LAS VEGAS, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler is smokin' at SEMA.
The company will showcase eight vehicles at the 2008 Specialty Equipment
Market Association (SEMA) show, which runs from Nov. 4-7 in Las Vegas, Nev.
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Dodge Challenger SRT 10 Concept
The opportunity for SRT engineering to "one-up" the modern-day pony car
war comes to fruition with the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept. Power for
the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept comes from the Dodge Viper 8.4-liter,
all-aluminum V-10 engine with 600 horsepower and 560 lb. ft. of torque. This
new halo concept car delivers the well-known SRT credo of benchmark
performance.
The 2009 Challenger SRT10 concept was developed by Chrysler's in-house
performance engineering organization, Street and Racing Technology (SRT) with
a focus on the five pillars of every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that
resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and
handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.
"The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept resurrects authentic American
muscle car for the Dodge brand," said Kipp Owen, Director - SRT, Chrysler LLC.
"SRT has engineered a superb example of performance engineering capability
with a resourceful and creative flare."
At the heart of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept is the proven
Dodge Viper powertrain - a V-10 engine with 600 hp and 560 lb. ft. of torque.
The driveline is comprised of a Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission
with Dodge Viper gear ratios. The torque routes through a single-piece,
four-inch steel drive shaft to an aluminum differential with a 3.73:1 final
drive and torque-sensing limited-slip.
With 600 horsepower comes the need for benchmark braking, one of the
pillars of SRT. The Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept features an SRT-engineered
braking system. All four corners are equipped with silver painted Brembo fixed
calipers that feature six pistons in front and four pistons in back. Two-piece
390mm vented rotors are up front and 355mm vented rotors are in the rear. The
SRT-exclusive braking system includes knockback mitigation software for even
better track response. The system recognizes lateral acceleration and
effectively primes itself, anticipating the next brake application.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept is equipped with a significantly
re-tuned version of the 2009 Challenger SRT8 suspension, featuring a
multi-link short- and long-arm (SLA) front suspension with BILSTEIN(R)
mono-tube shocks at all four corners. The front suspension cradle combines
hydroformed steel tube side rails with a stamped box section lateral member to
provide the appropriate level of stiffness. The stiffness is tuned to avoid
the transmission of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) into the passenger
compartment.
In the rear, a five-link independent suspension (IRS) with 20 percent
stiffer spring rates and a larger rear sway bar offers a better ride by
allowing for independent tuning of ride and handling characteristics. Multiple
links maintain independent control of camber and toe during suspension
movement. Lower unsprung mass offers a better ride and the de-coupling of left
and right wheels over road imperfections maintains better tire contact with
the ground and results in better ride comfort. Multiple bushings in the IRS
offer the flexibility to tune for ride and comfort. In addition, stabilizer
bar attachments to the knuckles provide maximum response to vehicle lean.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept rides on unique 20 x 9-inch and 20
x 10-inch fully-forged Alcoa aluminum wheels wrapped with Pirelli P-Zero
275/35R20 tires in the front and Pirelli P-Zero 275/40R20 in the rear.
The Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept exterior features a fresh coat of
Tornado Red paint and unique forged aluminum wheels. The shaker hood is a
nostalgic representation of the 1970 HEMI Cuda giving the 600 hp V-10 room to
breathe and the driver an incredible view of the torque lean of the engine.
To reduce weight and complement the vehicle's appearance, a carbon-fiber
hood and deck-lid were added. Also, carbon-fiber aerodynamic treatments were
developed to keep the car on the track at high speeds. Using technology
learned from the Dodge Viper ACR, a front splitter and rear spoiler were
engineered to enhance down force and maintain overall vehicle balance.
A race-inspired interior includes leather seats with added bolstering and
red-stripe stitched accents on the seats and steering wheel. Four-bomb gauges
with tachometer and 180-mph speedometer keep an eye on vital signs. The Dodge
Challenger SRT10 concept also comes equipped with SRT's exclusive
Reconfigurable Display (RCD) with Performance Pages. This system provides
drivers instant feedback on zero-to-60 mph, 60-to-zero mph braking, g-forces
and 1/4-mile times. Carbon-fiber accents are throughout the interior and of
course, the Dodge Challenger SRT 10 Concept inherits the red, dash-mounted,
push-button starter from Dodge Viper.
