JapAmerican Mitsullenger…
Dodge revived Challenger name in 1978 by… using the early version of Mitsubishi Galant Lambda. This rear wheel drive 4-cylinder coupe was [totally] not a good replacement for the 1st generation muscle cars with the same nameplate, but it was quite good to compete with Honda Prelude, Nissan 200SX or Toyota Celica. Plymouth had to carry the same shame with nearly identical Plymouth Sapporo model.
MacPherson strut suspension was mounted into unibody structure with solid axle and coil springs. The standard powertrain was 2 liter SOCH [77 HP] with optional 2.6 liter engine that provided 105 HP – this engine became standard in 1980 model. Due to vibration, Mitsubishi engineered balance shafts – this technology was new in market and Challenger was actually the first to introduce this to American market. 5-speed manual was standard, 3-speed automatic – optional. And lots of, really lots of electrical equipment.
1981 came with new restyled roofline. Luckily, in 1983 this ugly-looking disgracefully unpowerful muscleless car was off the stage – the best thing for Dodge to do since 1978.
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“ugly-looking disgracefully unpowerful muscleless car”
Seriously? Have you seen other late 70s or early 80s American Muscle cars? The basic design of all American Muscle cars during that era is basically the same (Trans Am, Mustang, Firebird, etc)–sharp lines and corners. If you say this looks ugly then ultimately your saying other cars with similar design are also ugly, and to think that majority of cars from 1979 to 1984 are the same in terms of styling. That was the “in” during that time Sir. So you must really hate that era, huh? So much for SUBJECTIVITY…
And “disgraceful”? Please! Is it really? Or is it just your ego talking… Are you insulted with the fact that an American Company known for making High Performance Cars would turn to the Japanese to try and save their company and the model that you are so into?
The Japanese even gave Dodge the bragging rights to tell everyone that they introduced the first “Silence Shafts” in the US.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m half American and half Asian. And I won’t have any of my heritage (both American and Japanese) be insulted by ignorance.
You are entitled to your opinion but making an obscure claim such as that is completely unnecessary and very ignorant.
Let’s face it, the car is not powerful compared to a V8, but with other normally aspirated inline 4s during its time, it was better.
Ultimately, I just want to express my view that although the car was indeed not a muscle car nor an exceptionally powerful car and indeed not as good as the old Challenger, it was, during the time (oil price soaring, economic crisis, etc.), generally a good car and was a good alternative.
Sorry, didn’t want to insult anyone, but the second generation is something seriously far way from the 1st one. Just my personal opinion
My apologies as well.
Thank you for replying.
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