Dodge Power Wagon Concept

Dodge Goes Retro with Power Wagon

DETROIT - Volkswagen started a trend last year when it introduced the New Beetle, which became an instant hit. Now other manufacturers are scrambling to grab a piece of the same retro pie. Point in case: Dodge's Power Wagon concept pickup, which is named after a Dodge truck of decades past.

With roots in the original WWII-era Power Wagons, the big-grilled concept truck shares a platform with the current Dodge Ram pickup. It has a 7.2-liter, inline six-cylinder turbodiesel engine that generates a whopping 780 foot-pounds of torque.

Luckily, having that kind of power on tap in 1999 doesn't require a consumer with indifference for environmental impact. This new diesel engine utilizes direct injection and sulfur-free Syntroleum fuel, making it both clean and efficient.

Back in the 1940s, Power Wagons were known for their heavy-duty capabilities and distinctive front-end styling. Today, the same characteristics hold true for Dodge's new concept truck. Standing 77 inches tall and sporting 35-inch tires, the Power Wagon generated a favorable response from auto show journalists, who praised its daring stylistic details and mammoth road presence.

If Dodge reincarnates this beastly truck, it'll be interesting to see what retro theme they'll dig up next.