SRT performance vehicles, including the Dodge Viper SRT10, Dodge Caliber
SRT4, Dodge Charger SRT8, Chrysler 300C SRT8, Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee SRT8 and
the Dodge Challenger SRT8, are engineered by Chrysler's in-house performance
organization: Street and Racing Technology.
Mopar(R) Underground
The Mopar Underground design team put flare into two of Dodge's hottest
new vehicles. The all-new Dodge Challenger and the all-new Dodge Ram 1500 were
the chosen vehicles to let the imagination go wild. These vehicles incorporate
not only well-known Dodge design cues but utilize an array of performance
parts and esthetic components available from Mopar. If you can dream it, you
can build it with Mopar.
Following are six additional vehicles developed by Mopar Underground:
Dodge Challenger Blacktop
The Dodge Challenger Blacktop is a menacing creation from the minds of the
Mopar Underground design team. This impressive vehicle began life as a 2009
Dodge Challenger R/T equipped with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and 6-speed manual
transmission. Mopar Underground added custom-made spoilers, and altered the
front clip to create added "brow" over the grill. To finish off the look, a
black-on-black racing stripe paint scheme was added. The "in the weeds" stance
and superb handling characteristics are accomplished by the Mopar coil-over
suspension and strut tower brace. Blacktop rolls on massive 22-inch Dodge
Viper wheels from Factory Reproductions wrapped in Dunlop tires measuring
265/35 R22 front and 305/30 R22 rear. To ensure the powertrain can keep up
with the suspension, underhood performance is enhanced. The addition of Mopar
components including a cat back dual-exhaust and a cold air intake allow the
HEMI V-8 to breathe easy. The interior is enhanced with Katzkin leather
seating finished in bright red plus a Mopar Kicker audio system for premium
sound.
Dodge Challenger Targa
The Dodge Challenger Targa is a full-blown competition car which raced and
completed the infamous Targa Newfoundland race this year. "Samantha" started
life as a Mopar Challenger drag race package car. Many features were borrowed
from the Dodge Viper but the most noticeable is the snakeskin green paint. To
keep the front end down, a Mopar chin spoiler, developed in a full scale wind
tunnel, was added to the front of the car. Mopar gauges keep a close eye on
the systems. The Mopar hood is equipped with a scoop to make room for the 540
horsepower, 490 lb. ft. of torque, 392 HEMI(R) V-8 Mopar crate motor. Mated to
a Tremec six-speed manual gearbox, the engine blasts power to the rear wheels
through a production 2009 modified gear ratio in the rear end. An abundance of
fade resistant stopping power comes from Stop-Tech brakes. Up front, the
six-piston calipers clamp 380mm rotors, while in the rear, four-pot calipers
work with 355-mm rotors. Developed by KW, the race suspension and brake
upgrades are from a proven hero - the Dodge Viper ACR which just broke the
production car lap record at the world-renown Nurburgring in Germany. With
only a few exceptions, the Dodge Challenger Targa was built using parts
available through Mopar.
Dodge Ram TRXtreme
The 2009 Dodge Ram TRXtreme plays up the off-road capabilities of the 2009
Ram TRX package. Starting life with a quad cab TRX-4 off-road truck, this
truck was upgraded to a serious off-road machine. The Mopar Underground design
team added 4.5-inches of extra ground clearance using a Mopar lift kit. This
made room for Mopar polished and forged 20-inch wheels wrapped in knurly BFG
37X12.50's. The paint is a bright yellow and mineral grey two-tone
incorporating a mud splash theme. A set of Mopar wheel flares, a wheel-to-
wheel Mopar tube step and a box rail are painted to match the theme. Rearward
visibility comes from Mopar aftermarket telescoping mirrors, which extend when
needed. The one-off steel hood with cooling louvers and larger grille take
care of any heat issues that may arise under severe use. A bed accessory
system from Mopar holds off-road gear and a Mopar-tuned dual exhaust system
gives an impressive growl. Interior features include a Mopar navigation
system, DVD headrests and Mopar leather seats by Katzkin.
