2011 Mopar Challenger V10 Drag Pak

While the rumor mill tossed us the probability of a Viper V10 powered Challenger SRT10 the reality is that those rumors really meant that a V10 Challenger was coming but in Drag Pak format for NHRA Sportsman drag racers.

The car will debut at the Dodge Viper Owner’s Invitational in Salt Lake City and then make its way to the SEMA show in Las Vegas from Nov. 2-5, and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Orlando from Dec. 9-11.  The new race-only V-10 powered rear-wheel drive 2011 Challenger Drag Pak comes with an 8.4-liter 512 cubic-inch engine with a 2-speed automatic transmission, competition wheels and tires, a Mopar solid rear axle with drag-spec gear ratio, a 2-speed drag race transmission with  roll control, a complete competition fuel system with fuel cell, and a complete interior with the all important gauges.

8-second factory drag car?

Mopar CEO Pietro Gorlier had this to say  “With the introduction of our new 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak, Mopar will be the only place to get a factory-built V-10-powered race-ready drag car.  Mopar’s new Challenger Drag Pak is a race rocket that will appeal to racers, collectors, dealers, and Dodge Viper owners.”

The Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak features Bright White paint with color options. The MSRP is $85,512 and production begins early next year.  Mopar offers three options with this vehicle. First, the Competition Package includes an eight-point roll cage, six-point safety harness and a mesh window net (MSRP: $7,950, part number P5155820). Second, a Mopar logo body wrap (MSRP: $950, part number P5155892) and a range of body colors (MSRP: $6,800, part number P5155893). With the Competition Package, the car is ready to go down the drag strip.

You can submit your order either online at www.Mopar.com, the Mopar Direct Connection Tech Line at 888-528-HEMI (4364), or a local Dodge dealer.

2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak Highlights include:

Identification plate with unique serial number sequence
Primed and painted body, color options available
512 cid V-10 engine
Unique engine calibration
2-speed automatic transmission with shift assembly and built-in roll control
Special body-in-white modified for drag racing
No windshield wiper assembly
No HVAC system (includes block off plates)
No rear seats
No power-steering system
No underbody heat shields
Complete fuel cell assembly
Race headers with collectors
Modified tunnel for transmission clearance and one-piece drive shaft
Raised floor above differential for solid-axle conversion clearance
Polycarbonate door windows
Smart-glass door window system
Solid engine mounts
Mopar solid rear axle
Lightweight seats to accommodate 6-point harness
Special modified K-member with drop-out crossmember
Lightweight drag-race only front brake assembly
Manual rack-and-pinion steering
Front chin spoiler
Lightweight cooling module with electric fan
Lightweight instrument panel assembly
Special cable-operated decklid release
Special cable-operated throttle pedal and linkage
Race-style wheels and tires

As you have probably already heard, the 17th new or completely refreshed vehicle coming from Chrysler was unveiled in dramatic fashion at the end of Sergio Marchionne’s presentation to Chrysler dealers at the recent gathering in Orlando:

“I have just one more thing on my agenda to share with you today.

I have often said publicly that the job of Chief Executive is the best and the worst job in the world. It is the greatest because of the embedded right one has to significantly impact people’s lives for the better. It is the worst because of the havoc it causes in your personal life, which in most cases is irreparable. But there are instances, there are times, in this tenure which somehow redeem and wipe out all the negatives associated with your role.

There are times when you are given the opportunity to give life to something which is so beautiful and unique, so just and equitable, that you pay a lot less attention to the numbers, to the financial reality that surrounds it.

They happen rarely. In my case, only three times in more than 15 years as Chief Executive.

The last time it happened at Chrysler, about a month ago.

It happened at the conclusion of a long series of dialogues that Ralph Gilles and I regularly have about design, about particular nameplates.

We had been debating this particular nameplate for a long time, and every time I just could not get there.

And then, one morning the product committee went into the dome and saw it, and we all knew we were in front of something magic, unique. It took less than five minutes for the committee to fund the initiative. Not a negative comment, not a remark, not a single question.

And so I leave you with this. The 17th car in the lineup, in select dealers in 2012.”

Said to be all new and very aggressive, witnesses stated that the design was similar to that of an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione with trademark Viper styling enhancements, short overhangs and a general move that takes the Viper more upscale than it has ever been.

The 8.4L V10 is expected to live on with at least 600 HP but a bump to 700 HP is not out of the question with help from direct injection and the possible adaption of Fiats MultiAir system.  An entry level V8 Viper may also be offered which would most likely use a version of the new 6.4L Hemi engine.  Chrysler is also said to be in talks with their Italian brothers at Ferrari about stability control systems to make the Viper more livable.

2012 Dodge Viper

Considering the slew of recent Z28 spy pics that have been popping up, Autoguide and artist Jon Sibal have made the most convincing rendering yet.

Coming out to battle the 550 HP Mustang Shelby GT500, the Z28 is expected to use the Cadillac CTS-V’s 556 HP supercharged 6.2L LSA engine but reports indicate it could even use the Corvette ZR1’s 620 HP supercharged LS9, however it is unlikely.

Recent spy photos have also revealed that the Z28 is likely to get 20-inch wheels and a brake setup similar to that found on the CTS-V, which boasts 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers.

We at OSC dont think GM is going to leave the door open to Ford with only a 6HP lead over the Mustang, which itself will most likely be increased by the time the Z28 debuts at what we think will be the Detroit auto show in January 2011.  That means the car will most likely use a cranked up LSA from the Caddy or a slightly de-tuned LS9 from the ZR1 with either hitting at least 570 HP.

Starting out as a regular GT500, Shelby adds a Ford Racing handling pack, which includes dynamic adjustable dampers, lowering springs, unique stabilizer bars and a front strut tower brace.  Then its up to you which of the three offered supercharger kits you want, 660 HP, 750 HP or 800 HP.

Pricing has not been set for the Kenne Bell 800 HP package but the 750 HP set-up will run you $30,245 (on top of a new Shelby GT500).

All models also receive a Borla exhaust, 20-inch Alcoa/Shelby wheels in a choice of two shades, a short-throw six-speed manual transmission, Baer forged brakes with six-piston calipers and cross-drilled and vented rotors, custom styling touches including brake cooling ducts and Shelby badging throughout. All Super Snakes will be listed in the Shelby registry and they’re assigned a unique Shelby serial number.

Just 1,000 will be made available.