Car nuts lost their cool this weekend at Crawford Auction in Nebraska. On October 12, a sneaky first look at the 2026 Plymouth Barracuda stole the show amid rows of rusty classics. Plymouth, that old-school name from the muscle car days, is whispering about a big comeback. Folks packed the place, snapping pics of this shiny concept on a low-key stage. Auction boss Mike Harlan called it the highlight of the fall sale, with bids on other rides taking a back seat. Whispers say Stellantis, the big company behind Dodge, is testing waters for a real revival.
Classic Comeback with Modern Twists
This Barracuda nods to the ’70s fire-breathers but cleans up nice for today. Picture a long hood, fastback roof, and those shark-like fins that scream speed. The front grill pops with slim LED lights, and the sides hug wide tires on 20-inch rims. It’s got retro chrome accents mixed with smooth carbon fiber bits for that lightweight feel. Inside, bucket seats wrap you tight in leather, and the dash glows with a curved screen. Colors range from fiery orange to deep blue, just like the old days but with fresh paint tech that won’t chip easy.
The buzz started when a prototype rolled in under cover, unveiled by a mystery exec from Detroit. Collectors gasped at how it blends nostalgia with now. One guy in the crowd said it felt like time travel, pulling him back to drag strips his dad loved. Social media lit up quick, with posts hitting thousands of likes by Sunday night.
Power Under the Hood
What really revs hearts is the grunt this thing promises. Rumors point to a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 cranking out 750 horses, enough to smoke tires in seconds. It’s paired with an eight-speed auto that shifts like lightning, or go manual if you crave that old thrill. For green thumbs, there’s talk of a hybrid twist later, blending electric boost without killing the roar. Zero to 60? Under four seconds, they say, with brakes that grab like a pro racer.
Fuel sip is decent for a beast, around 18 miles per gallon mixed. It’s built tough on a Charger platform, so handling sticks on curves or straightaways. Test mules have been spotted burning rubber in Michigan, fueling the fire.
| Engine Option | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0-60 mph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base V8 | 485 | 475 | 4.5 sec |
| Supercharged HEMI | 750 | 650 | 3.8 sec |
Tech and Comfort That Surprise
Don’t sleep on the brains here. The big infotainment screen runs wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus over-the-air updates to keep it sharp. Safety nets include auto emergency brakes, lane keep, and adaptive cruise for easy highway hauls. Rear seats fold flat for gear, and there’s a subwoofer thumping tunes through 12 speakers. It’s comfy for two-up road trips, with cooled seats for hot summers.
Auction goers poked around the concept, loving the paddle shifters and heads-up display that beams speed on the windshield. One feature stealing smiles: a digital gauge cluster that flips to ’70s style with a button tap.
Auction Buzz and Pricing Scoop
Crawford saw bids fly on a ’71 original Barracuda for 85 grand, but eyes stayed glued to the new kid. Word is production kicks off late 2026, with first units hitting lots in early ’27. Pricing starts around 55 thousand bucks for the base, climbing to 75 for loaded rides. That’s a punchy deal against Mustangs or Camaros, especially with Plymouth’s badge cachet.
Dealers are already whispering pre-orders, and flippers eye it for quick profits. Skeptics call it vaporware, but the glimpse felt real enough to spark dreams.
| Trim Level | Starting Price | Key Extras |
|---|---|---|
| Base GT | $55,000 | LED lights, basic screen |
| R/T | $65,000 | Leather, bigger wheels |
| Supercharged | $75,000 | HEMI boost, premium audio |
This Barracuda tease has the car world chatting non-stop. If it lands, it could wake up sleepy muscle sales and honor Plymouth’s wild past. Keep ears open, ’cause Detroit loves a good plot twist. Who knows, your garage might roar again soon.