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First introduced to Americans in 1970, the Dodge Challenger was built on the
same format as the Plymouth Barracuda and was powered by a 198 inch Slant 6
engine. Throughout its first generation, the Dodge Challenger became available
in a convertible, coupe, and hardtop version. Each sold fairly well when they
were released. In 1970, a souped up trim was released called the Dodge
Challenger T/A (Trans American). It was equipped with 340 Six Pack engine that
reached 320 horsepower. Several other limited edition trims were released over
the years as well.
In 1974 Dodge ceased production of the Challenger. Unbeknownst to many
Americans, Dodge created another Challenger in 1978, but it was only released to
consumers overseas. The body style had changed dramatically. The car had become
more compact and had sharper lines. The second generation lasted for five years
until Dodge, yet again, decided to stop production on the Challenger.
However, in 2008 Dodge was proud to announce that they had given birth to
another generation of the Challenger. With the rise in classic car recreation,
Dodge jumped right on the train and brought back one of its most loved classic
cars. Both the Chicago Auto Show and the Philadelphia Auto Show were the
unveiling stops for the rebirth. Harkening back to its earliest days, the 2008
Challenger boasts a tough body style with a slightly raised rear end. Before the
car even hit the sales lots, every Challenger made on the production line (6,400
for the initial run) had been sold. The 2008 Challenger is a 2-door coupe much
like its earliest predecessor. Also, it is fitted with Dodge's latest addition,
the 6.1L HEMI V8.
The Dodge Challenger, especially its earliest year, is one of the most searched
for classic cars in the world. Collectors will fight tooth and nail to get their
hands on a 1970 Dodge Challenger in fair condition. Famously, the Dodge
Challenger was used in movies like Vanishing Point and Quentin Tarantino's Death
Proof. There have also been several virtual incarnations of the Dodge Challenger
on numerous video games.
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