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Direct Connection Dodge Challenger SRT development vehicle, code-named DC 170
Dodge announced the return of the Direct Connection performance parts brand as the exclusive source of the brand’s factory-backed performance parts and straight-from-the-manufacturer technical information. Shown here is the Direct Connection Dodge Challenger SRT development vehicle, code-named DC 170.
The Direct Connection Dodge Challenger SRT development vehicle, code-named DC 170, demonstrates what a Direct Connection customer can achieve and helps validate Direct Connection parts, kits and crate engines.
Direct Connection Dodge Challenger SRT development vehicle, code-named DC 170
Dodge announced the return of the Direct Connection performance parts brand as the exclusive source of the brand’s factory-backed performance parts and straight-from-the-manufacturer technical information. Direct Connection and the new Dodge Power Brokers program represent the start of the Dodge “Never Lift” campaign, which will launch new Dodge models and initiatives over the next two years.
Dodge announced the return of the Direct Connection performance parts brand as the exclusive source of the brand’s factory-backed performance parts and straight-from-the-manufacturer technical information. Direct Connection and the new Dodge Power Brokers program represent the start of the Dodge “Never Lift” campaign, which will launch new Dodge models and initiatives over the next two years.
First launched in 1974, Direct Connection provided ready-to-run performance parts to help racers compete and win with the Direct Connection logo emblazoned on their vehicles. The return of Direct Connection will supply a new generation of muscle car enthusiasts and racers with factory-backed performance parts and straight-from-the-manufacturer technical information.
First launched in 1974, Direct Connection provided ready-to-run performance parts to help racers compete and win with the Direct Connection logo emblazoned on their vehicles. The return of Direct Connection will supply a new generation of muscle car enthusiasts and racers with factory-backed performance parts and straight-from-the-manufacturer technical information.
In the competition arena, Direct Connection will deliver race-ready parts for the Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak, including engines, transmissions and a body-in-white (pictured) that will allow racers to build their own Drag Pak.
First launched in 1974, Direct Connection provided ready-to-run performance parts to help racers compete and win with the Direct Connection logo emblazoned on their vehicles. The return of Direct Connection will supply a new generation of muscle car enthusiasts and racers with factory-backed performance parts and straight-from-the-manufacturer technical information.
First launched in 1974, Direct Connection provided ready-to-run performance parts to help racers compete and win with the Direct Connection logo emblazoned on their vehicles. The return of Direct Connection will supply a new generation of muscle car enthusiasts and racers with factory-backed performance parts and straight-from-the-manufacturer technical information.
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NHRA stars Matt Hagan (pictured) and Leah Pruett will carry Direct Connection-themed graphics on their respective race cars at the NHRA’s season-ending events to help celebrate the rebirth of the performance parts brand.
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NHRA stars Matt Hagan and Leah Pruett (pictured) will carry Direct Connection-themed graphics on their respective race cars at the NHRA’s season-ending events to help celebrate the rebirth of the performance parts brand.
Dodge has confirmed plans to ditch the V8, and a new report sheds light on how it hopes to keep the next-generation Challenger exciting in spite of downsizing. The coupe will reportedly inaugurate a twin-turbocharged straight-six engine that will offer Hemi-like horsepower.
Citing anonymous sources, website StellPower wrote that the 3.0-liter engine is called GME-T6 internally. It should have been unveiled by this point, as earlier reports claimed that the new Jeep Grand Cherokee would usher it in, but vibration- and noise-related issues have allegedly delayed its introduction. It’s now scheduled to make its debut in the next Challenger that’s tentatively due out in 2023 as a 2024 model.
Enthusiast website Muscle Car & Trucks speculates that, in its standard configuration, the straight-six will at least match the 5.7-liter Hemi V8’s 372-horsepower rating while offering more torque than its bigger sibling’s 400-pound-foot output. Some degree of hybrid assistance could push the six’s output to somewhere in the vicinity of 700 horsepower, which would allow Dodge to replace the 6.2-liter Hellcat V8. Rear- and all-wheel-drive variants will be available, according to the same report, but a naturally-aspirated six will not be offered.
Other cars, trucks, and SUVs in the Stellantis portfolio will receive the GME-T6 engine as well; it’s reasonable to assume that, if it goes in the next Challenger, it’ll also end up in the next Charger. However, keep in mind that none of this is official: The only facts confirmed by Dodge are that it needs to kill the V8 to comply with looming emissions regulations and that the supercharged Hellcat V8 will retire after 2023.
Enthusiasts not interested in a muscle car powered by a downsized engine need to act relatively quickly. Dodge noted in August 2021 that what it calls “the new platform” will make its debut for 2024 and that the current-generation cars will retire shortly after. We know there’s an electric muscle car on the horizon, but details are scarce and it’s too early to tell if it will be related to the next Challenger or if it will be marketed as a standalone model. Additional details about the company’s future plans will be released before the end of 2022.
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