Photo From: Mopar Connection
Rumors of a ‘Cuda relaunch under the Dodge nameplate have been swirling for years, decades even. FCA Chrysler’s re-upping of their patent on the name has done nothing to calm that particular speculation — it also puts the brand on a countdown. It could mean that a modern day Cuda is in the the works, but it could also mean absolutely nothing.
Paperwork and logistical roadblocks have held up the renewal for name. Even though the brand had made the name mean something in the car world, that didn’t make them immune to some legal stickiness to slow down their U.S. patent on it. The application was double filed with the names “Cuda” and “Barracuda,” which lead to a denial of approval though the U.S. Patent Office.
It took a little bit, but Chrysler was cleared to stake claim on the name “Cuda,” however, the name would have to be used on a product in the interstate commerce. In simple terms, they have to use that named on a vehicle, trim piece, badge, or part to keep the name. Obviously, there’s nothing on the road with either name, so FCA Chrysler has to file an extension every six months to hold their trademark to keep the name from being stolen.
FCA Chrysler renewed their extension for “Cuda” in December of 2015, and they only have two more extensions (one year) to put the name on something, or it will be declared abandoned by the USPTO. Interestingly enough, the name “Barracuda” is still held up in legal limbo from the double filing.
A FCA Dealer Presentation back in 2014 revealed a ‘Cuda concept, which was rumored to be smaller than Challenger — placing in the Mustang and Camaro size class. That was the last time we saw any hard evidence of plans by FCA Chrysler to use the nameplate.
So, what does this mean? The heat is one FCA Chrysler to use the name, or lose it. They’ll have to come up with some way to put it on a automotive product by the end of the year, and many believe that means we’ll see a 2016/2017 Cuda. It’s hard to imagine that they’ll risk letting the name go, but a year isn’t much time to conceptualize a vehicle, unless they’ve had something up their sleeves this whole time!
Elizabeth is hardcore horsepower enthusiast with unmatched intensity for making things faster and louder. She wakes up for power and performance and only sleeps to charge up for the next project that’s heading to the track. From autocross to drag racing, Elizabeth is there with you, so stay tuned for her unique perspective on horsepower news, builds, tech info, and installs — with her, it’ll never be boring!
