Riding on the coattails of the new SRT Viper, Mopar rumors are going berserk over the possibilities of an all new Barracuda muscle car based on the platform of an upcoming Dodge Challenger.
Rumors of a Barracuda first took shape earlier this month when reports suggested that Chrysler will tier the Barracuda exclusively for the new SRT sports car brand while the Challenger moniker remained with the Dodge brand.
Details are still limited as a newly redesigned Challenger will not enter markets before 2015. As of now, some industry sources claim that the new Challenger will only be available in base trim or in an R/T variant. However, the SRT8 model will be killed in favor of a significantly upgraded SRT Barracuda. Reports also suggest that the next generation will feature a platform two inches shorter than the current model for improvements in weight, handling, and performance.
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Now, veteran car magazine Car and Driver has revealed the first artist renderings of what the new Barracuda may look like. Illustrated by Jon Sibul, the Barracuda sketches suggest that the upcoming 2015 SRT Barracuda will be adopting a contemporary body styling that is headed in a direction similar to the next generation Ford Mustang and Ford Evos concept.
Despite the dramatic design departure, one cue from the original 'Cuda remains -- the narrow split grill up front. What's more the corporate Dodge full-width wrap-around taillights are seen at the back as well.
However, the biggest change of all lies underneath the sheetmetal. Chrysler has long used its LX and evolved LY platform for the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, Charger, and Challenger models. Originally based on the architecture of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the next generation cars will now use rear-drive platforms derived by Lancia, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati. A totally new venture, the upcoming Barracuda will be first up to receive the new Italian bones.
Finally, responding to the new CAFE laws, the upcoming Challenger is expected to offer a more efficient line of engines including a new force-inducted 2.4 liter Tigershark inline-four powerplant. Next, the standard 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 is expected to receive direct injection for improved efficiency. Finally, the Hemi V8 tuned by SRT will be a bespoke engine for the SRT brand.
Check out Car and Driver's Barracuda rendering below:
[Source: Car and Driver]
