Accually the Barracuda was a standard edition family car, that had loads of balls. There was a second edition called the Hemi-Cuda, which had a more aggressive style and a Hemi ofcourse.
I am confused though. You said you did not want to go retro, but yet this is more retro than a Ferrari Enzo or even an F1 car. And you said that you wanted to stick with the original style, and other than the paint scheme I don't see any similarities.
And like you already noted, Plymouth is long gone, maybe go with the Challenger Concept.

Projects:
http://stratous.250free.com/Models/
Real Rides:
2002 Dodge Dakota Sport+ - 4.7 V8, 4X4, Auto
1989 Dodge Daytona Shelby - 2.2l Intercooled Turbo, 5 speed
1988 Dodge Daytona Shelby Z - 2.2l Intercooled Turbo, 5 speed