Challenger Concept Does the Party Circuit

One of the cool things about the Dream Cruise is the close proximity you get to some extremely rare and expensive cars. (Where else could you see three DeLoreans in a row? Great Scott!)

Well, there’s few things more rare to see in public than a concept car. And thousands upon thousands were able to nose up close to our Dodge Challenger concept this weekend, offering a seldom-seen chance (go to our photo gallery of Challenger at the Dream Cruise here) to inspect the very same car that set the North American International Auto Show atwitter in January 2006.

The Challenger concept began its tour on Thursday night, standing above the masses on display at a party at Duggan’s in Royal Oak with headlights aimed squarely at the bustling Woodward traffic.

The already slow-moving southbound traffic slowed to a standstill as drivers paused to snap a picture, many appearing openly awed by the site of the concept’s trademark orange coat appearing outside their windshields. Meanwhile, a steady throng hovered around the display wondering aloud “is that really the new Challenger? The real one?”

Sure enough, you could look as long as you wanted and inspect it at close range. And car fans up and down the avenue went out of their way to give it a good once over and snap a few pictures (of the car and the spokesmodels) for good measure.

On Friday, the Challenger headed south to Ferndale at another party inside Woodward Avenue Brewers, right near 9 Mile. While the crowds inside enjoyed the festivities, the crowd outside got a street-level view of the Challenger lit up as bright as day by spotlights.

But as with all things at the Cruise, it’s all leading up to Saturday. And under beautiful blue skies and warm sun, jammed-packed crowds hit the Dodge festival at 13 Mile and Woodward, many surprised to catch a live glimpse of the Challenger concept in the flesh (and get a speeding ticket before you even buy, as covered by Jalopnik here.) And better still, the concept was flanked by some gorgeous classic Challengers from the 1970s run, detailed from stem to stern and from roof to tread. The proud lineage of the Challenger lined up like a family reunion with parents and progeny gleaming in the sun. And all over town, a dogged cop seemed bound and determined to catch up with our concept.

Of course, there were a number of pointed questions to be answered. The first one, we have handled. From the time of this post, the production version will debut in 169 days and about 22 hours at the Chicago Auto Show. (Check out the live countdown clock by clicking here.)

But from there…jeez…people were getting pushy. “How much will it cost? Will it look exactly like the concept? What color should I get? What’s the recommended oil? What gasoline should it take? Any additives? Will adding a wing affect my warranty? How fast can it go?!?!?”

Alright, alright! We get it. Seeing it is great, but it’s not going to be enough until you’re the one behind the wheel. Be patient. It’s coming. Believe us, we’re as excited as you. Stay tuned.