Dodge Ram R/T
The Dodge Ram R/T starts off with a 2009 Ram Sport with a 380 horsepower,
5.7-liter HEMI V-8, a 4.10 gear and a high stall converter, which rockets the
truck to impressive times. With this blank canvas, Mopar Underground created a
Dodge Challenger inspired version of the Dodge Ram. On the performance side is
a Mopar cold-air intake kit to keep the engine breathing and a Mopar dual
exhaust system with a performance rumble. The exterior is painted classic B5
Blue, with a Mopar dual-snorkel aluminum hood and carbon-fiber accent stripes.
A dropped chassis is possible with a concept Mopar air suspension kit. The
look is made more evident by the body-kit which consists of sill and box
pieces, finished up with a chin spoiler. For wheels, concept Mopar 22-inch
Alcoas wrapped in 285/45R22s in front and 305/40R22s in the rear. A Mopar hard
tonneau cover and a unique integrated spoiler are combined with the Mopar bed
mat showing an ambient under-rail LED lighting system. The interior features
Katzkin leather seats with body-color stitching to match the instrument panel
and steering wheel. A set of Mopar pedals are installed, adding to the
performance look and capability.
Dodge Ram Sportsman
The most noticeable aspect of the 2009 Dodge Ram Sportsman is the unique
blowing-leaves paint scheme inspired by a new interpretation of traditional
camouflage designed by Mopar Underground. The paint is protected by a set of
accent Mopar wheel flares and running boards with an integrated step. The
Sportsman features Dodge's exclusive RamBox storage system, filled with plenty
of outdoor gear. In addition, the bed rail system holds a cargo rack for
additional cargo capacity. The Mopar telescoping trailer tow mirrors aid in
rear visibility and match the color theme. The vehicle gets the right stance
and added capability with a Mopar 2-inch lift kit supported by Mopar polished
and forged 20-inch wheels with 33-inch tires. In addition, you will be able to
enjoy SIRIUS(R) satellite TV or movies on the Mopar headrest DVD system. Sit
back and relax in the perforated leather Mopar seats by Katzkin, embroidered
with the Sportsman logo. The steering wheel and door pulls have been trimmed
to match, and the Mopar ambient lighting system gives a unique glow to the
interior.
Dodge Ram Mopar Street Package
Using a 2008 Dodge Ram Sport, the exterior Blackberry paint really plays
up the Dodge Ram Mopar Street Package. This Mopar Underground truck features a
Mopar body kit consisting of sill extensions and a chin spoiler. A slight
Mopar body-drop/leveling kit and Mopar concept 22-inch polished Alcoa forged
wheels add to the appearance. A Mopar high-style hard tonneau cover blends
with the truck. To add to the aggressive look, the Mopar all aluminum dual-
snorkel hood sits over the 390 horsepower HEMI V-8, which is backed with a
Mopar-tuned dual exhaust. The theme is continued in the interior with Mopar
ambient lighting. Mopar suede and leather seats trimmed with premium piping
and stitching add to the high-end feel of the truck. The steering wheel and
door pulls are trimmed to match for a complete package. Entertainment is
delivered via a Mopar DVD headrest system and a Mopar-Kicker audio system. The
bed is also dressed with a Mopar bed rug and under-rail accent LED lighting.
70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts
manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing
enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC)
in 1929.
Originally used in the 1920s, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words
MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It
was also widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark
in the 1960s - the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready
Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance
parts. Mopar carried a line of "Special Parts" for super stock drag racers and
developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance
speed and handling for both road and racing use. For more information go to
www.mopar.com.
Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLC's
best-selling brand and the sixth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive
market. In 2007, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global
market, including the best-selling minivan in 2007 total sales, Dodge Grand
Caravan.
The Dodge brand's first crossover vehicle - the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey
- arrived in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2008, and is now
available outside North America in petrol and diesel powertrains in both
left- and right-hand drive. Arriving in dealerships is the all-new 2009 Dodge
Ram with game-changing exterior and interior design, innovations,
best-in-class features and craftsmanship; the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger, a
modern interpretation of the American muscle car; and the new 2009 Dodge
Durango Hybrid, a hybrid-electric vehicle that combines fuel efficient
advanced hybrid technology with full-size SUV performance and capability. Last
fall, America's best-selling minivan, the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan,
arrived in dealerships with 35 new or improved features including the newest
innovation, the Swivel 'n Go(TM) seating system. In 2007, Dodge Avenger and
Nitro entered key volume segments outside North America, joining the Dodge
Caliber, the highest sales volume vehicle for the company outside of North
America.
