Dodge is slated to release the new Dodge Barracuda in the first half of 2018. The legendary American muscle, then known as Plymouth Barracuda was manufactured between 1960 and 1970. Barracudas have made their appearance in many action movies and TV shows since the early 80s. Let’s have a look at the timeline of this magnificent beast on four wheels and what made it so popular among every muscle car fanatic across the country.

The 1964 Plymouth Barracuda
Believed to be the oldest running muscle car, Plymouth Barracuda was manufactured in 1964. With panel modifications, Plymouth was one of the first muscle cars to introduce the largest bubble style back window in the 1960s. The first Barracuda had a slant 6-cylinder engine with a 170-cubic-inch displacement that churned out 145 horsepower. Plymouth Barracuda also had a 226-cubic-inch engine that produced 170 horsepower. Promoted as a sporty compact then, the car went on to become one of the most legendary muscles of all time.

The second-generation Plymouth Barracuda
It was the year 1967 when Plymouth Barracuda came out with a convertible and continued through the year 1970. What separated this Barracuda from its predecessor was a different powertrain and A-body style. The second-generation Barracuda was available in three variants; fastback, notchback, and convertible.

Plymouth Barracuda 1968
It was this Barracuda that revolutionized American muscle cars. Barracudas of the late 60s and early 70s were modified heavily for drag racing. They could be easily distinguished with additional vents on their hood to vent out the heat generated from all the revving produced by the engine. Dodge’s then Hemi engine reintroduced 6-cylinder slant engine and replaced 273V8 with 318.

The third-generation Plymouth Barracuda
1970 saw the birth of E-body cars which continued till 1974. The third generation Plymouth Barracuda came was available in both hardtop and convertible variants. The muscle car had several engine options, but, the 6-cylinder with 340 cubic inch displacement was the most popular of the lot.

1973 and 1974 Plymouth Barracuda
These models laid the foundation of the new Dodge Barracuda. The early models of this Barracuda came with a 340-cubic-inch engine, which was later replaced with a 360-cubic-inch engine.

The new Dodge Barracuda is said to have a 2.4-liter turbocharged V6 engine that will produce 270 to 330 horsepower and 300 lb-ft torque. Its stronger variant will be equipped with a 3.0-twin turbo V6 engine that will produce around 400 horsepower.