The article discusses five cars that appeared completely different just one generation ago, including the Dodge Challenger, the Chrysler 300, and the Corvette. These examples are often seen when automakers are trying something new, such as reusing a name on a new platform or a total ground-up redesign. Examples include the Dodge Ram, which went from a Spartan, functional pickup in the 1980s to arguably the first modern production pickup truck in 1994. The mid-2000s saw significant redesigns for Chrysler's entire range, which included the new Jeep Wrangler JK in 2007, the Dodge Magnum in 2005, and many others. The article also mentions the first time a mid-engine Corvette was seen in dealerships, marking a shift in design philosophy.