper and 4 idlers - Diablo Predator. Tuned by James@RWTD 11.8 @ 120 w/ the old IRS on 275/50-15 Nitto DRs.

03-12-2004, 01:07 AM	#14
GaPonyFarm Loose Nut Behind Wheel Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Columbus, Georgia Posts: 2,259	Remaking the Charger or making a car inspired by the Charger is a decision that the nice folks at Dodge will have to make. It may be a hit or suffer the slings and arrows that the GTO has had to endure, but its their mistake to make. I seriously anybody driving a Mach will be trading for a Dodge Charger, regardless of how many doors it has... On another note... I went to the Atlanta Car Show today to see the '05 Mustang in person and have only one comment. Any pictures you have seen, don't do it justice. It is one pretty car! I also saw the GT and it as absolutely AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! __________________ Pat Ford - Columbus, Georgia 2003 Mach - Azure Blue - Auto _________________________________________________ Just a few Bolt-On Mods... Some more bolty than others.

03-12-2004, 01:11 AM	#15
surfnet Machen Bacon Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Wentzville, MO Posts: 868	I grew up with the muscle cars of the 60s and there will never be such a thing as a 4 door Charger!! __________________ Surfnet 04 Torch Red K&N Filter Snorkel Cut Removed Resonator and Plugged Hole Bullitt Fuel Door MGW E-brake handle, MGW AC control knobs, MGW T Shift handle

03-12-2004, 02:02 AM	#16
03SHKER oxFORD white Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 924	Bring 'Em On!!! __________________ www.apexmotorsports.com

03-12-2004, 02:12 AM	#17
281CJ Mach1 Blaise Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 513	4 door Charger = Coronet __________________ 2004 Competition Orange Cobra Coupe SOLD - K&N FIPK - Magnaflow Magnapack catback - MGW Shifter - Solid axle with 3.73s - 18" DD FR500s w/ 275/35 and 295/35 Kuhmo MXs - BilletFlow 2.93 upper and 4 idlers - Diablo Predator. Tuned by James@RWTD 11.8 @ 120 w/ the old IRS on 275/50-15 Nitto DRs.

03-12-2004, 07:58 AM	#18
eboos Guru in training Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Woonsocket, RI Posts: 159	They can not make up their minds on which market they are targeting. They are not going to attract the enthusiasts with a 4 door model, plus the price would be too prohibitive for most buyers. This will also be too much car for the family drivers. What you are looking at is a $40,000 car that has no market to fill. __________________ 2003 Black Mach 1 w/IUP #436801 5 speed Pro 5.0 shifter Magnaflow cat back K&N filter Removed air silencer, resonator and plugged Bullitt fuel door Bullitt side scoop delete Silverstars some painted interior parts w/ SEM Ti Metallic #15253 (not exact match) Billet door handles, window and door switches, AC knobs and head light knob. 1997 F150 Green over Tan 2wd 4.6

03-12-2004, 10:38 AM	#19
ZOG JESTER RULES Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: INDEPENDENCE, KENTUCKY Posts: 460	my Coronet is not a 4 door and the family Charger is not either Charger is a two door --Chrysler is just looking to cash in on a name us Machers know it works but the product has to match the name Attached Thumbnails

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