The only criticisms of the Challenger so far seem to be sour grapes from the import crew, which, ignoring the Mini and FJ Cruiser, proclaimed that only Detroit would look to the past instead of the future for inspiration. (These are the same people who slam the Hemi’s “old technology,” ignoring its best-in-class efficiency and unsurpassed cylinder deactivation system.)

The production Challenger will keep the LX’s multilink rear suspension. Some things would have to change to make it economically feasible and real-world driveable; the aerodynamics have not been tested, and the shape would have to change a bit. The wheelbase alteration would add considerably to the cost of production, and the width probably would hurt as well. The Hemi would have a standard air filter, catalytic converters, and muffler. Chrysler has confirmed two engines, the 5.7 Hemi and the 6.1 Hemi, the latter available in an SRT-8 model. The timetable currently calls for 2008 production as a 2008 model, suggesting that the timeframe is more January-February than September-October.

If the Challenger sells well, and production is flawless - or rapidly fixed - so that the Challenger, Charger, and 300C were all running nicely on the same assembly line (which is the current plan), then later years might see a V6 model - probably the 3.5 with the six-speed automatic to keep speeds up.

Rumors held that the new 392 Hemi crate engine, designed for racing, would go along with the new Dodge Challenger body; we were skeptical and for good reason. The 392 is a racing-only engine in current form, not a production design.

The LY series will be interesting for a number of reasons; for one, Chrysler reportedly has much more control over the engineering than they did with the LX, and the tuning and interior design may be different (though we would not expect any radical changes; it appears that the Magnum/Charger and 300 interiors are being standardized throughout the car lines). That said, the concept car interior is fairly close to the original, complete with an authentic gearshift (and clutch!), four-gauges-in-a-row instrument panel, and a general mix-of-old-and-new feel.

Challenger is an appropriate name this time around; just as the original rode on a shortened B-body platform (with some A-body elements, called the E-body platform), the new Challenger will ride on a shortened LX platform - with two doors. (The Dodge people have apparently talked about the two-door design as a "flexibility test" for the platform, which sounds interesting coming from the company that produced coupes, luxury cars, economy cars, and minivans from a . The real flexibility comes in their ability to build the Challenger on the same assembly line, at the same time, as the other LY models — which would be a major advance, since the body is very different.) It’s also possible that the entire LY platform will be on a slightly shorter wheelbase - in which case the LY would not be shortened, and would be cheaper to engineer and produce.

E8502 added: “From a design standpoint, it's a pretty great work of ‘auto art.’ The lines are just right as to hide the cars size, and it has a glamorous roof-line that evokes fond memories V8 hartops of days gone by. A high greenhouse gives the sides a substantial look of imposing substance. The rear end is flamboyant and bold, with the taillight spanning the entire rear. Dual exhausts showcase the power, and large 18" rims with low profile tires put all that power to the ground. A sleek modern interior with subtle touches of sporty trim help to tell folks this isn't just another coupe... Surely this car is a big disappointment, I mean, what is there to not like about it?”