If you can believe it, Chrysler introduced the Dodge Charger way back in 2005 as a 2006 model, back when the Pentastar was still part-owned by Daimler. It was just three years later that the Dodge Challenger, based on the same LX platform, also came to market. Today these are two of the oldest car models on the American market, and while sales remain robust, the platforms are now long overdue for replacement.

According to Automotive News, the replacements for the Charger and Challenger could be farther away than we think. Next summer, a refreshed Challenger will break cover, and by the fall of 2014 a new-looking Charger will be in dealerships as well. However, the major planned redesign is now delayed until sometime in 2017.

Both the Charger and Challenger will get new front and rear fascias, as well as a redesign to some of the quarter panels. Chrysler will also add an eight-speed automatic transmission to both models, including the HEMI-V8 models, in order to improve fuel economy and performance. Both cars will come loaded with new tech features to help them stand out in a crowded market.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the entirely-new-from-the-ground-up Charger and Challenger we were hoping for. With Ford launched an all-new Mustang next year, and an all-new Camaro on deck for 2015 or 2016, Chrysler could be late to the muscle car party. As American muscle goes on a diet, the Charger and Challenger will remain heavyweights that could be easily outgunned by all-new competitors.

Can Chrysler really afford to wait another four years for the new-new Charger and Challenger?