The opportunity for SRT engineering to
one-up the modern-day pony car war comes to fruition with the
2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept.
Power for the 2009 Dodge Challenger
SRT10 concept comes from the Dodge Viper 8.4-liter, all-aluminum V-10 engine
with 600 horsepower and 560 lb. ft. of torque. This new halo concept
car delivers the well-known SRT credo of benchmark performance.
The 2009 Challenger SRT10 concept was developed by Chryslers in-house
performance engineering organization, Street and Racing Technology (SRT)
with a focus on the five pillars of every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design
that resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class
ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark
braking.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept resurrects authentic American
muscle car for the Dodge brand, said Kipp Owen, Director SRT,
Chrysler LLC. SRT has engineered a superb example of performance
engineering capability with a resourceful and creative flare. At the
heart of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept is the proven Dodge Viper
powertrain a V-10 engine with 600 hp and 560 lb. ft. of torque. The
driveline is comprised of a Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission
with Dodge Viper gear ratios.
The torque routes through a single-piece, four-inch
steel drive shaft to an aluminum differential with a 3.73:1 final drive and
torque-sensing limited-slip. With 600 horsepower comes the need for benchmark
braking, one of the pillars of SRT. The Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept features
an SRT-engineered braking system. All four corners are equipped with silver
painted Brembo fixed calipers that feature six pistons in front and four
pistons in back. Two-piece 390mm vented rotors are up front and 355mm vented
rotors are in the rear. The SRT-exclusive braking system includes knockback
mitigation software for even better track response. The system recognizes
lateral acceleration and effectively primes itself, anticipating the next
brake application.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept is equipped with a significantly
re-tuned version of the 2009 Challenger SRT8 suspension, featuring a multi-link
short- and long-arm (SLA) front suspension with BILSTEIN® mono-tube shocks
at all four corners. The front suspension cradle combines hydroformed steel
tube side rails with a stamped box section lateral member to provide the
appropriate level of stiffness. The stiffness is tuned to avoid the transmission
of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) into the passenger compartment. In
the rear, a five-link independent suspension (IRS) with 20 percent stiffer
spring rates and a larger rear sway bar offers a better ride by allowing
for independent tuning of ride and handling characteristics. Multiple links
maintain independent control of camber and toe during suspension movement.
Lower unsprung mass offers a better ride and the de-coupling of left and
right wheels over road imperfections maintains better tire contact with the
ground and results in better ride comfort. Multiple bushings in the IRS offer
the flexibility to tune for ride and comfort. In addition, stabilizer bar
attachments to the knuckles provide maximum response to vehicle lean.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept rides on
unique 20 x 9-inch and 20 x 10-inch fully-forged Alcoa aluminum wheels wrapped
with Pirelli P-Zero 275/35R20 tires in the front and Pirelli P-Zero 275/40R20
in the rear. The Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept exterior features a fresh
coat of Tornado Red paint and unique forged aluminum wheels. The shaker hood
is a nostalgic representation of the 1970 HEMI Cuda giving the 600 hp V-10
room to breathe and the driver an incredible view of the torque lean of the
engine. To reduce weight and complement the vehicles appearance, a
carbon-fiber hood and deck-lid were added. Also, carbon-fiber aerodynamic
treatments were developed to keep the car on the track at high speeds. Using
technology learned from the Dodge Viper ACR, a front splitter and rear spoiler
were engineered to enhance down force and maintain overall vehicle balance.
A race-inspired interior includes leather seats with added bolstering and
red-stripe stitched accents on the seats and steering wheel. Four-bomb gauges
with tachometer and 180-mph speedometer keep an eye on vital signs. The Dodge
Challenger SRT10 concept also comes equipped with SRTs exclusive
Reconfigurable Display (RCD) with Performance Pages. This system provides
drivers instant feedback on zero-to-60 mph, 60-to-zero mph braking, g-forces
and 1/4-mile times. Carbon-fiber accents are throughout the interior and
of course, the Dodge Challenger SRT 10 Concept inherits the red, dash-mounted,
push-button starter from Dodge Viper.
