Dodge Challenger Super Stock shown from 2006 SEMA Show
Just like in the '60s, some people will take their new 2008 Dodge Challengers to the drags. Chrysler is reportedly ready to make this very easy for new Challenger owners. Allpar is reporting that within a few weeks, there will issue forth from Chrysler a Super Stock special version of the Challenger. The intended application is Stock Eliminator drag racing, and the cars get their own VINs and lots of lightening. Powering drivers down the strip will be versions of the Hemi and 5.9 liter Magnum V8s, twisting through manual or automatic boxes.
Jettisoning things like wipers, HVAC, sound deadening and seats make for a Challenger that's definitely not road-ready, but much lighter for track applications. 800 pounds have reportedly been trimmed out of the car through the omission of equipment and special composite body parts. Mechanicals have been modified to better suit the use, too. The main body unit gets tweaks, and the front crossmember is modified to a drop-out unit. Front brakes are largely unnecessary when the nose is in the air for part of the run, so lightweight units have been fitted. The fascia support and cooling system also get the slim-fast treatment. More information will supposedly arrive soon, but a 1,320-pounding neo-E body pony car appears close at hand.
[Source: Allpar]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
John P. @ Jan 30th 2008 12:02PM
I love the idea of a stripped down version you can buy at the dealer. Less junk I gotta fix years down the road. I wish the Mustang GT was offered in a "lightened" version, no power windows, AC, stereo, etc,.. bare bones.
zamafir @ Jan 30th 2008 12:37PM
x2, this is exactly the sort of thing chrysler should be doing with this car.
naggs @ Jan 30th 2008 1:29PM
i wish something like this was available for every car that claims to be sporting
Alex @ Jan 30th 2008 12:04PM
i'm not much for the drag stip cars, but this is an awesome idea. i'm with John P. a lightened version of any performance car would be an awesome option.
rar @ Jan 30th 2008 12:05PM
Not only that, but it looks great!
TriShield @ Jan 30th 2008 12:35PM
Mopar knows muscle cars. This picture seems appropriate.
http://homepage.mac.com/hsemara/.Pictures/hymchallenger.jpg
They have a similar package for the Viper ACR though it doesn't shed nearly as much weight.
Mopar should produce a Challenger SRT-10 with the Viper's 600hp powertrain and offer the Drag Pack.
Mr.K @ Jan 30th 2008 1:01PM
Love that picture, haha.
Owain Ozymandias Buck @ Jan 30th 2008 12:51PM
I know I've been critical of this car, but wow! 800 pounds gone? That's pretty cool. I wish they'd take this thing and then do the minimum to make it roadworthy; if they'd do that, I'd be interested. I'm afraid that some of that weight was safety systems, but I'd love to see what can come off and still be legal.
The idea of a big inch LA motor instead of the new Hemi is fantastic, but strip only of course.
Now if they could just squash it down six more inches...
Purifoy @ Jan 30th 2008 1:13PM
A Super Stock version of the Challenger is definitely going to be one badass machine!
Maybe it's now time for the Mustang and Camaro to play catch up.
naggs @ Jan 30th 2008 1:31PM
the mustang and camaro should do version that are more road racing oriented, not just 1/4 mile machines like this
NYChic @ Jan 30th 2008 1:18PM
How cool would it be to have this be the production version of the Challenger? Or is it just me?
ehisforadam @ Jan 30th 2008 1:23PM
I wish they'd do a road racing T/A version too. Like the Viper and what they did for a while with Neons. It'd be great to have a streetable real road racer like that. Especially since it's got an independent rear.
chrisdavis @ Jan 30th 2008 1:27PM
I'd rather they did the T/A to compete with the Mustang and Camaro on road courses. What are ya Mopar, yella?
Tim @ Jan 30th 2008 2:46PM
ACR versions aren't out of the question I bet...since they have been offered on the SRT4 and viper. As long as they called it a T/A rather than ACR in this incantation.
iQuack @ Jan 30th 2008 1:49PM
I still say that this thing will fizzle after a short period of excitement when the gotta-have-it guys are paying premium prices to be the first on their blocks to have one of these yawners.
Really, what is this car but a boring old design with a big engine?
If you have your heart set on a Challenger, wait a few months and you'll buy one at a HUGE discount. Or better yet, after a few months you might change your mind.
M @ Jan 30th 2008 6:18PM
I know, I know. It must stink to be a duck, and not be able to drive any of these. But I hope these editions are roadworthy enough for us humans to have!
iQuack @ Jan 30th 2008 6:41PM
We don't stink after bathing in the pond.
And we can fly without annoying, airport check-in.
QUACK!
Tim @ Jan 30th 2008 2:47PM
800lbs is a lot of mass. Should bring the car in at about 3000lbs! Pretty impressive if true.
Jay @ Jan 30th 2008 3:01PM
If they can shave 800 lbs off that doesn't bode well for the curb weight of the production car. Must be well in excess of 4000 lbs.
Tim @ Jan 30th 2008 3:07PM
The Charger SRT (according to their site) runs just over 4100lbs so i'm assuming that the Challenger will be in the realm of about 3900-4000lbs.