1999 Dodge Charger R/T Concept Vehicle (1999 North American International Auto Show)
After a 12-year hiatus, the Dodge brand would pay homage to the performance Dodge Chargers of the muscle-car era and debuted a completely modern, rear-wheel-drive Dodge Charger at the 1999 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Due to the overall proportions of the concept vehicle, Dodge designers took the opportunity to develop the concept vehicle into a fastback four-door performance coupe.
Design elements of this one-off Dodge Charger R/T were inspired by second-generation models and included exaggerated muscular “Coke bottle” bodysides and flying buttress around the rear window. Modern performance cues included big offset shoulders over the rear wheels, a low-to-the-ground menacing front fascia, functional door scallops (inspired by the 1970 Dodge Charger R/T and 1990s Dodge Viper models) and wide rear fascia with two center-mounted exhaust tips.
Inside, the Dodge Charger Concept Vehicle was inspired by fighter jets. With a focus on performance driving, a unique cockpit design included a pistol-grip shifter (similar to a fighter pilot’s joystick) and an instrument panel wrapped around the driver. Some late-1960 Dodge Charger cues included the large rotary radio dials, three-spoke steering wheel and “R/T” badge over the glove compartment. Functional lightweight materials included carbon-fiber constructed performance seats, while accelerator, brake and clutch pedals featured machined aluminum. Completing the performance look was an integrated roll cage and rear bucket seats.
The 1999 Dodge Charger R/T Concept Vehicle showcased an environmentally friendly, high-performance Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powertrain. An advanced storage tank design allowed the concept vehicle to achieve a 300-mile range through its longitudinal-mounted 4.7-liter V-8 engine. Adding to the former Chrysler Corporation’s list of CNG-firsts, the Dodge Charger R/T concept vehicle featured an integrated three-cell CNG storage system lined with advanced gas-impermeable high density polyurethane thermoplastic in a hybrid mix of high-strength carbon and super-tough glass filaments. With pressure topping 3,600 psi, the three-cell storage system featured unique egg-crate style foam to absorb energy in the event of a possible impact.
Returning to the nameplate’s performance history, the Dodge Charger Concept Vehicle was 15 inches shorter than the current full-sized Dodge Intrepid sedan, for a tight, aggressive and athletic look. With its five-spoke aluminum 19-inch front and wider 20-inch rear wheels, this Dodge street machine looked track-ready. And at 3,000 lbs., the concept was 650 lbs. lighter than the original 1966 Dodge Charger. Keeping the car grounded were modified upper- and lower-control arms from the iconic Plymouth Prowler and four-piston front and two-piston rear brakes from the race-proven Dodge Viper.