SRT performance vehicles, including the Dodge Viper SRT10, Dodge Caliber
SRT4, Dodge Charger SRT8, Chrysler 300C SRT8, Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8
and the Dodge Challenger SRT8, are engineered by Chryslers in-house
performance organization: Street and Racing Technology.
Mopar® Underground
The Mopar Underground design team put flare into two of Dodges hottest
new vehicles. The all-new Dodge Challenger and the all-new Dodge Ram 1500
were the chosen vehicles to let the imagination go wild. These vehicles
incorporate not only well-known Dodge design cues but utilize an array of
dream it, you can build it with Mopar.
Following are six additional vehicles developed by Mopar Underground:
Dodge Challenger Blacktop
The Dodge Challenger Blacktop is a menacing creation from the minds of the
Mopar Underground design team. This impressive vehicle began life as a 2009
Dodge Challenger R/T equipped with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and 6-speed manual
transmission. Mopar Underground added custom-made spoilers, and altered the
front clip to create added brow over the grill. To finish off
the look, a black-on-black racing stripe paint scheme was added. The in
the weeds stance and superb handling characteristics are accomplished
by the Mopar coil-over suspension and strut tower brace. Blacktop rolls on
massive 22-inch Dodge Viper wheels from Factory Reproductions wrapped in
Dunlop tires measuring 265/35 R22 front and 305/30 R22 rear. To ensure the
powertrain can keep up with the suspension, underhood performance is enhanced.
The addition of Mopar components including a cat back dual-exhaust and a
cold air intake allow the HEMI V-8 to breathe easy. The interior is enhanced
with Katzkin leather seating finished in bright red plus a Mopar Kicker audio
system for premium sound.
Dodge Challenger Targa
The Dodge Challenger Targa is a full-blown competition car which raced and
completed the infamous Targa Newfoundland race this year. Samantha
started life as a Mopar Challenger drag race package car. Many features were
borrowed from the Dodge Viper but the most noticeable is the snakeskin green
paint. To keep the front end down, a Mopar chin spoiler, developed in a full
scale wind tunnel, was added to the front of the car. Mopar gauges keep a
close eye on the systems. The Mopar hood is equipped with a scoop to make
room for the 540 horsepower, 490 lb. ft. of torque, 392 HEMI® V-8 Mopar
crate motor. Mated to a Tremec six-speed manual gearbox, the engine blasts
power to the rear wheels through a production 2009 modified gear ratio in
the rear end. An abundance of fade resistant stopping power comes from Stop-Tech
brakes. Up front, the six-piston calipers clamp 380mm rotors, while in the
rear, four-pot calipers work with 355-mm rotors. Developed by KW, the race
suspension and brake upgrades are from a proven hero the Dodge Viper
ACR which just broke the production car lap record at the world-renown
Nurburgring in Germany. With only a few exceptions, the Dodge Challenger
Targa was built using parts available through Mopar.
Dodge Ram TRXtreme
The 2009 Dodge Ram TRXtreme plays up the off-road capabilities of the 2009
Ram TRX package. Starting life with a quad cab TRX-4 off-road truck, this
truck was upgraded to a serious off-road machine. The Mopar Underground design
team added 4.5-inches of extra ground clearance using a Mopar lift kit. This
made room for Mopar polished and forged 20-inch wheels wrapped in knurly
BFG 37X12.50s. The paint is a bright yellow and mineral grey two-tone
incorporating a mud splash theme. A set of Mopar wheel flares, a wheel-to-
wheel Mopar tube step and a box rail are painted to match the theme. Rearward
visibility comes from Mopar aftermarket telescoping mirrors, which extend
when needed. The one-off steel hood with cooling louvers and larger grille
take care of any heat issues that may arise under severe use. A bed accessory
system from Mopar holds off-road gear and a Mopar-tuned dual exhaust system
gives an impressive growl. Interior features include a Mopar navigation system,
DVD headrests and Mopar leather seats by Katzkin.
