First look: Challenger’s 10-pot screamer

CHRYSLER will let loose a V10-powered version of its new Dodge Challenger at this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

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.

As the Challenger is a left-hand drive-only vehicle (for now), there is no chance of seeing the car in Australia – even though it is based on the popular Chrysler 300C, which is itself a loose derivation of the 1995 to 2002 Mercedes-Benz W210 E-class.

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.

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