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Quick Spin: Mr. Norm's Super Cuda is retro to the extreme

Drew Phillips — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Quick Spins

Mr. Norm's Super Cuda - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Dodge Challenger has found plenty of happy homes, and we've had the pleasure of driving quite a few examples, ranging from various production models to an array of tuner versions, including the Classic Design Concepts Widebody Challenger and the Hurst Series 4 Challenger. We can now add one more to the list: Mr. Norm's Super Cuda. Yes, it isn't a Challenger by name, but few will mistake what vehicle forms the base of this coupe despite its uniquely Plymouth appearance.

With a supercharger fitted atop a Hemi V8 to make a prodigious amount power, Mr. Norm's Super Cuda has the potential to make muscle car fans swoon and green types have a heart attack. Is this a case of muscle car overdose, or do we have a genuine classic on our hands? Read on to find out...

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2009 Mr. Norm's Super Cuda

Continue reading Quick Spin: Mr. Norm's Super Cuda is retro to the extreme

Quick Spin: Mr. Norm's Super Cuda is retro to the extreme originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Mr. Norm's 426 Hemi Challenger and Cuda Convertible

Drew Phillips — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Dodge

Mr. Norm's 426 Hemi Cuda Convertible - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With Chrysler's woes leaving plenty of room to go gangbusters with Dodge Challenger variants, Florida-based Mr. Norm's Garage is determined to fill any gaps that need to be filled, particularly high horsepower and convertible models. The legendary Mopar performance shop unveiled the 426 Hemi Challenger and Cuda Convertibles at the Chryslers at Carlisle event in Carlisle, PA last weekend, both painted in a custom yellow hue.

When the phone call came letting us know that both cars would be in Southern California for a few days, we didn't need much convincing to go check them out for ourselves. While the retro overdose might be too much for some, there's no doubt that each of these modern day muscle cars was built with the utmost attention to detail. For instance, the Cuda's shaker hood scoop is the exact dimensions as the original, the rear fenders have been reshaped to mimic the classic lines, and the rear end features genuine '71 taillight assemblies and 'Cuda badge. Did we mention both have also been converted into ragtops?

Fortunately, both cars have the power to back up their looks. Under their hoods is the SRT8 Hemi V8 that has been bored and stroked to 426 cubic inches and then supercharged to produced 725 tire-melting horsepower running through a Dana 44 rearend. Sound like your idea of fun? Browse through our high-res galleries of both cars below or read about the full list of upgrades after the jump.

Gallery: Mr. Norm's 426 Hemi Cuda Convertible

Gallery: Mr. Norm's 426 Hemi Challenger Convertible

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Mr. Norm's 426 Hemi Challenger and Cuda Convertible

Pics Aplenty: Mr. Norm's 426 Hemi Challenger and Cuda Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mr. Norms unveils 426 Hemi Challenger and Hemi Cuda Convertibles

Drew Phillips — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertible, Dodge

Mr. Norm's 426 Hemi Cuda Convertible - Click above for an image gallery

We can't help but think what could have been with the Dodge Challenger. Had Chrysler developed the car before rising gas prices and the economic downturn, we might have seen all sorts of variants. Perhaps a top-of-the-line model with a 426ci Hemi V8 could have challenged the Shelby GT500 as the king of the road. Those in warmer climates surely would have loved a droptop version, and since we're day dreaming, we could even imagine a Hemi Cuda version if Plymouth was still around.

Enter Norm Kraus. The legendary owner of Grand Spaulding Dodge in Chicago known as "Mr. Norm" has filled in the gaps by Chrysler and unveiled a 426 Hemi Challenger and Cuda Convertible this past weekend at the Chryslers at Carlisle event in Carlisle, PA. Mr. Norm's Garage, now based in Hudson, FL, will be producing a limited run of these convertibles.