Dodge Ram R/T
The Dodge Ram R/T starts off with a 2009 Ram Sport with a 380 horsepower,
5.7-liter HEMI V-8, a 4.10 gear and a high stall converter, which rockets
the truck to impressive times. With this blank canvas, Mopar Underground
created a Dodge Challenger inspired version of the Dodge Ram. On the performance
side is a Mopar cold-air intake kit to keep the engine breathing and a Mopar
dual exhaust system with a performance rumble. The exterior is painted classic
B5 Blue, with a Mopar dual-snorkel aluminum hood and carbon-fiber accent
stripes. A dropped chassis is possible with a concept Mopar air suspension
kit. The look is made more evident by the body-kit which consists of sill
and box pieces, finished up with a chin spoiler. For wheels, concept Mopar
22-inch Alcoas wrapped in 285/45R22s in front and 305/40R22s in the rear.
A Mopar hard tonneau cover and a unique integrated spoiler are combined with
the Mopar bed mat showing an ambient under-rail LED lighting system. The
interior features Katzkin leather seats with body-color stitching to match
the instrument panel and steering wheel. A set of Mopar pedals are installed,
adding to the performance look and capability.
Dodge Ram Sportsman
The most noticeable aspect of the 2009 Dodge Ram Sportsman is the unique
blowing-leaves paint scheme inspired by a new interpretation of traditional
camouflage designed by Mopar Underground. The paint is protected by a set
of accent Mopar wheel flares and running boards with an integrated step.
The Sportsman features Dodges exclusive RamBox storage system, filled
with plenty of outdoor gear. In addition, the bed rail system holds a cargo
rack for additional cargo capacity. The Mopar telescoping trailer tow mirrors
aid in rear visibility and match the color theme. The vehicle gets the right
stance and added capability with a Mopar 2-inch lift kit supported by Mopar
polished and forged 20-inch wheels with 33-inch tires. In addition, you will
be able to enjoy SIRIUS® satellite TV or movies on the Mopar headrest
DVD system. Sit back and relax in the perforated leather Mopar seats by Katzkin,
embroidered with the Sportsman logo. The steering wheel and door pulls have
been trimmed to match, and the Mopar ambient lighting system gives a unique
glow to the interior.
Dodge Ram Mopar Street Package
Using a 2008 Dodge Ram Sport, the exterior Blackberry paint really plays
up the Dodge Ram Mopar Street Package. This Mopar Underground truck features
a Mopar body kit consisting of sill extensions and a chin spoiler. A slight
Mopar body-drop/leveling kit and Mopar concept 22-inch polished Alcoa forged
wheels add to the appearance. A Mopar high-style hard tonneau cover blends
with the truck. To add to the aggressive look, the Mopar all aluminum
dual-snorkel hood sits over the 390 horsepower HEMI V-8, which is backed
with a Mopar-tuned dual exhaust. The theme is continued in the interior with
Mopar ambient lighting. Mopar suede and leather seats trimmed with premium
piping and stitching add to the high-end feel of the truck. The steering
wheel and door pulls are trimmed to match for a complete package. Entertainment
is delivered via a Mopar DVD headrest system and a Mopar-Kicker audio system.
The bed is also dressed with a Mopar bed rug and under-rail accent LED lighting.
70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer,
supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to
the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929. Originally
used in the 1920s, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts)
was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It was also widely
used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s
the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge
and Plymouth package cars equipped with special high-performance
parts. Mopar carried a line of Special Parts for super stock
drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance
Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.
Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6.4 percent, Dodge is Chrysler LLCs
best-selling brand and the sixth largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive
market. In 2007, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in the global
market, including the best-selling minivan in 2007 total sales, Dodge Grand
Caravan. The Dodge brands first crossover vehicle the all-new
2009 Dodge Journey arrived in dealer showrooms in the first quarter
of 2008, and is now available outside North America in petrol and diesel
powertrains in both left- and right-hand drive. Arriving in dealerships is
the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram with game-changing exterior and interior design,
innovations, best-in-class features and craftsmanship; the all-new 2009 Dodge
Challenger, a modern interpretation of the American muscle car; and the new
2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid, a hybrid-electric vehicle that combines fuel efficient
advanced hybrid technology with full-size SUV performance and capability.
Last fall, America's best-selling minivan, the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan,
arrived in dealerships with 35 new or improved features including the newest
innovation, the Swivel n Go seating system. In 2007, Dodge Avenger
and Nitro entered key volume segments outside North America, joining the
Dodge Caliber, the highest sales volume vehicle for the company outside of
North America. |