First look: Challenger’s 10-pot screamer
BY BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS | 21st Oct 2008
It forms part of a trio of tricked-up performance cars designed to add some much-needed glamour and excitement to the beleaguered brand’s US fortunes.
The SRT10 concept was devised by Chrysler’s in-house performance arm SRT, and comes packed with the 8.4-litre V10 petrol engine delivering 447kW of power and 758Nm of torque.
It features a carbon-fibre bonnet and bootlid, as well as a ‘Shaker Hood’ bonnet scoop reminiscent of the 1970 HEMI Cuda for better engine breathing. Carbon-fibre also covers parts of the interior trim, while the SRT crew has finished the exterior in Tornado Red.
Meanwhile, another variation of the Challenger is being wheeled out. The work of Chrysler’s Mopar Underground design team, the Dodge Challenger Blacktop Concept is a styling and engineering upgrade using a production Challenger R/T model fitted with the group’s 5.7-litre HEMI V8 and six-speed manual gearbox.
Boasting custom-made spoilers and a bodykit, the Blacktop comes with a black-on-black racing stripe, complementing the 22-inch Dodge Viper wheels shod with 265/35 R22 front and 305/30 rear tyres.
The Blacktop is fortified with Mopar coil-over suspension and strut tow brace modifications, while the ‘cat back’ dual exhaust system and cold air intake improve the HEMI’s breathing capabilities.
A bright-red leather interior and high-end Mopar audio system complete the changes.
The last Challenger is the Targa, a full-blown competition car known as “Samantha” to spectators of the Targa Newfoundland in Northern Canada earlier this year.
A cross between a Dodge Viper (what else!) and a Mopar Challenger drag race package car, Samantha uses a 403kW/664Nm 6.4-litre V8 Mopar crate engine mated to a Tremec six-speed manual gearbox.
The exercise is designed to showcase some of the aftermarket parts and accessories available through Mopar.