At a time when fuel efficiency and green design are the bywords of automotive design, Dodge offered a suprise at the Detroit auto show with a special edition car evoking the classic muscle cars of the 1970s.

Although full details about the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic have yet to be announce, the car maker put the car on its stand during press days at the show generating appreciative attention from lovers of fast, growling engines and aggressive retro styling.

Initially the new Challenger will be offered in two shades, Hemi Orange and Torred with a B5 Blue version and other colors set to debut in February or early in March.

Emblazoned with racing stripes and using the original Challenger script on the front fenders (rather than the grill), the R/T is outfitted with a working hood scoop.

Sporting a six-speed manual transmission, the Challenger's engine produces 376 hp with the automatic returning 372 hp, more than enough to satisfy performance car fans.

The first Challenger appeared in 1970 as Dodge's reply to the Mustang and Camaro. Sold as a both a two-door hardtop coupe and a convertible with 76,935 produced the first year. Production ended in 1974 with a total of 165,000 vehicles sold over the life of the model.