Chrysler 'Cuda

This muscle car created quite a stir at last week’s Specialty Equipment Market Association show (SEMA). Pictures of the stunning ’Cuda concept were leaked on the eve of the Las Vegas event, prompting wild speculation among fans. The striking coupé debuted on the Chrysler stand, and is inspired by the legendary Plymouth Barracuda. However, dreams of a comeback for the celebrated model were shattered on the opening day of the expo.

That’s because the show car is a one-off – which was commissioned by a wealthy enthusiast – and not an official Chrysler concept. The two-door is based on shortened Dodge Charger underpinnings and has bespoke carbon fibre bodywork.

The modern-day Barracuda features a host of retro touches, including a black bonnet and a huge air scoop for the engine. Its trademark profile and pronounced haunches also hark back to its namesake from the Sixties and Seventies. Power comes from the same 6.1-litre HEMI V8 as in Jeep’s hot Grand Cherokee SRT-8, mated to a five-speed auto box. The one-off gets uprated Brembo brakes, too.

The cabin trim is sourced from the Dodge Charger, but there’s also a Seventies-style pistol-grip shift lever for the automatic gearbox. Muscle car fans will have to console themselves with Chrysler’s forthcoming Dodge Challenger. The sleek concept debuted at January’s Detroit Motor Show and the production version hits US dealers next year. But the retro model won’t be available in right-hand drive, ruling out official UK sales.