German Car Zone

Dodge Reveals Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package Details

Mopar revealed yesterday two Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package cars at the 29th Annual Mopar Mile-High Nationalst at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colorado. Both cars were inaugurated with their first drag strip runs by the #1 driver of the Top 50 drivers from its first 50 years, “Big Daddy” Don Garlits and Judy “Miss Mighty Mopar” Lilly who is one the only female driver to win two NHRA national events in one year.

Based on the Challenger SRT8, these two prototypes have been extensively modified. Starting with a weight loss program of a 1000 lbs., which includes a special Body-in-White (BIW) without body sealer, sound deadener and undercoat, Mopar thoroughly gutted out all of the major production components and auxiliary systems. Reducing weight even more, they also fitted composite, polycarbonate and light weight components. For the driveline and chassis they repositioned the engine for improved driveline angle and weight distribution, shortened the wheelbase by 0.5-inch, added a front suspension cradle with bolt-in crossmember for easier access and added solid engine mounts.

Three engine options will be available: 6.1-liter or 5.7-liter HEMI or 5.9-liter Magnum Wedge in either manual or automatic transmission.

When all is said and done, the Challenger Drag Race Package Car will be eligible to run in three Eliminator categories—Comp, Super Stock and Stock—and potentially 40 classes.

A build book/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.

Built at Chrysler’s Brampton, Ontario, Canada, assembly plant, Mopar will build at least 100 Challenger Drag Race Package Cars to meet NHRA requirements. Depending on the configuration selected, the MSRP will start from the low to mid $30K range. Each car will carry an identification plate with sequential serial number.

[Source: Chrysler via WCF]