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This new concept combines the retro looks of the 60s Roadrunner with the modern Dodge Challenger and could mark the return of the Plymouth brand.

With muscle cars being one of the most popular car genres, it makes sense that digital artists want to improve upon these existing models. Or better yet, the artists can make car models that don't even exist with the use of technology and a bit of imagination.

Hotcars' very own digital rendering genius Rostislav Prokop is blessing us with another vision of the future's past. His recent works include such gems as the Mercedes G-Wagon Hot Rod Concept, but the latest rendition that Rostislav gives us looks into what a new Plymouth (or possibly Dodge) Road Runner could look like. It combines what makes the original roadrunner so great with the technology of the modern Dodge Challenger platform.

RELATED:The Plymouth Duster Returns With Some Dodge Challenger Influence

To completely understand the Road Runner and its unmatched legacy, we need to dive into its history. The year is 1968 and most American car companies have come to the realization that their high-power muscle cars are selling faster than they're built. In what some historians believe was the beginning of the demise of the muscle car era, these companies started adding more options and equipment to their models, therefore, increasing their asking prices.

The Plymouth GTX was following this trend of more options and a higher price tag. Plymouth introduced the Road Runner as a lower-priced alternative to the GTX. It stayed true to the fundamentals of the muscle car ideology while having high performance in a lower-priced car. Sticking to the roots proved very wise, as the Road Runner was an instant success.

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The renders show lines borrowed from the many generations of the Road Runner, such as this Superbird version seen by HotCars writer Michael Van Runkle at Mecum Glendale 2022. However, since the only closely related two-door American muscle car of today is the Dodge Challenger, it is safe to assume that the Road Runner would base its platform on this.

The headlights and taillights lend to the '60s and 70s generations and the car keeps its retro, yet modern look. The car also seems wider and offers a stunning giant scoop hood, slanted nose, and some proper-sized wheels and tires.

In the rear, we notice two exhaust pipes. This leads to the assumption that this will have a high-power internal combustion engine, instead of leaning towards the electric route that Dodge has recently announced with the electrification of the Charger and Challenger.

It can be easy to dismiss the Plymouth Road Runner revival as pipe dreams but that can not be further from the truth. With many American companies using iconic muscle car names for future vehicles, it only makes sense that Dodge could bring back the name.

The Mustang badge is now on an EV SUV. There are rumors of an electrified Corvette Sedan coming out. If a new Road Runner looks like anything this render, it could help Stellantis reinvigorate the Plymouth car brand.

For the full scoop on this Plymouth Roadrunner render, subscribe to HotCars Premium.

Pat is a licensed mechanic who has built everything from custom tent trailers to resto-modding a 1950's all Canadian Princecraft boat and everything in between. Pat currently drives a modified '05 Mustang, lifted '08 F250 and a Mercedes E350 Coupe.