Challenger SRT Hellcat

Make
Dodge
Segment
Coupe

We absolutely love the Dodge Challenger, especially the 707 horsepower Challenger Hellcat. It may just have the most wicked cool styling of any other American car on sale today. But here's the thing: the LX platform it's based on is a decade old. In fact, it dates back to when Fiat-Chrysler was Daimler-Chrysler. Point being is that in light of an all-new Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, at some point Dodge is going to want a replacement that's both lighter and more fuel efficient. Could that successor be named Barracuda?

We asked Ralph Gilles, now global design chief for Fiat-Chrysler, at Geneva a couple of years ago whether that replacement would be a reborn Barracuda. His reply consisted of a simple smile and something along the lines of "You'll just have to wait and see." Not a confirmation but not a direct denial either. And now Allparnews.com has reported that FCA re-trademarked the Barracuda name late last month. Not an unusual step, but also one to take note of. After all, FCA sister brand Alfa Romeo has a brand-new RWD platform that Dodge could easily ask to use. Like Gilles said, "wait and see."

In the meantime, we might as well check out this test drive of a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda with a 572 Hemi.