2019 Dodge Challenger under consideration for Australia
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2019 Dodge Challenger under consideration for Australia

2019 Dodge Challenger under consideration for Australia

The Dodge Challenger outpaces the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro thanks to its powerful 6.4-liter V8 engine.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia is looking into right-hand drive muscle car sales as it weighs the business case for the American Dodge Challenger.

The showroom introduction of the recently refreshed Ford Mustang and the upcoming Chevrolet Camaro will help decide whether the Dodge brand will be reintroduced to the Australian market.

FCA's local wing will closely monitor muscle car sales before formulating a plan to import the Challenger and Charger, according to President and CEO Steve Zanlunga.

"We're watching very closely what's going on with the (Ford) Mustang and also what's going to happen with the (Chevrolet) Camaro because both of those cars are on opposite sides of the spectrum," he said.

“In other markets they sit together. They chose two completely different strategies (in Australia). One of them should play in the mainstream, i.e. the Mustang, and the other one should play the Camaro, which (will) play at a high level.”

While the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro are natural competitors, both rear-wheel-drive and V8-powered, the Blue Oval offer will be significantly cheaper at $62,990 plus travel expenses, as the Chev is expected to cost around $90,000.

The price discrepancy is partly due to the additional cost of converting the Camaro, as the right-hand drive Mustang is built straight from the factory.

Mr Zanlungi said if there is demand, FCA Australia could ask for Challenger and Chargers factory right hooks.

“We are a major OEM and if we can make a business case with volumes and demand, we can bring any of our vehicles into this market,” he said.

"I think it's worth seeing what the business model (works) and how it works here and then we can make some decisions about whether it's worth going or not."

Would you like to see the Dodge Challenger and Charger muscle cars in Australian showrooms? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.

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