The 2006 Dodge Challenger RT Prototype Story
The biggest hit of 2005’s All Chrysler Nationals in Carlisle, PA was the 2006 Dodge Challenger concept/prototype car. “There was a crowd around the vehicle all weekend long” said Ed Buczeskie, Carlyle’s Chrysler event manager. Knowing that car enthusiasts still desired great looks and an abundance of power, Dodge decided to bring the Challenger back after a 35-year hiatus. The ‘06 Challenger featured the long hood, short deck, wide stance and two door coupe body style that distinguished it in the 1970s. “We drew on the rich heritage of the Dodge Challenger, but with contemporary forms and technologies” said Chrysler Group President Tom LaSorda. “It’s not just a re-creation; it’s a re-interpretation”.
The iconic Dodge Challenger made its’ debut in the fall of 1969 as a 1970 model. While it shared the “E-body” platform with the Plymouth Barracuda, the Dodge Challenger’s wheelbase was two inches longer, creating more interior space. The Challenger was originally offered as either a two door hardtop or convertible. And with true respect to the brand’s performance heritage, the Challenger went out of the factory doors and right onto many different types of race tracks nationwide. In its’ first year, competing most notably in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) series, Trans Am Series and National Hot Rod Association’s (NHRA) Pro Stock class. Although it was produced only from 1972 to 1974, The Dodge Challenger earned a reputation as one of the most desirable of the original “Ponycars”, with meticulously restored or super rare examples today selling for six-figure prices.
How cool is it to be able to once again walk into your local Dodge dealer and order a brand-new Hemi-Challenger, like your Dad, Granddad, or even a plum crazy purple one, like your Aunt Betty might have bought after graduating college?
.
Here are some rare images I shot at the 2005 Mopar Nationals in Columbus, Ohio. These feature the Challenger RT Prototype with carbon fiber construction. Enjoy! There’s more to come…
– HKK
.
.
.
.
Images of The 2006 Dodge Challenger RT Prototype
Copyrighted 2014 by HKK Productions Inc
.