Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA, SUVs, Dodge
More Chrysler SEMA stuff: HEMI-powered Dodge Nitro
UPDATE: Added more specs and hi res image
Mad props go out to Ray Wert at Jalopnik who has been feeding us bits of Chrysler's SEMA stuff all day long, and apparently he's not done. The latest is this purple Dodge Nitro with a heavily modified 5.7-liter HEMI V8 under its squared-off hood that's hooked up to a Tremec 5-speed transmission. We're totally diggin the extra-wide fender flares, Viper-sourced Brembo brakes, and 22-inch Alcoa wheels that fit the Nitro just fine. No doubt the HEMI can roast the Yokohamas wrapped around those dubs. Additional touches include a set of four Viper seats to keep driver and passengers secure, as well as a pair of Kicker subs in the trunk that could've easily been left out of this project. We hear there's still a SEMA-fied Challenger yet to show its grille, so we'll have to wait and see if Ray escaped from Auburn Hills with any more info.
Just found out the following deets from Ray:
- Builders: DaimlerChrysler Dealer Technical Operations and Vehicle Build Shops
- 5.7L HEMI Crate Engine by Mopar
- 360 horsepower @ 5,400 rpm and 360 lbs.-ft. of torque @ 4,200 rpm
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mr. Oak 7:07PM (10/27/2006)
It's a Beast, a beautiful Beast.
Agree with you on the subs.
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Automatica 7:26PM (10/27/2006)
Now THAT is an awesome looking SUV! The body kit totally makes sense on the Nitro.
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Bob 7:29PM (10/27/2006)
This monstrosity is going to bomb. Mark my words!
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motorman 7:39PM (10/27/2006)
i have no idea why car companies do these cars for these shows because they are NEVER going to build them for sale.
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Vik 7:57PM (10/27/2006)
Body kit? Perfect
sound system? Great
viper calipers? Sweet
interior?- A complete and utter monstrosity
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dodgeboy 9:07PM (10/27/2006)
Make mine yellow with superbee striping and medallions and most definitely a hemi.
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Seabass 9:27PM (10/27/2006)
The return of the PowerWagon.
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Dodge Nitro 10:05PM (10/27/2006)
Looks awesome. These things look great in person.
http://www.dodge-nitro.com
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B 10:50PM (10/27/2006)
RX-8 rims......
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Real HEMI 11:22PM (10/27/2006)
The ONLY real HEMI I know puts out 425hp. All others are POS
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Jay L 1:21AM (10/28/2006)
#10 Does that mean you are talking about the 6.1 litre, 425 horse hemi? HAHAHAAH. Comon now, 331,354,392,426 and the new 5.7 and 6.1 are all fine engines. Just think the 6.1 425 horse weighing with about the same weight of a 340 small block. I too love the 426 cu hemi, but do some comparison...or just drive anything with the SRT hemi.
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That One Person 2:14AM (10/28/2006)
#4 motorman...companies make these vehicles to advertise what can be done to them. Its just to show people that the Nitro, and other vehicles, can be personalized. I personally think if SEMA didnt exist, there would be a lot less people customizing their own vehicles.
Unfortunately, there is a huge group of people who dont take the time to do anything original. All they do is flip open a catalog and select the same thing everyone else does.
But this Nitro is pretty slick. I like it.
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Disco Stu 9:19AM (10/28/2006)
Absolutely love it.
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Kumar 11:47AM (10/28/2006)
Regular Nitro = makes me yawn as the SUV era creaps on by
This thing = mmm mmm good.
who cares if it can't go farther offroad than a gravel road, most never do anyway. It does look like a nice upsize to the aging PT cruiser though if they would actually sell a model low like that. Just copy what Honda is doing with the Element and sell a variant.
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GOT 12:14PM (10/28/2006)
I WANT ONE!!!
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motorman 12:57PM (10/28/2006)
GOT,if it was not for all the stupid federal govt regulations D/C could build the car for sale but the govt is there to save us from ourselves
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Jake 10:15AM (11/07/2006)
I'm not sure why you guys don't like the Kicker subs in the vehicle, but I assume it has to do with the fact that they aren't fiberglass and super-mod like other elements of the vehicle. I work for Kicker's OEM group and was at SEMA and sat in this Nitro to demo the sound system. I can assure you if you'd had a chance to hear it, you'd be singing a different tune. It's one of the cleanest, loudest, deepest systems I've ever heard - aftermarket or OEM - bar none.
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