Photo: adry53customs/instagram
Rumors of the Barracuda name making a comeback are about as old as the current Dodge Challenger itself, and we're talking about a big coupe that's been with us for 12 years now. The chances of this Plymouth nameplate migrating to the Dodge brand are slim given the current context (more on this below), but the rendering that now adorns our screens comes to fuel such dreams.
While Dodge Challenger sales have been going strong, with the Mopar machine even one-upping the Camaro for around three years now, a business case for a Barracuda running alongside it would be difficult to build.
For one, Dodge's current muscle car platform, which dates back to the Daimler-Chrysler era, isn't exactly suitable for fresh releases. And, if the Barracuda were to arrive as the eagerly anticipated convertible version of the Challenger, we wouldn't have a proper revival.
As for the next generation of Dodge muscle machines, which should land around 2022 or 2023, this is expected to receive an all-new platform build with hybridization in mind, but the said momentum of the Challenger should see Dodge keeping the badge alive rather than replacing it.
And, given the current crossover dominance, hoping to see the company welcoming two coupes into its lineup seems like too much.
Of course, with Ford also taking the Mustang badge into other areas of the market (Mach-E electric crossover) and GM rumored to put the Camaro to sleep soon, Dodge might wish to stick to a thorough coverage of the muscle segment. However, until we get more details on the matter, we've brought along the said pixel exercise, which sees the current Challenger receiving a Barracuda transformation.
To be more precise, this is a modern version of the 1970 Plymouth AAR 'Cuda. Back in the day, this nameplate was used to define a close sibling of the Dodge Challenger T/A (this is a label that has fortunately returned). The All American Racer and the Trans Am competed in the Sports Car Club of America's Trans American Sedan Championship, while their road-going incarnations were set apart by multiple aspects.
For one, the racers packed a destroked 340, while the street versions saw the V8 sporting triple two-barrel carbs mounted on an aluminum intake manifold (ah, the introduction of the sweet 340 Six Pack).
Interestingly, the lowered suspension of the motorsport versions was left far behind, with the rear end of the street AAR sitting higher than those of "standard" models since the vehicle had to accommodate a side exhaust.
Now, digital artist Timothy Adry Emanuel, who is responsible for these pixels, has showcased a similar stunt in the past. Nevertheless, this evolution of the work features updates such as less massive rear fenders and a sleeker rear apron. Oh, and let's not overlook the Cragar rolling goodies, which, as the pixel master points out, gift the machine with Hot Wheels looks.
And while this Plum Crazy-dressed virtual contraption keeps the badass exhaust, it skips the side strips of the original. Note that there's also a bit of (pre-2019) Hellcat aroma in the mix coming from that pin-secured hood.
For one, Dodge's current muscle car platform, which dates back to the Daimler-Chrysler era, isn't exactly suitable for fresh releases. And, if the Barracuda were to arrive as the eagerly anticipated convertible version of the Challenger, we wouldn't have a proper revival.
As for the next generation of Dodge muscle machines, which should land around 2022 or 2023, this is expected to receive an all-new platform build with hybridization in mind, but the said momentum of the Challenger should see Dodge keeping the badge alive rather than replacing it.
And, given the current crossover dominance, hoping to see the company welcoming two coupes into its lineup seems like too much.
Of course, with Ford also taking the Mustang badge into other areas of the market (Mach-E electric crossover) and GM rumored to put the Camaro to sleep soon, Dodge might wish to stick to a thorough coverage of the muscle segment. However, until we get more details on the matter, we've brought along the said pixel exercise, which sees the current Challenger receiving a Barracuda transformation.
To be more precise, this is a modern version of the 1970 Plymouth AAR 'Cuda. Back in the day, this nameplate was used to define a close sibling of the Dodge Challenger T/A (this is a label that has fortunately returned). The All American Racer and the Trans Am competed in the Sports Car Club of America's Trans American Sedan Championship, while their road-going incarnations were set apart by multiple aspects.
For one, the racers packed a destroked 340, while the street versions saw the V8 sporting triple two-barrel carbs mounted on an aluminum intake manifold (ah, the introduction of the sweet 340 Six Pack).
Interestingly, the lowered suspension of the motorsport versions was left far behind, with the rear end of the street AAR sitting higher than those of "standard" models since the vehicle had to accommodate a side exhaust.
Now, digital artist Timothy Adry Emanuel, who is responsible for these pixels, has showcased a similar stunt in the past. Nevertheless, this evolution of the work features updates such as less massive rear fenders and a sleeker rear apron. Oh, and let's not overlook the Cragar rolling goodies, which, as the pixel master points out, gift the machine with Hot Wheels looks.
And while this Plum Crazy-dressed virtual contraption keeps the badass exhaust, it skips the side strips of the original. Note that there's also a bit of (pre-2019) Hellcat aroma in the mix coming from that pin-secured hood.
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