MotorAuthority

New information on Hurst's 560hp Challenger

Posted Thu Oct 23 2008 3:29 PM by Nelson Ireson

The Hurst Challenger will make its debut at the 2008 SEMA Show

The Dodge Challenger SRT8 has been a welcome arrival for many muscle-car fans. Willing to overlook its hefty weight for the old-school looks and meaty Hemi power, they've already purchased just about every car scheduled to be made for the next year. But Hurst wasn't content to leave well enough alone, and has decided to prep a high-powered version complete with a collection of Hurst accessories for the SEMA show in November - and the car will soon be available for purchase through Dodge dealers.

Latest reports indicate the top-end supercharged model will be produce 560hp (417kW), though lower-specification models will be available. Participating dealers will get the cars early next year, available in a four-trim range, labeled as 'stages'. Some of the features that will be shared across the lineup include Hurst shifters and five-spoke alloy wheels. The higher-end models will get a Vortech Supercharger, Magnaflow exhaust, Eibach springs, Bilstein shocks, Katzkin leather interior and Kicker audio, reports AutoWeek.

Exactly what level of equipment each will feature will remain to be seen at SEMA, but the Stage 1 through Stage 3 vehicles will be targeted at a price range of about $10,000 to $20,000 above MSRP, reports Edmunds, putting the overall vehicle cost around $50,000 to $60,000 once added to the $37,995 base price of the SRT8. Initial production is due to start next January, though the Stage 4 cars will wait until later in 2009 and will be special-order only with a range of unique colors and options.

Hurst is also planning a range of other modified Chrylser vehicles, including a Viper, 300C, Charger and Ram pickup. Already Saleen has introduced its line of aftermarket superchargers for the Challenger, and Dodge itself has said the 2009 model will feature a blower to boost power. The factory-special drag race package car is an example of what can be done when the factory gets involved in making a truly intense modified Challenger, but the Hurst model aims at a streetable, somewhat more tame, design.

story Tags:

• Car shows
• Chrysler
• Coupes
• Hurst
• Modified
• SEMA
• SRT8

Reader Comments

• Wed Aug 27 2008 5:00 PM

  Laz says

  What organ can I sell on the blackmarket to buy a couple of these badboys?

• Wed Aug 27 2008 5:23 PM

  NoNameDenton says

  Makes me teary eyes at the memory of my favorite car, the Hurst/Olds 442. I am with Laz, I would so buy one if I could.

• Wed Aug 27 2008 6:08 PM

  Gus says

  We have one here driving around Newport Beach, and it is a great looking car.
  
  But it is HUGE. I mean it makes my Mustang look small, and the Mustang is a big car (compared to say a BMW 3 series).

• Wed Aug 27 2008 7:19 PM

  NoNameDenton says

  That is true Gus, I bet the next gen will be lighter and possible smaller with the Phoenix V6 and dual clutch transmissions.

• Thu Oct 23 2008 1:28 PM

  Gus says

  So I just got up close to my first one, and it was black.
  I must say, that car has a presence that is second to none. It makes my Mustang GT look like a girls shopping car. Those forrowed headlights, those hauches, just incredible.
  
  For any of you out there who doubt this car's appeal, go get next to one or sit in one, it is much better in person than on paper or just driving by...