New Camaro – recently unveiled; new Mustang – on sale; new Challenger – well not quite yet. Why, you might ask? Dodge’s muscle coupe gained a fairly recent MY2015 refresh which saw the introduction of the thunderous Hellcat model and many other improvements, however it was too early in its lifecycle for an all-new makeover.

Nevertheless, in the year 2018, we’re tipped to see an all-new Challenger emerge; and being one for complete impatience, I’ve decided to pull out the digital crayons to sketch up what it may look like.

Firstly, a confession: I never really liked the Challenger when it was released back in 2008 – it looked fat, ponderous and relied too heavily on its 1970’s ancestor in terms of styling. Yet with subtle changes for MY2015, it grew on me; becoming slightly modern in the right areas whilst retaining that original classic style.

As with the current Challenger, inspiration for this study also came from the first generation car. However to move the game forward, greater emphasis has been to make it look more athletic, toned and lighter.

Carry-over cues still linger around the front; however, the whole effect is more sculptured with mask-like character lines defining the front fenders and headlights, leading down into the lower intake. The bumper has an ‘upward’ overbite that eats into the grille – similar to that of the current Charger sedan. ‘Halo ring’ LED headlights are retained for that defining sinister glow.

Side bodywork is dominated by an upper scallop that starts within the front fender, flowing back into the rear haunches adorning it with that toned character missing from the out-going coupe.

According to Chrysler’s 5-year plan, the next-generation Challenger should sit upon an all-new platform. Whether or not the new underpinnings will be global and shared with Alfa Romeo remains to be seen; one thing we can expect is a vast trimming of the out-going car’s hefty weight to make it more competitive with Chevy’s Camaro and Ford’s Mustang.

Presently, power is fed to the rear wheels via either a 3.8-liter Pentastar V6 or a selection of Hemi V8s, including, the mighty 707hp Hellcat. Expect these powertrains to have been tweaked by the time 2018 rolls around, coupled to a revised 8-speed auto. As for another Hellcat model? – yes please!

Finally, what direction would you prefer the next Challenger to go: retro, or an all-new futuristic design – tell us your thoughts in the discussion area below.

By Josh Byrnes

Photo Renderings Copyright Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes

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