Like their coupe siblings unveiled at SEMA show last year, the droptop Challenger and Cuda share styling cues from E-Body ancestors from the early 1970s. The Cuda version is modified with a new grille inspired by the 1971 model year, a shaker hood system, Hemi billboard graphics, straightened rear quarter panels, and '71 Hemi Cuda taillight assemblies. The interior gets custom leather and suede seating, a pistol grip shifter, and custom mats.

Backing up the look is a 426ci Hemi V8 underneath the hood complete with a forged rotating assembly and a Kenne Bell supercharger that produces 725 horsepower. To compensate for the extra thrust, Mr. Norm has fitted each car with a Viper-spec Dana 44 differential, a fortified driveshaft, frame connectors, and a fully adjustable coilover suspension system.

We don't have any live photos quite yet, but you can read all about them in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Mr. Norm's 426 Hemi Convertibles

[Source: Mr. Norm's Garage]

Continue reading Mr. Norms unveils 426 Hemi Challenger and Hemi Cuda Convertibles

Mr. Norms unveils 426 Hemi Challenger and Hemi Cuda Convertibles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Mr. Norm's AAR 'Cuda redo

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:18:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Tuners, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

Click above for high-res gallery of Mr. Norms AAR 'Cuda

The Dodge Challenger is offering tuners one of the hottest platforms to work with since the current-era Mustang arrived in 2003. And although this is supposed to be the year of the Camaro, there are tons of cool Challengers here at SEMA. One of our favorites is actually badged as a 'Cuda built by Mr. Norm's Garage. Yes, that Mr. Norm, the legendary owner of Grand Spaulding Dodge that was famous for building some of the fastest Mopars in the country during the muscle car glory days. The car you see here is one of two the company put together for this year's show. This one is made to replicate an AAR 'Cuda. It features a supercharged version of the 6.1L Hemi putting out 900 horsepower (!), forged wheels, Hotchkis suspension upgrades, massive SSBC brakes, and a custom front clip that makes it look more like a Plymouth. Very hot car.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Mr. Norms AAR Cuda

SEMA 2008: Mr. Norm's AAR 'Cuda redo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2008: 1968 Dodge GSS Hemi Dart

Drew Phillips — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Dodge

If you ever ask a 1960's Mopar fan who the king of high performance is, they'll instantly tell you "Mr. Norm!" Owner of Grand Spaulding Dodge in Chicago, Norm Kraus was known for fitting performance parts to all types of Mopars, and even started the development for factory cars like the 383 and 400 Dart GTS. The king of all Mr. Norm's cars, however, was the Hemi GSS Dart. Each of the cars was fitted with a 426ci Hemi V8 with a pair of Holley carbs, a heavy duty cooling package, and aftermarket headers. In an effort to save weight, a fiberglass hood and front fenders were used, as well as a front bumper and doors stamped for a lighter gauge steel. In addition, the radio, rear seats, exterior mirrors, and window mechanisms were all removed. The result was a non-street legal drag car that could run down into the 10's in the quarter mile, making it the fastest factory built muscle car ever produced.

Forty years later, Mr. Norm is producing a limited run of 21st century Hemi Darts. Serial #1, pictured above, was on the showfloor of the Chicago Auto Show to commemorate the 1960's along with other vehicles to commemorate each decade from the last 100 years. Each car is based on a hand-picked 1968 Dart that is fully restored - the preparation process for the restoration takes 400 hours alone. To ensure that the new Hemi Dart retains its title as the king of muscle cars, engine options include a 610 horsepower 472ci Hemi V8 and a 825 horsepower 572ci Hemi V8 that both run on 91 octane. Follow the jump for more on Mr. Norm and the Hemi GSS Dart or check out the gallery of photos below.

[Source: Show Your Auto, LLC]

Gallery: 1968 Dodge GSS Hemi Dart

Continue reading Chicago 2008: 1968 Dodge GSS Hemi Dart

Chicago 2008: 1968 Dodge GSS Hemi Dart originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Feb 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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