Plug pulled on UK Challenger

There’s disappointment ahead for UK muscle car fans – the next Dodge Challenger isn’t coming here after all. The new owner of the US brand, Cerberus Capital Management, has decided to ditch plans for transatlantic sales.

The retro-style coupé will be sold only in North America – and in strictly limited numbers. The decision overturns plans drawn up by previous owner Chrysler to export the Challenger to the UK. Sources at Dodge blame cost-cutting for the turnaround, as the marque is coming to terms with losses last year of a staggering £750million.

It’s not all bad news for UK fans, though. If you can live with left-hand drive, personal imports are still a possibility. Although the 2008 model, inspired by the 1970 original, is still officially at the concept stage, a production car is to be unveiled at the Chicago Motor Show in February, and US sales are set to begin shortly afterwards.

Under the long bonnet lies a 6.4-litre V8 engine pushing out a massive 505bhp. However, capacity may be increased to 7.0 litres in order to compete with Chevrolet’s Corvette and Ford’s Mustang.