Since the introduction of the retro-inspired Dodge Challenger back in 2008, Chrysler has been playing with nostalgia with such things as option packages, paint schemes and trim names. The company has now announced a continuation of that strategy with an appearance package and two new paints.
“Dodge//SRT has a rich history of using iconic heritage and high-impact colors and unique graphics to make our vehicles look custom, straight from the factory,” said Steve Beahm, Fiat Chrysler Automobile’s Head of Passenger Car Brands, Dodge//SRT, Chrysler and Fiat. “Whether a customer remembers B5 and Plum Crazy from when they were new in the ’60s and ’70s or they’re a new customer today, these paint colours and unique Shaker stripes stand out in the crowd and speak to our customers’ passion for their cars and their love of the Dodge and SRT brands.”
The Shakedown package is a tribute to the 1971 Dodge Shakedown Challenger, and adds unique off-centre black racing stripes that run from the grille, around the “shaker” hood scoop, up over the roof and flow off the rear decklid. Inside, the package adds white-faced instruments and an Alpine audio system with six or nine premium speakers (depending on trim level) and 275- or 506-watt amplifier (ditto). The package is available on Challenger R/T Shaker, R/T Plus Shaker and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker.
The two new exterior paint treatments are B5 Blue and Plum Crazy, which were originally offered in 1969 and 1970, respectively, and will be available on all 2018 Charger and Challenger models (initially on Challenger T/A, T/A Plus and T/A 392). The two signature colours have been two of the most anticipated, desired and collectible since they were introduced, and added to the “Mopar or no car” mindset among enthusiasts. Known as much for their names as their hues, the high impact paints (collectively referred to as HIP) are parts of a colour palette that includes such classic names as Hemi Orange, Go Mango, Panther Pink, Sassy Grass, Sub Lime and Top Banana.