Based on the production Dodge Challenger SRT8, Mopar's modern factory-prepped drag racer will begin as a special ‘Body-in-White’ chassis sourced from Chrysler's Canadian assembly plant. To reduce vehicle weight, major production component and systems are eliminated including the windshield wiper assembly, the complete HVAC system, all airbag components, rear seats, power steering system, exhaust systems and underbody heat shields, cross-car and side impact door beams, and the rear bumper beam and rear deck lid spoiler. The body sealer, sound deadener and undercoat are also removed at the factory - resulting in a total weight loss of around 1,000lbs.
The 116in wheelbase was shortened by half an inch. The cars also feature a front cradle with bolt-in crossmembers and solid engine mounts.
The Mopar Challengers have three engine options – a 6.1L or 5.7L HEMI or a 5.9L Magnum Wedge, as well as the choice of a manual or automatic transmission. An owner's manual will be provided to document the modifications made to the Challenger SRT8 as well as provide recommendations to finish the Package Car for Stock Eliminator competition. To take advantage of the weight savings, there are unique drag-race components in the Package Car program including: a composite lift-off hood with functional scoop, bucket front seats, polycarbonate door windows, a lightweight cooling module with electric fan, manual rack and pinion steering, a special cable-operated deck lid release, special lightweight front brake assemblies and special cable-operated throttle linkage and pedal assemblies.
Mopar will build a minimum of 100 Challenger Drag Race Package Cars to meet amalgamation requirements for the NHRA. The cars will eventually be eligible to run in three Eliminator categories - Comp, Super Stock and Stock. They will also be potentially eligible for 40 classes.
The Challenger Drag Race Package Car will be available for order in late August to early September and will start from the low to mid $30,000 bracket. Each car will carry an identification plate with sequential serial number.
Dodge Challenger SRT8
Reader Comments
Fri Feb 1 2008 6:55 AM
HECTOR says
I just wanna see what kind of tool will buy this car. It has no styling whatsoever. A Toyota Corolla is like a Ferrari sitting next to it, a Mustang a work of art. This car is an insult to drivers and that comes from a company that can hardly afford to insult potential customers. This ridiculous excuse for a car - and Dodge - deserve to faul miserably for even daring to build it.
Sat Feb 2 2008 12:05 AM
SuperSkyline89 says
For a company that's struggling to make up market share, why are they trying this? Something that can hold it's own against the Toyota Corolla and Camry or Honda Civic and Accord would have been a better investment. Things like this remind me why the American companies are in so much trouble these days.
Sat Feb 2 2008 11:55 AM
Gus says
Wow, that's a lot of vitriol for a car that's really not targeted towards any Corolla, Camry or Civic buyers.
This is just a sporty car dedicated to the baby-boomers who longed for this machine back when they couldn't afford it.
Now, I agree that this drag racing thing doesn't look so hot, but I like the look of the normal car very much. Given the choice betwen a Corolla and a Challenger, I'm sure which one would be more fun to drive...
Sat Feb 2 2008 4:06 PM
SuperSkyline89 says
I didn't mean it's targeted at Corolla, Civic, Camry buyers. But those cars are basically the reason that the American companies lost so much market share. If the Americans could make a good car to compete with them they might gain some market share again. GM made the new Malibu but Chrysler has nothing. I just meant this is much of an investment for a struggling company. This might be more fun to drive but we all know that doesn't mean shit to the majority of buyers.
Mon Jul 14 2008 11:49 AM
SRT ORR says
they are only producing 100 cars, who gives a **** about the majority.
and you must know jack**** about cars or you're just a moron because this is not a huge investment, its a labor of love. How many ZR-1s will be made mr. GM fan? how is that not a huge investment for a struggling company? last time I check GM is closer to any sort of bankruptcy than Chysler. The fact of the matter is PEOPLE WANT THIS! that's why they're making it. you're not going to go to a Chrysler store and see a fucking Challenger Super Stock on the lot cuz 'gas prices are too high' . this car is bulit for people like me who stopped whining about gas years ago and want a car that evokes emotions that no other car can do. especially a corolla, camry civic or malibu.
Mon Jul 14 2008 12:19 PM
Swany says
I can attest to your arguments, having said that, they are only making 100 of these and it's coming in at $ 30,000 - $ 35,000. This car has the ability to run sub-12's in the 1/4 mile,and does so from the factory for a decent price. Chrysler has redesigned the Sebring and done a good job with it. It's no Chevy Malibu but alot better than the rental rocket they used to build. The High-Performance brands (SRT, SVT, GM Performance, MOPAR) are not going to fissle out. People are always going to want high performance vehicles regardless of gas prices. Granted, they should be looking at vehicles to gain back market share from the Japanese car segment, it's still a necessity to build the higher end vehicles.
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