Mopar, the official supplier of all Chrysler group materials, parts and accessories, is bringing something special to this year’s SEMA in Las Vegas. The Chrysler affiliated auto parts company got their hands on a 15,000 square feet display area and brings 14 modified vehicles to show off to the public.
One of those is the Dodge ‘shakedown’ Challenger. Combining a 1971 body with technology of today, such as LED daytime running lights and more, it’s the companies’ intention to weave together design cues from the past and present.
Under the hood we find new Mopar-powered products that are yet to be revealed at the show today, responsible for 485 horsepower controlled through a Viper Tremec T6060 six-speed transmission. Barely visible because of the overhanging classic rear, Mopar installed a custom dual exhaust with black powder-coated tips.
The suspension of the car has been lowered at both the front and rear of the car, making it a versatile car ready for both the track and the streets. A custom braking system was supplied by Brembo-red SRT Hellcat, which comes with six-piston front brakes and four-piston rear brakes.
Base of the vehicle is a unique hand-built one-off frame with removable body, on which the ‘bitchin’ black’ exterior hinges. The slingshot wheels of the Challenger are courtesy of SRT Hellcat measuring 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear. To bring in that little extra old-school muscle a retro Shaker hood scoop was installed, feeding fresh air to the HEMI powerplant.
The headlamps look familiar indeed, as they were taken from the 2017 Challenger model and incorporated in satin black housing. A further mix of satin black and gloss black was used to treat a variety of visual components on the car’s exterior, from the mirror housings to the rear spoiler and fog lamp bezels. A modest red trim contrast completes the exterior look.
On the inside the classic’s interior is fully modernized, blending modern technology with the timeless looks of back in the day. Driver and passenger find themselves sitting on re-trimmed Dodge Viper seats in back Katzkin leather bolstered by black Alcantara inserts. The instrument gauges are finished in satin black contrasting with the gloss carbon fiber trim panel.
Underlining the modernized classic’s track capabilities, the ’71 Challenger is fitted with a custom roll bar effectively replacing the back seats. We’d love some track time with this monster!
